GGlobalization Phenomenon

I. Introduction
Much of the world is a buzz by the word: Globalization. 'Industrialization',
'development' and of course 'future' often follow this word. Globalization is the
phenomenon which has taken the world of the 21st Century by storm.

II. Importance of Globalization

Globalization can possibly be defined as the development of international relations
between nations in order to develop "interconnectedness in all aspects of
contemporary social life...". This phenomenon has been developing over time ever
since the Romans first discovered and perfected the sea trade routes to India,
gaining access to the all important Spice Trade - long before De Gama! However, it is
accepted that in post-WWII/Cold War eras Globalization has taken its' place in
prominence. Developed nations such as U.K. and USA are on the verge of running out
of resources - especially Human and Natural Resources, whose economies are
dependent on high inputs of such capital. Therefore, these developed states have to
seek other 'third party' sources in order to feed their economic machines. And
developing nations are more than willing to oblige since it furthers and improves its
socioeconomic status.

Thus, within the last few decades this need has contributed to the mass
development of telecommunications, vast increment global international trade,
progress of monetary coordination, emergence of multinational corporations, etc.
And as we move into the 21st Century this "cultural" phenomenon is evermore
present, particularly where economic prosperity is concerned. Much of the world of
today is affected in one way or another by other's states actions.

A good example of how entities actions having lasting global effects is the sudden
surge of oil prices during the year of 2008. With OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries), the world largest cartel of this natural resource, forced the
increase in the prices of this necessity. This caused the sudden worldwide inflation
for all other goods and services in order to cover the rise. In addition, the Wall Street
Crash of 1929 also shows the impact of how a single nation's economy can cause
the buckling of every other major economy in the world. So we can see that as we
continue striving forth in the 21st Century, Globalization will continue to play a vital
role.

III. Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization

Globalization has led to the spread of technical advances, greater intercultural
contact and international cohesion-for example Globalization brought the world
leaders to Seattle for the World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in 1999. In
addition, Globalization has helped the spread awareness and aid in forming
international labor standards, development of human rights, and movements for
emancipation women.

Globalization has both been accelerated and cause advancement in both computer
and communication technology. Computers have made the standardization of
national economies easier; the fax, the cellular phone, and especially the internet
have increased the speed with which companies and individuals can communicate
with one another. Satellite technology has facilitated this communications revolution
and made the instantaneous transmission of images possible. The Tiananmen Square
Protest of 1989 was the first news event covered by satellite news, which affected
the very process and outcome of the event.

However, Globalization has created dependency for certain players in International

Relations - e.g. some countries have come to rely on regional and international trade
agreements, thus cooperation becomes a key component for them, Singapore is one
such case. Accordingly, Globalization also further enhance the collective goods
problem; in addition to dependency. Certain actors are influenced to let other actors
that are providing the avenues of economic support to have operating priority, who
might then exploit national resources, without concern for the lasting effects. In
Indonesia producing goods to meet demands nationally and internationally will emit
waste that could be detrimental to its neighbors - Malaysia & Singapore. Thus, the
nations' Governments need to resolve this situation via negotiations, by which time
it could be too late.

IV. Will Globalization survive?

When looking at the future of Globalization, it is virtually impossible not to discuss
the two countries that are primed for immense global growth, India and China.
Together, both countries make up one third of the world population, and have enough
human and natural resources to power worldwide growth. BusinessWeek ("A New
World Economy", 2005) predicts that within three decades, India will overtake
Germany to become the world's third largest economy, and by mid-century China
should have vaulted over the United States as the No. 1 economy. In 2001, a
Goldman Sachs economist coined the acronym BRIC, referring to Brazil, Russia, India
and China, the four countries that when combined, were expected to eclipse today's
richest countries by 2050. Even Africa might enter the competition if they are able to
improve their infrastructure which is currently impeding its development.

Evidently, the future does not hold much for Wall Street's receding hegemony. This
tectonic shift of economic power towards other regions nudges United States off the
top of the current fiscal hierarchy, paving the way for a multipolar system. The BRIC
economic forecast mentioned earlier even predicted that China will become "the
industrial workshop of the world" whereas India will dominate the service sector
(David, 2005).

Nevertheless, one must not assume that economic multipolarity ensures strategic
multipolarity. It is likely that the United States will remain the supreme military
power, and continue to be the security guarantor of Western Europe, Japan and its
other allies. Depending on various factors, it might extend or shrink its nuclear
umbrella. This is especially of many people's concern considering the inter-polar
rivalries that might evolve. Russia is wary of the re-emergence of China; India and
China has yet to solve its age-old border disputes; and India sees its rise in terms of
a close relationship with the United States to counter Beijing (Laidi, 2008).

A multitude of challenges that the poles are going to face in their pursuit of
economic power and prosperity includes hurdles such as poverty, a myriad of
environmental problems and human rights issues currently plaguing the developing
countries. More specifically, there is the recent setback in the form of low
expectations for the Doha Rounds to achieve its ambitious objectives (Schott, 2008).
Despite all that, Globalization will continue to charge forward. Though its
consequences are far from preordained, multipolarity is already on its way.

V. Conclusion
Through this research paper, we have learnt that both state and non-state actors
apply the core principles of International Relations (i.e. Dominance, Reciprocity and
Identity) to solve the collective goods problem. This is especially vital in
Globalization as developed nations and industries require new avenues to further
their advancement. As a result, diplomatic relations between the North-South states
draws closer - benefiting all parties involved. Thus, making the phenomenon of
"Globalization" significant in the 21st Century and beyond.