Globalization. What is this large, complex-sounding issue about? It is the process of integration between the variety of people, governments, and companies in our world, powered by trade and the exchanges of information technology. But the key reasons globalization is so important is because it is already changing our world, and we do not yet know what the long-term effects will be. Conflicts over resources, cultures or ideas can be resolved by a unified, global system, not to mention how much it develops the economy. Even though technologies like TV, internet, and entertainment are removing cultural boundaries and promoting the ‘ideal’ ordinary citizen, it is the conflicts between different cultures and nations that could start a world war. In short, globalization could solve many of the world’s issues, like bringing developing countries out of poverty and solving these problems may be a bigger priority to keeping the diverse cultures of today.
Globalization could boost the economy, consolidate politics, and promote unity between nations. Many of the world’s issues of today are based on differences between countries’ political, environmental, and social structures. According to the Global Policy Forum, “laws, economies, and social movements are forming at the international level”. What this means is countries are increasingly forming more alliances and connections, thereby creating a unified ideal value system that citizens from all over the world agree with. Countries are also allowing more trade and opportunities across borders, exposing various cultures to different people and giving nations a clear idea of what the rest of the world is doing. What these points add up to is an increase in economic and political potential, as nations can find new and better ways of running the world together, whether through money or politics. Some believe that globalization is only helping the developed, powerful countries in the world and creating a bigger wealth divide, but what they don’t realize is this divide is also allowing developing countries to be introduced to new economies. For example, after India was freed from the British, the effects they had on India forced India to close its borders to international trade. “In 1980 India had more of its population in urban centers than China did (23% versus 20% for China). But by 2005 China had 41% in cities, where wages are higher; India’s urbanites had grown to only 29%,” says Robyn Meredith and Suzanne Hoppough from Forbes, proving how internationalism can help national and local economies, as well as provide the basis for society to develop.
Globalization is removing cultural boundaries and promoting the ‘ideal’ ordinary citizen. As globalization allows for more circulation of ideas and values, we find ourselves drawn towards the glorified Western values and beliefs, as that is what worldwide entertainment promotes. But this kind of cultural undermining is not new at all, in fact, there are traces of it dating all the way back to the Roman Empire. Many European civilizations have attempted to conquer the world, and all have had the firm belief that their way of life is the only one, the best. Of course, in today’s world, this isn’t necessarily true of the West. But it has become “an idea, a lifestyle only accessed through that brand,” as stated in No Logo by Naomi Klein. While No Logo is about globalized branding, it rings true to how we idolize Western life and therefore classify it as the goal for any citizen, family, or community. Some may argue that the exposure and openness of cultures is slowly removing the diverse set of cultures we have, as people tend to migrate towards a globalized citizen lifestyle, but what actually happens is the more people don’t understand or accept a different lifestyle, the more conflicts and hostility there is.
Globalization could either help us or hurt us, depending on how we use it. While some may argue that globalization would hurt rather than help countries, what actually happens is it gives room to boost their GDP, resources, and spread a unified world. Our species is developing more and more technology, as well as spreading science and knowledge throughout the world. We may lose our cultural diversity, but that might as well be the price we have to pay for the spread of technology and information, for globalization.
Meredith, Robyn, and Suzanne Hoppough. "Why Globalization Is Good." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 30 Mar. 2007. Web. 12 June 2016.
Gemma, Will. "Impact Of Globalization: The Good, The Bad, The Inevitable." Udemy. Udemy Inc., 7 May 20114. Web. 9 June 2016.
Mishra, Pankaj. "The Dead End of Globalisation Looms before Our Youth | Pankaj Mishra." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 25 Aug. 2011. Web. 12 June 2016.
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