Lamy said he blames globalization for a growing sense of disenchantment with politics, both in America and in Europe.
"We tend to view globalization as something over which we have no control," he said. "People do not trust government to be able to manage it, or see the need for management, especially in America, with its booming economy."
Another problem with globalization, said Lamy, is that it challenges people's sense of identity and culture, which can lead to a conservative backlash on both sides of the Atlantic.
Advertisement
"Globalization is a radical force, which has had traumatic effects on real people. They are going to have to adjust to a new multicultural way of living," he said.