Globalization

Outline:
• Introduction.
• Historical background of the concept.
• Tools of globalization.
• Different levels or aspects of globalization.
• Negatives of globalization
• Positives of globalization.
• Suggestions.
• Conclusion.

Essay on globalization

Globalization is an irreversible and irresistible phenomenon. It is very famous all over

the world. While dilating on the subject, it is important to note that globalization not
only affects us as a citizen but also as “producer-consumer in the global economy”.
In the modern contemporary world, intense debate revolves around the term
“globalization”, which is even today a continuous issue.
Before exploring the concept, we should take a look over the different definitions of the
phenomenon. Globalization can be defined as “closely interrelated integration of
market in terms of goods, services and capital”. It can also be defined as “gradual
erosion of boundaries between states through increased economic interdependence
and interlinkages can be termed as globalization.
From the above mentioned definitions, we can assume that globalization is the mutual
sharing of goods, services and capital between or among states. It is also gradually
making states closer and integrated. There are different theories about the beginning
of the concept of globalization.
Some are of the view that it started from the mid of 20th century with woods
conference 1944. While the others are of the view that this concept was properly
started with the establishment of W.T.O in 1995. Whatever the reality is, it is true that
the pace of globalization was accelerated with World trading Organization. the main
agenda of this organization was to end border and fasten the trade between the states.
World bank also came in this battle of evolution of globalization and identifies three
waves of globalization focusing on economic integration.
1. First wave of globalization from 1854 to 1914.
2. Second wave of globalization from 1945 to 1973.
3. Third wave of globalization from 1973 till today.
In the post 1973 era, the cold war subsided and there was a quantum leap forward in
the “economic integration”. The free market economy became the guiding principal and
global economy spread to the larger part of the world.
There is a difference of opinion among people for beginning of the concept but nobody
can deny its importance in the modern contemporary world. From now to onward, we
will examine how trade, growth and poverty are interlinked and how best the benefits
of globalization acquired to ameliorate threat to humanity. Presumably, solutions to
such problems would then avert a backlash against globalization.
Tools of globalization:
There are two schools of thoughts about conjecture of globalization. First are of the
view that globalization is a blessing. It is the tool of peace and prosperity. It is the
harbinger of progress and prosperity. It is indispensible process in the modern
contemporary world. We cannot deny its importance in our daily life from kitchen
utensils to industrial machinery. One may approve or disapprove; the world is so
prepared that it is unavoidable.
Others are of the view that globalization is a tool of frustration. It is solely in the
benefit of rich and progress and progressive. They are also of the view that
globalization is a recipe of neu-colonialism. With the emergence of world trade
organization and end of cold war this concept evolved. Last but not the least they are
of the view that it is a theory of indirect occupation.
The third tool of globalization is telecommunication. Telecom has made things possible.
There was a time when kings took Six months to meet the counter part or a sovereign
of another state, now communication means made it so easy that an ordinary human
can talk to a person who is sitting hundreds and thousands miles away on a very cheap
expense. They are always interconnected. Physical distances have been made
irrelevant through these communication means. It is a first mean to exchange ideas.
For example face book, one can share his ideas and in no time he will get the feedback
from friends or people who are going to be affected by his idea. It is a quick way to
engage into trade. Furthermore, it is also helping people to involve in political
discourses. The people today are well aware of the governmental policies.
It is also important to note that there are more than one billion people who are the
telephone subscribers. During the decades of 1990’s the number of people using
telephone were doubled after every 20 months. So we can see that how quickly people
of this contemporary world are being use to of it.
