Globalization

Although the definition of globalization is broad and often times not entirely clear, I would describe globalization as the interconnectedness of the world’s nations that occurs not just on the basis of trade and economics, but also in regards to sociopolitical issues and conflicts. It is the international flow of things like money, goods, information, and ideas.

            On this basis it would seem that globalization is indeed beneficial to the world at large. Globalization paired with advances in communication and transportation has facilitated not only more extensive and efficient trade between nations, but also led to various technological advances and a greater global awareness in regards to many things. More opportunities for trade mean that countries with perhaps smaller numbers of tradable goods have a better chance of finding potential buyers. The flow of information that is facilitated by globalization means that advances in things like medicine become accessible to a far larger number of people. Increases in global awareness mean that people are more wary of crisis and injustices around the world and thus more likely to lend aid. These are just a few, rather specific examples of how the power of globalization can be used to help people, and there are numerous others.

            However, potential benefits are often accompanied by potential consequences and globalization is no exception to this notion. Although, increased global connectedness presents more trade opportunities, it also creates more opportunities for exploitation of poorer, developing nations by more powerful countries. Examples of such injustices are seen in industries such as mining and there are several mineral rich countries in Africa that have been taken advantage of by powerful countries such as the US, Britain and Canada. Human rights are routinely violated, compensation for laborers is inadequate, the environment is often damaged, and the profits made by the countries that are actually providing these resources are minimal. Other examples of the consequences of globalization can be seen in the outsourcing of labour. It is often cheaper for corporations to produce products overseas in poorer countries, or countries that have less strict working regulations. Human rights are often held in disregard and people work long hours for low wages in uncomfortable conditions so that output is maximized, while minimizing input.

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