Marlena McCall 30 August 2011 Professor Arnold Microtheme1 It seems that we pretty much all agree that globalization

is occurring however the conversations and debates are based on how and why its taking place. On page 11 it says that there are different views with regard to the proper definition of globalization, they also disagree on its scale, causation, chronology, impact, trajectories, and policy outcomes. Though I have done very little research compared to the commentators mentioned so far in Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, I still had a preconceived conception of the term and process of globalization. I was most nearly unaware of this and would struggle to explain my idea clearly before I began reading. In fact it was not until I began reading that I was conscience of it. I was made aware of it because I was surprised at the beginning of the book, in its description of the first examples of globalization, which were carefully analyzed in Osama Bin Ladens tape, broadcast on October 7, 2001. I was surprised because I did not expect to initially look in such a place for the manifestation of globalization. I expected it to start out with what seems like the obvious, which I realize may be urbanization rather than globalization. I expected to compare the increasing similarities of eastern and western cultures and technological advancements. These however are only a partial explaination for the latest wave of globalization which is explained on page 17. After exploring that the

possibilities to witness globalization can come right down to a man wearing American products (Timex watch) and carrying an AK-47 even though he lives basically in a cave, my mind can fathom a much more in depth study of the phenomenon called globalization. Though its necessary that I read and study the subject closer, it seems to me that the debates are interesting but maybe should not even be considered debates. The author, Manfred B. Steger, admits that the commentators on the subject are many times contradictory. Therefore globalization the term, process, and all of its debated aspects are incredibly broad and linger over, and in turn include, hundreds and probably thousands of more specific terms and process. The definition of globalization seems like it should actually include everything these experts are debating on. On page 12, Steger supports this idea saying that each globalization researcher is partly right by correctly identifying one important dimension of the phenomenon in question.