Moreover electronic media is another tool of globalization. We can say that media is
the other way of squeezing the world into one whole. It has become the fastest way of
interrelating the world. Incident happening in one part of the world can be seen in
other parts of the globe through it very quickly. It is the strongest mean of knowing
and believing what’s happening. It is also a tool of propaganda. In the modern world,
people and states use it for their own self interest and secure support of others in their
conduct. We have a recent example of Iraq war. Media played an important role in this
particular war. The U.S Government propagated on media that Saddam has nuclear
weapons which is the biggest threat to America himself and the whole world. Despite
of the fact that 152 countries opposed him in United Nations, America attacked on Iraq
under the article 52 (self defense) of the United Nations. Then again it is also
important to note that it was the same media who reported that there were no nuclear
weapons found in Iraq. So it has performed both the roles.
The story not ends here, another important tool of globalization is internet. It is the
internet which quickly and really summarized the world into a small box. Whatever you
need, whatever u wish for, you can have it through internet. There are 200 million
people who are using computer in their daily life and 95% of them are using personal
computer. One out of every 12 is using internet. It has something for everyone. The
main purposes for using internet are;
• To get information.
• To have access to news.
• To deal in business.
• To follow the modern styles.
• To have recreation or entertainment.
It is due to this tool of globalization that one can have access to all the things he
wanted through s single click. So internet is very important tool of globalization.
Moving forward, the means of transportation are also important tools of globalization.
It is a blessing for everyone in this modern contemporary world as it helps in
movement of goods, services and capital from one place to another. It made possible
for one person to deal with another in cool and good manners. It really, enables the
modern man to tackle the problems efficiently. The voyages which were of months,
now summarized to hours. Aero plane has made it possible to travel from one nook of
the world to the other corner in hours. Means of transportation are really helping
people in development and progress. Trade between sates became the hall mark of the
globalization. It has helped the world to squeeze. From the above discussion we came
to know that how effectively and efficiently the tools of communication are playing
their part. It is also important to note that what are the aspects of our daily human life
which are to be directly or indirectly affected by globalization.
Different levels or aspects of globalization:
The political globalization is first that will be discussed over here. When we come
across political globalization, three things quickly come in our mind.
• Political organization.
• International law.
• Human rights.
Political organization was started from the emergence of United Nation organization in
1945. It was a very noble step towards humanity. Earlier there was another
organization by the name of “league of nations”. It emerged right after the end of 1st
World War in 1919. The main difference between these two organizations was that the
membership of “League of nations” was partial. The portfolio was almost the same.
The emergence of United Nations Organization was a very noble step towards integrity
of mankind. Under the article 2 of the UNO quotes “all states are equal”. It is also very
important to note that the difference between the 1st World War and 2nd World War
was of 20 years only and because of the UNO the 3rd World War prevented a couple of
times in the history. The incidents of U2 and Cuban Missile Crises certainly stood the
both super powers in front of each other. It was UNO who handled the affairs very
efficiently. Any insurgency can be stopped through the platform of UNO. There is no
blinking fact that the theory and practice of UNO are at daggers drawn with each other.
Second thing which comes in political organization is International Law. It was broadly
implemented through international court of justice (ICJ). International law symbolizes
the world as globe. It prevents strong from doing any unlawful act which can harm the
inferior. The international court of justice also warns the country to not do that again.
International law is a very significant achievement of the world. All the issues between
the countries can be settled down here relating to war prisoners, territorial issues,
resources issues of neighbor/peripheral countries. International law shows world as a
single entity governed by a single law, although there is a clash among theory and
practice.
Thirdly, human rights are no more a personal issue. It is a universal problem. Earlier
human rights were not a global concern. No other state was allowed to interfere in
these matters of any other state. This statement is also written in the article 2 of the
UNO. Then in 1990’s, a rule was passed by UNO that if there is a violation of human
rights in any part of the world the whole world or the UNO will stand against it.
Furthermore it is also mentioned that culprit will be treated strictly.
