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The New Rulers of the World

Name: The New Rulers of the World
Director: Alan Lowery
Released: 2001
Duration: 54 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2001

Director

Alan Lowery

Runtime

54 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary excels at deconstructing Western economic hegemony by centering the Global South. By using Indonesia as a lens, it challenges the perceived stability of international financial institutions and provides a platform for non-Western perspectives. However, the film's focus on macroeconomics results in a lack of visibility for individual identity markers. There is no specific representation for LGBTQ+ individuals, gendered power dynamics, or disability. Ultimately, the film's diversity is found in its geopolitical critique rather than its social identity representation. It succeeds as a tool for challenging systemic power but remains silent on many multi-layered social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The New Rulers of the World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on macroeconomic structures and geopolitical impacts. There is no explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or sexual orientation.

How does The New Rulers of the World portray gender?

Fair

The narrative prioritizes systemic economic analysis over individual character studies. It lacks focus on gendered power dynamics or traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The New Rulers of the World?

Excellent

The film centers Indonesia as a primary case study to provide ability to act for non-Western perspectives. This approach disrupts Eurocentric narratives by exploring the lived experiences of the Global South.

How does The New Rulers of the World represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary critiques Western institutions like the World Bank and the mechanics of global capitalism. It challenges the 'global village' myth by highlighting the real-world consequences of capitalist expansion.

Does The New Rulers of the World include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent identities in this work.

Present on Screen

Centers non-Western perspectives by using Indonesia as a primary case study.
Critically deconstructs Western economic hegemony and the myth of the 'global village'.
Challenges the perceived morality and stability of global financial institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible focus on LGBTQ+ identities or sexual orientation.
Provides insufficient evidence regarding gendered power dynamics or representation.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent identities.

Official Synopsis

The myths of globalisation have been incorporated into much of our everyday language. "Thinking globally" and "the global economy" are part of a jargon that assumes we are all part of one big global village, where national borders and national identities no longer matter. But what is globalisation? And where is this global village? In 2001, John Pilger made 'The New Rulers of the World', a film exploring the impact of globalisation. It took Indonesia as the prime example, a country that the World Bank described as a 'model pupil' until its 'globalised' economy collapsed in 1998. Globalisation has not only made the world smaller. It has also made it interdependent. An investment decision made in London can spell unemployment for thousands in Indonesia, while a business decision taken in Tokyo can create thousands of new jobs for workers in north-east England.

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