Economic factors that language policy makers must take into account include a recent trend toward financial globalisation. I first argue that, just as an earlier process of global integration ended in retreat, the current integrative process is not inexorable. Were it to intensify, however, it is likely that low-income countries will become more closely involved in the process. I then argue that current demographic trends point to further growth in US economic power and military projection. Whether regarded as welcome or disquieting, these trends cannot be ignored by policy makers, and implications for language spread and language ecology are discussed.