1.

Introduction
Globalization is a perpetum mobile economic, informational,financial, cultural et al. processes.

Citizens, firms and corporations, regions or even entire states are constantly seeking to make
things better, faster, cheaper and more effectively. As a result – the world and its structure are
never stagnant. In this paper authors analyze globalization as an object of scientific research, its
features and accelerators, main advantages and disadvantages in the case of the Baltic States,
the positions (causes and consequences) of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in the World
Globalization Indexes (WGI). The main object of this article is impacts of globalization on the
Baltic countries exports. The problem of the research could be defined as following: what
influences of globalization are noticeable in Baltic countries economies and exports? The article
also defines different challenges that the Baltic States face in the new globalised world being
typical transition economies. Conducting analysis of impacts of globalization on Baltic countries
economies and exports the methods of comparative analysis of statistical data and
systematization of scientific literature were employed.

What is Globalization?

 The act, process, or policy of making something world wide in scope or application
(The American Heritage).

 Globalization refers to the process by which transnational forces cross and ignore
borders – in some ways weakening and diminishing states (Clemens).

 Globalization is about more than economics. America’s purpose must be to bring the
world together around democracy, freedom, and peace and to oppose those who
would tear it apart (President Clinton).

Globalization can be defined as the process of integrating the world economically, politically
and culturally.
 3. Accelerators and features of globalization
According to Dreher and others (2007) the three major forces that have contributed
importantly to the globalization process are:

–The liberalization of capital movements and deregulation, of financial services in particular.

– The further opening of markets to trade and investment, spurring the growth of competition.
– The pivotal role played by information and communication technologies (ICT) in the economy.

Dimension of globalization and

Description

Competitive
In order to survive on the new vast global market arena companies must adopt new strategies

Practically in every field of their business. Many competitors are forced to leave the

Market or look for the new niches (Douglas 2003).

Cultural
The development of cross-cultural contacts spread of multiculturalism and the birth of a
new phenomenon called "world culture".

Ecological
The main issues of ecological globalization are global warming and pollution

Economic
A greater global connectedness of economic activities, through transnational trade, capital flows and migration.

English language
English is the most popular language in the world. About 75 % of the world’s mail, telexes,
and cables are in English. Approximately 60 % of the world’s radio programs are in
English. About 90 % of all Internet traffic uses English. Using one common language increases communication, and
at the same time stimulates the process of globalization.

Financial: the creation of global financial markets and diminished barriers for external financing.

Industrial
Development of worldwide production markets, diminishing of limits (time, distance and
others) between manufacturers and consumers. Accelerating free movement of goods, materials, labor.

Informational
The use and rapid development of satellites, telephone and Internet and other means of communication and data
transmission connect geographically remote locations.
Legal/Ethical
The creation of the International criminal court, The Hague Tribunal, and other international
justice organizations.

Political
The creation of such global organizations as World Trade Organization, World Bank, and
International Monetary fund, “which regulate the relationships among governments and
guarantees the rights arising from social and economic globalization” – states author Stipo
(2007).

Social
The creation and development of the system of non-governmental organizations as main
agents of global public policy, including humanitarian aid and developmental efforts (Zaleski
2006).

Technical
The creation and development of a global telecommunications infrastructure and technologies
as the Internet, communication satellites, submarine fiber optic cable, and wireless telephones
make the distances fade.

The advantages of globalization:

Increased free trade between nations.
– Increased liquidity of capital allowing investors in developed nations to invest in developing
nations.
– Corporations have greater flexibility to operate across borders.
– Global mass media ties the world together.
– Increased flow of communications allows vital information to be shared between individuals
and corporations around the world.
– Greater ease and speed of transportation for goods and people.
– Reduction of cultural barriers increases the global village effect.
– Spread of democratic ideals to developed nations.
– Greater interdependence of nation-states.
– Reduction of likelihood of war between developed nations.
– Increases in environmental protection in developed nations.
 The disadvantages of globalization:
– Increased flow of skilled and non-skilled jobs from developed to developing nations as
corporations seek out the cheapest labor.
– Increased likelihood of economic disruptions in one nation affecting all nations.
– Corporate influence of nation-states far exceeds that of civil society organizations and
average individuals.
– Threat that control of world media by a handful of corporations will limit cultural expression
– Greater chance of reactions for globalization being violent in an attempt to preserve cultural
heritage.
– Greater risk of diseases being transported unintentionally between nations.
– Spread of a materialistic lifestyle and attitude that sees consumption as the path to
prosperity.
– International bodies like the World Trade Organization infringe on national and individual
sovereignty.
– Increase in the chances of civil war within developing countries and open war between
developing countries as they vie for resources.
– Decreases in environmental integrity as polluting corporations take advantage of weak
regulatory rules in developing countries.