The aspects of globalization regarding economy are also important. The economical
globalization is as important as any other. Its roots can be traced from 1944 with the
emergence of I.F.I. World trading Organization was formed in 1955 and later on it
transformed into GATT (general agreement on trade and tariff). The main agenda of
W.T.O. was to make border irrelevant. The second main concern of this organization
was to promote free movement of goods, services and capital. Another point of its
concern is the free movement of labour through elimination of trade barriers which
include tariffs, quotas and sub subsidies. World Trade Organization is working on same
agenda. It augmented the magnitude of the trade between two countries. By its
performance and effectiveness we can assume that it is the order of the day. Every
state is interdependent on the other. This interdependence becomes the general norm
of international politics.
State welfare and development are interrelated very closely and W.T.O. paved the way
for trade instead of aid. There are some other institutions like I.M.F who are playing a
pivotal role for globalization. These international organizations give debts to the needy
countries for their betterment and prosperity.
In addition to this, the financial globalization is also an important aspect. It is the first
layer of mutual borrowing. It is the hallmark of the contemporary world. Every country
of the world is in some ways borrower and lender in the other way. This phenomenon
creates the relationship of mutual borrowing among the states. We can take the
example of U.S.A and China relations; it is a fact that United States of America is the
largest borrower of China.
There is a term used in this concept named “mutual friction”. Dollar ($) is the
America’s national currency. It assumed the role of international currency. Wherever
we are in the world and whatever we want to buy, we shall see two price tags on that
particular thing. One will be in local currency and the other will be in Dollars. All the
international treaties are signed under this currency. There are also some other
financial institutions, like Asian Development Bank and European union, who are
playing their part of act in their areas of jurisdiction and around the world.
Cultural globalization is also a highlighting level of globalization. Every area of the
world has its own cultural values. Through the tools of globalization e.g. media,
internet, the cultural globalization is also on the rise in the modern world. McDonalds,
KFC and Pizza hut are not the parts of our culture. Foods, fads and clothing patterns
are parts of all cultures. The amalgamation of cultures in the modern contemporary
world is defined as “acculturation”. When two cultures meet with each other and a new
culture comes into existence, which is called as acculturation.
This phenomenon of acculturation can only be developed when there is a mutual
interaction between two cultures.
Previously it was done by migration. People migrate from one place to another in
search of food, shelter or better life style. In ancient times, there was no exposure to
superior or inferior culture due to the lack of interaction and transportation means. In
today’s our life no culture can remain in isolation. We can say that due to
acculturation, a new global culture is taking place.
Environmental problems are no more a personal issue. Different pollutions are no more
an indigenous or local problem .it’s a worldwide phenomenon. The question is why is it
a global problem? And the answer is that emission of carbon from one state would
damage the atmosphere and the whole world might bear one’s wrong doing.
In this regard a protocol had been signed by the name of Kyoto protocol among all the
big countries except United States of America whose carbon emission is the largest in
the world.
• America 25% carbon emission. ( check statistics)
• China 12.5% carbon emission. (check statistics please)
The third number is of India. There is no use of such protocol if the American
government is not willing to be part of it.
Another important aspect of globalization is global migration. The global organizations
promote free movement of labour and free movement of people across the borders.
From 1998-2002, every year 20 million refugee people qualified for and receive UNO’s
aid. For example, if war occurs in any area it will triggers the mass migration of
people. As happened in Afghan war. About four million Afghani people migrated to
Pakistan.
Different states relax their immigration rules for their own problems. Like lack of skilled
professional, they promote the migration of people as they are facing the problem of
aging. By fore seeing human resource deficit, they have relaxed immigration rules.
As we are discussing the aspects of globalization the next aspect is globalization of
health. It has two layers. Firstly, there is a general dissemination of awareness
campaigns. Under W.H.O the world was declared as “small pox free” in 1986. After
that a vigorous campaign had been launched against Polio. Presently the campaign
against HIV AIDs is on its peak which is funded by W.H.O.
The second layer is positive as well as negative aspect of it. Like AIDs, it was confined
to to a specific area of the world. Now it spread all over the world. Same is the case
with Swine Flu, bird Flu and narcotics. Presently 95% of the opium is cultivated in
Afghanistan. Earlier the area of Golden Triangle was on top of its cultivation.
