For years, policy makers, activists and academics have been debating whether the global economic system really benefits the world's poor. Defenders say free trade is crucial for any country trying to move out of poverty. Critics say the system is rigged against the poor, and only widens the gap between the haves and the have nots. Where do we stand? What can be done? Veteran anchor Garrick Utley and WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi co-host a town-hall style meeting featuring leading thinkers on all sides of the debate. Panelists include Jagdish Bhagwati ("In Defense of Globalization"), Allan Meltzer (Carnegie Mellon U.), William Easterly (formerly of the World Bank) and John Ambler (Oxfam America). The forum, taped and edited for broadcast, is a co-production of WAMU, America Abroad Media and The Economist magazine.

For years, policy makers, activists and academics have been debating whether the global economic system really benefits the world's poor. Defenders say free trade is crucial for any country trying to move out of poverty. Critics say the system is rigged against the poor, and only widens the gap between the haves and the have nots. Where do we stand? What can be done? Veteran anchor Garrick Utley and WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi co-host a town-hall style meeting featuring leading thinkers on all sides of the debate. Panelists include Jagdish Bhagwati ("In Defense of Globalization"), Allan Meltzer (Carnegie Mellon U.), William Easterly (formerly of the World Bank) and John Ambler (Oxfam America). The forum, taped and edited for broadcast, is a co-production of WAMU, America Abroad Media and The Economist magazine.