The globalization of public health, II: The convergence of self-interest and altruism

Abstract

The transnationalization of disease and health risks will require global awareness, analysis, and action and indicates a need for global cooperation. Transnational actions must be built on firm local and national foundations, but they also require new forms of transnational collaboration in order to minimize risks and build on opportunities. In a world characterized by the globalization of public health, countries and communities will need to look beyond their narrow self-interests in defining and confronting the shared problems that are emerging. In fact, a strong case can be made that enlightened self-interest and altruism will converge in the increasingly interdependent world being shaped by the process of globalization.