The last but not the least is educational globalization. The main factors which are
involved in this globalization are:
• Internet.
• Visa relaxation for students.
• Scholarships.
Internet as discussed earlier is a very important factor in every student of the world. It
is through internet that one can find the people of likewise. Through internet one can
have essay on any topic or phrase. Secondly the visa relaxation for students also
making it a strong factor of globalization.
Although the concept of globalization is famous all over the world, like all the other
things this concept also has some merits and demerits. We will discuss negatives of
globalization first.
Negatives of globalization:

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Negatives of globalization:
• There is a famous saying “money gets money” The first point in this discipline is that
it aims at making rich the richer and poor the poorer because of its policies, it is very
much in the habit of profiting the rich. The concept of free movement of services,
labour and capital with the end of trade barriers (tariffs and subsidies) if these barriers
removed from between and let these big multi-national companies and others to fight
with the local industry, they will eat these small companies.
Globalization basically creates discrimination between the poor and the rich which is a
big flaw of this concept.
• Another demerit of globalization is that it breeds credit based economies. The first
world countries intentionally do not allow the deficit countries to stand on their feet.
The third world countries are unable to run their economies by their own, so they have
to open their palm in front of big crocodiles. These developed countries and
organizations string conditions with that debt and don’t let the smaller countries to
utilize their own resources and stand on their feet.
• Prevalence of global culture means dominance of Western culture:- the West have
means to promote their culture and traditions. Modern media and entertainment
sources are totally influenced by the West. The younger generation fantasizes the west
and is also playing totally in the hands of western culture. We do not have those tools
to promote our culture and traditions. It is also important to note that Eastern and
Western cultures stands for Islamic and the rest of the world. The Muslims are lacking
the modern sources of interaction to the other world so globalization is totally in the
lap of Western culture.
• It is also important to note that it is eroding the role of nation state fastly. The
concept of nation state is very important in the existence of a state. The concept of
global village is eroding this nation state concept.
• International relations of politics mean new-imperialism. The first world countries
involve themselves in the internal affairs of the unstable countries and uses money to
have the people of their own in the government. By this way, they become able to use
that country for their own self interest and exploit these countries. The politicians of
third world countries are not able to develop good plans for their prosperity and
progress. So the developed countries and MNC’s give them aid with some conditions
and in that way they control the whole country.
• International law is a week law for rich and strong tool against poor. There are many
examples in support of this argument. We have some in near past too. The Iraq war
and to some extent the case of R. Davis. Although he was released after the
settlement with the victim family. But there are some issues on which he can hold
behind bars. The Israeli brutality against the unarmed Palestinians. It is also important
to note that since 1991 America have used his right of veto 14 times from which 11
times he vetoed actions against Israel. International law proceeds with international
court of justice and if someone goes in ICJ against any other. It has to take permission
from the accused country for preceding the case. This makes it week and ill working
law.
• The governments respond more to the MNC’s than to the interest of their own
people.
Positives of globalization:-
The merits of globalization are as follows:-
• The first important merit of globalization is that it is a blessing of comparative
adventure and interdependence. The famous saying of Aristotle “man is a social
animal’ is true even today. Every state is interdependent and no state can live in
isolation. History witnessing the fact that if anyone tried to live in isolation, he faced
great difficulties in response. We have the examples of Sudan, South Korea.
• The next thing which we discuss in the merits of it is promotion of trade instead of
aid. Now the states are giving preference to trade and helping other regional and
worldwide economies to stand on their feet. The aid system has certain ambiguities
with it as we discussed in the demerits. Instead of being burden to the world, every
state introducing free market systems.
