The paradox of globalisation is that pushing it too far undermines its own institutional foundations

Is there a paradox in globalisation? Dani Rodrik writes that a delicate balance exists between democracy and processes of globalisation. He notes that as different societies have different needs and preferences in terms of how they structure the institutions required to ensure markets function correctly, democratic pressures are likely to lead to a variety of different institutions across different territories. This diversity inhibits the global integration of markets by raising transaction costs across jurisdictions. Consequently, a world which is fully responsive to democratic preferences will be unable to achieve full globalisation.