Globalization: Creating Connections and Holes

Word Count: 1004 words

Globalization is a phrase that describes how the world became the setting of

interdependence and connections between countries or amongst countries caused by

trade and technology (National Geographic Society, 2020). Globalization is a

phenomenon that no one causes. And the dimensions of Globalization often include

technological, economic, political, social, and cultural.

After examining this article, I have learned that Globalization is a complex issue

because it develops new systems and impacts an individual or the people of the country

or everyone on Earth. Every decade, there ought to be recent occurrences of

phenomena caused by Globalization, and its effects on people or a country can either

grow or mitigate.

Moreover, Globalization can be described as the word "camaraderie," for it is an act of

maintaining good relationships and ties between countries to help each other. In this

context, Globalization happens when a man reaches an agreement through an

organized meeting or conference. Thus, there is an odd that Globalization can be

action-driven, and anyone can be responsible for it. The Philippines and the U.S.A. had
agreed to establish diplomatic relations in 1946. The country's relations with the United

States of America are linked to the history that both countries have shared. The U.S.A.

is committed to helping the Philippines achieve the democratic powers of the country

and the human rights of every individual. The United States and the Philippines

continued to be great partners for accumulating $18.9 billion in the trade of goods and

services back in 2020. The U.S. has given the Philippines financial assistance, such as

the $60 million for the humanitarian funding after the Marawi siege and donating over

$38 million for the COVID-19 pandemic-related contribution (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

STATE, 2022).

And the last thing that I have learned was that Globalization needs to be overlooked

through indexes. Indexes involve the numbers of countries and years and the

dimensions of Globalization. And this type of tool helps assess the effects of the

phenomenon in five dimensions. Thus, indexes contribute to the existing literature on

Globalization.

There are some concepts I still do not fully grasp. First, I cannot imagine how the

exports added up by imports and divided by GDP, the frequently used quantity-based

integration measure, can be utilized. Rather, I am confused about how this measure

works. Its definition also does not make sense to me.

Whether it was addressed or not, I am confused not to know how the 1st wave of

Globalization happened between 1880 and 1913. I am discontented with not

acknowledging the nature of Globalization during that time and how it was recognized

and defined. Furthermore, Globalization is said to have begun before 1880 or so.

According to the National Geographic Society (2020), Columbus' voyages or the Silk

Road, the archaic network of trade routes, served as globalization events for goods,

products, services, and ideas were exchanged during the visits. It is confusing whether

the author addresses the origin of Globalization or perhaps the time when the

phenomena between 1880 and 1913 were recognized as Globalization.

Before reading this article, I accepted that Globalization's sole definition/concept

is a worldwide phenomenon that exposes people to foreign influences or trends that

help them build up ties with other countries and develop mixed or homogenous cultures.

For example, Filipinos develop Western-like manners and English-speaking skills by

watching TV shows or movies from the United States of America. Moreover, it can also

be related to the preference of most Filipinos for foreign/global brands over local

brands. This phenomenon is called "cultural imperialism," where people usually adopt a

culture that they think is better than others or even their own national culture. "Cultural

imperialism" is often seen as a predicament due to the decline of national pride.

Moving on, I thought that Globalization is simply a phenomenon that does not involve

countries' active participation. Instead, I thought of Globalization as a natural occurrence

that happens to everyone. And it is inescapable; thus, no one is spared from it no matter

what they do. Therefore, I thought that countries and individuals could not do anything

not to experience it.

Furthermore, I thought that Globalization only occurs in the economy, culture, and

technology. From these dimensions, I have always thought of Globalization that way.

And I did not know that it had anything to do with politics and ecology. I reflected that

our country is an independent state in which we create our nature of politics, and the

influences of other countries had nothing to do with it. And I viewed that we are also

responsible for our ecology. I believe that our human activities are accountable for the

country's ecology. Thus, no other country is involved but our own. From these

conceived notions, it seems that my ideas of Globalization are still flawed and

incomplete.

I intend to ask these questions after reading the article for further discovery. First

is “When will the issue of globalization be resolved in the academic communities?" The

extensive literature on Globalization still does not conclude with a single meaning or a

common approach.
Secondly, "Will globalization be permanent?". It seems as if Globalization will always be

a part of our lives. But this question raises the possibility of eradicating Globalization

perhaps in one country. Suppose a single country no longer involves itself or

participates with the ties from other countries or restricts free trade from international

borders. Will that country no longer be affected by Globalization?

And lastly, "what does the future hold for a world without globalization?" What are the

consequences? What if every country/state becomes independent and seeks no

involvement or ties with neighboring countries?

In conclusion, Globalization is a phenomenon that creates interdependence and

connections with countries. Even if it is inescapable, its prevalence depends on

countries' active participation. And since the world is growing every day with new

changes and phenomena, the academic communities still must explore new

mechanisms and processes, causes, and effects, especially in the economy. Therefore,

we must be prepared to face the new challenges brought about by globalization.