• The next blessing of globalization is that it is the era of franimies giving birth to
peace. We can quote the example of United States of America and People Republic
China. They are the biggest rivals in current scenario. Yet, America is the biggest
lender of China. Although they have tussles but they will not fight with each other
• Globalization also helps us in creating harmony among different cultures. There is
nothing which the other world does not know about a specific culture. Every country
has institutions to read about the other cultures. Course of Central Asian countries in
G. C. University. And department of regional studies in American leading universities is
the perfect examples of it. It helps us to come to know the cultures of different areas
of the world.
• Furthermore it is globalization which brings people very close to each other. The
concept of specific language and culture for specific region is emitting from the map of
the world. The harmony among the cultures is possible with the role of globalization
which consequently results into peace.
• It is not ended over here, the concept of globalization also helping us in recognizing
the human rights. Earlier it was the sole responsibility of the state to ensure the rights
of people and no one was allowed to interfere. Every state must facilitate its citizens
with basic rights. It was announced by the UNO that there will be no boundary for
human rights. Every child who comes in this world must enjoy all the rights
• Another positive of globalization which cannot be neglected is that it is always a
blessing for consumer. The competitors will lose their profit margin for attracting more
and more consumer and in this way the consumer not only has lot more choices but
the quality goods too. Whatever the multi nationals do, it is always a blessing for the
consumer. In this way it proves to be the biggest merit of globalization for a common
man. With the decrease in prices of the goods and utensils, the consumer will be able
to have more on cheaper price.
On the other hands it is important to note that it is bound to succeed. It is directly
linked with capitalism. Capitalism is the only system prevailing in the contemporary
world. We have examples in the shape of European Union; shanghai cooperation
organization, SAARC, and some other regional unions are proves of its success.
• The story not ends here; globalization is maximizing the wealth of the world. We are
witnessing the fact that when a multi-national company goes in a region, it creates an
opportunity of employment. It gives financial support for the betterment of roads and
transportation. Sudan is the case study in this context. The oil, gold and gas reservoirs
were giving no benefit to the people of Sudan. The multi-national companies went over
there. They explored these reservoirs and now the government is receiving taxes. The
people are getting more jobs, the economy is growing. It can be said that it changed
the life style of the people of Sudan.
• The last but not the least positive point of globalization is free movement of capital.
It allows people throughout the world to run their business wherever they want. The
free movement of capital is bridging gaps between the countries.
Suggestions:-
• Investing in human capital. Strategies for promoting economic growth and poverty
reduction should be an important part of every country’s economic policy. There is a
need to encourage investment through economic liberalization, privatization and
reduced trade barriers. There is a need to invest in human capital, such as health and
education and creating effective institutions of governance and eradicate corruption.
• Democracy and economic growth are interlinked with each other. Economic growth
can only be possible if there is a stable system of politics. The politicians are willing to
develop their state efficiently. It can happen only when there is democratic system in
the state.
• Need for a new consensus. The political leaders must take choices amid debates if
they intend to seize the opportunities to promote democracy and economic growth. A
new approach is needed. One possible approach would be to set realistic economic
goals, new guidelines for provision of international assistance and to integrate
democracy building programmes into efforts to reduce poverty.
• A real dialogue:- if the goal is to reduce poverty, the governments international
financial institutions and civil society needs to conduct a real dialogue on how to make
globalization work for the poor.
• Trade policy and poverty reduction:- the trade policy should be formulated in such a
way that takes into account the national strategies for poverty reduction and
redistribution.
• UN Recommendations:-
i. Democracy and rule of law should be promoted and there should be efforts to
integrate marginalized groups into mainstream.
ii. There is a need to reduce inequalities in access to resources and opportunities.
iii. Conditions in the informal economies should be improved by providing social
protection programmes and better linkages between formal and informal economies to
improve wages, benefits and working conditions of the workers in the developing
countries.
iv. There should be more opportunities for employment.
v. Youth should be the focus of the unemployment policies.
Conclusion:-
The success of globalization would depend on how different actors that is
governments; multinational institutions, private business and NGO’s pursue the goals,
not only globally but also collectively.