In "Globalization Challenged", George Rupp addresses the standoff between traditional conviction and Western secular individualism and argues that neither position is viable. Instead of insisting that religion and its ideological equivalents only express private preferences, Western secularism must acknowledge their legitimate role in influencing public policy. At the same time, all views - including convictions that appeal to authorities deemed to be absolute - are, in principle, subject to comparative appraisal. Rupp maintains that resolving the conflict between traditional conviction and Western secularism requires a sense of community that is inclusive without denying the validity of particular commitments. To support this contention he offers a critique of the excesses of Western individualism and reinforces his argument with examples from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan - places where the International Rescue Committee operates. Essays by Jagdish Bhagwati, Jeremy Waldron, and Wayne Proudfoot, offer further critical insights. In the final chapter, Rupp addresses the issues raised by the respondents and summarizes his conclusions.