Due to the fluidity of technology present today and the
increasingly innovative ways of connection available, globalization has been
very tricky to define. However the general idea is that globalization is really
the integration of cultures, economies, languages etc. and its subsequent
omnipresence in every corner of the world due to the rapid growth of the
technological sector, which has allowed people to connect across million of
kilometers with the mere click of a button. Globalization, as pointed out by
Thomas Friedman, can also be defined in terms of paradigm shifts, especially
when comparing the contemporary era with that of the cold war era[1].
The evidence of globalization is everywhere; take the example of McDonalds, (which is undeniably one of the most famous examples of globalization) which has outlets in locations such as Japan, Prague, Israel, and Thailand. Another is the UN, whose omnipresence is a testament to rapid globalization in the past few years. However in addressing the question which is if globalization is even, evidence shows that this isn’t so. It seems apparent that for a certain country to be truly 'globalized', a certain degree of development both in terms of economy and technology needs to be available. Accordingly most countries that aren’t as integrated in the world economy are seeing higher levels of poverty and retarded growth in all sectors of the country, while a majority of those that have been integrated are experiencing prosperity and enjoying higher levels of economic growth and a stabilization in the technological, labor, trade and political sectors. For globalization (and development!) to occur, countries have to adopt more outward oriented economies, which as a result would increase international trade thereby increasing job opportunities and expanding economic capacity. Protectionism and closed economies are proved to have limited success, isolating an economy through such tactics proves to be detrimental to both economy and society. A fine example of this would be that of the South American countries in the 1960’s and ’70’s, whereby adopting closed economies and utilizing protectionist practices, economic growth stalled and these countries experienced high levels of poverty and unemployment. However after adopting a more open economy and engaging in international trade, the economies of these countries boosted and this saw to a relatively elevated standard of living.
However restrictions in the effects of globalization in the international sphere are to be expected, whether arising out of cultural differences or economic incapability, unequal growth and development are somewhat inevitable phenomenon. A fine example of this is the African region, where due to serious issues such as chronic poverty and instability, development is highly restricted. Due to other more pressing issues such as re-stabilization through the elimination of insurgencies and terrorism etc. economic growth has been pushed down in the list of priorities. This would undoubtedly limit the influence of globalization in the region, thereby isolating it to a great extent from the rest of the world. Apart from the African region and even perhaps, to a certain extent the Middle East and certain parts of Asia, globalization seems to be present elsewhere. However in order to reach a truly unified world and a genuine global community, efforts must be taken to ‘globalize’ these regions as well.
Of course certain countries may also be artificially
restricting the effects of globalization for a multitude of reasons.
Globalization like just about anything, has an ugly and controversial side to
it as well. Many argue that globalization is an endorser of child labor and
slavery, which undoubtedly is a pressing issue the world faces today. As
industries and business grow, in order to reduce the cost of production companies might outsource labor for a significantly lower price, which not only
leads to exploitation but also unemployment and dissatisfaction in the country
of origin. Furthermore what many also do not realize is that globalization is
somewhat conducive for terrorism, as one of the fundamental principles of
globalization is for the easy movement of people, good and services across
borders. This would only make it easier for terrorists to carry out their
activities, which needless to say is not beneficial to anyone but the
terrorists themselves. In addition to this through increased globalization people find themselves adjusting to very unhealthy lives through mass
consumption of fast food products such as KFC and McDonalds, which as mentioned
before are fast becoming ubiquitous entities. Globalization also plays a very
important yet unorthodox role in the spread of epidemics and
viruses such as HIV/aids. In addition to this as companies, businesses and
industries expand to an international level and become truly ‘globalized’;
environmental pollution and the exploitation of resources become rampant across
the globe, which is a key issue all nations are struggling to address. globalization exacerbates this problem and makes it that much harder for governments to formulate
effective solutions.
However along with the bad and ugly, the good must also be
mentioned. Globalization fosters interconnection and international unity,
something much needed in the present context. Furthermore it increases global
trade, development and strengthens national economies by creating more job and
investment opportunities, which in turn raises the standard of living and
allows cultural and political liberalization. Therefore steps must be taken to assists LEDCs to become globalized economies, and in order to achieve
this monumental task steps must be taken to foster countries for global
integration. MEDCs and organizations such as the IMF and the IBRD should take measures to aid
and assist LEDCs not only through financial assistance, but also through
technological and educational assistance as well. Apart from the obvious
perceived benefits, which is updated infrastructure, better systems of
education, economic development etc. Countries learn to depend on each other
and coexist, which is an essential prerequisite for globalization. If
globalization were to truly become equal in its spread, countries too would be
equal, disparity between the rich and poor would decrease and the chasm between
the West and the East would surely lessen. This could all lead to a better and
more equitable international order, where all individuals from every corner of
the globe are equal in every aspect.
In conclusion, globalization while having changed the world and the way we see it, has not been equal in its spread and distribution. This has lead to an intense disparity between rich and poor, the haves and the have-nots. If this was to be overcome multilateral and international steps must be taken to raise all countries to the same standard as much as possible, by engaging in international trade, integrating languages, cultures and idea and making them global. It is only then that we will truly become a global society, characterized by interdependency and unity.
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