Introduction To Globalization-Contemporary World
Introduction To Globalization-Contemporary World
Introduction To Globalization-Contemporary World
The Contemporary
World
MODULE 1
Definitions and Nature of
Globalization
Objectives:
At the end of the discussions, the students are expected
to:
1. share a personal definition of globalization;
2. describe the nature of globalization;
3. differentiate competing conception of globalizations;
4. synthesize and agree on a working definition of
globalization for the course
Definition of globalization
Globalization is a term used to describe the
changes in societies and the world
economy that are the result of
dramatically increased trade and cultural
exchange. In specifically economic
contexts, it refers almost exclusively to
the effects of trade, particularly trade
liberalization or "free trade".
It is a common belief that globalization plays a role just
at international levels of trade and commerce, but the fact is
that it has played an important role in making our lives much
more comfortable too. The phones, apparels, gadgets or
accessories that we use in our day-to-day life are be available
to us through globalization. Knowingly or unknowingly, we
are all under the impact of globalization, and more
importantly it has helped in bringing international peace and
justice to mankind.
Nature of Globalization
1. Liberalization:
It stands for the freedom of the entrepreneurs to establish any
industry or trade or business venture, within their own countries
or abroad.
2. Free trade:
It stands for free flow of trade relations among all the nations.
Each state grants MFN (most favored nation) status to other states
and keeps its business and trade away from excessive and hard
regulatory and protective regimes.
3. Globalisation of Economic Activity:
Economic activities are be governed both by the domestic market
and also the world market. It stands for the process of integrating
the domestic economy with world economies.
Nature of Globalization
4. Liberalization of Import-Export System:
It stands for liberating the import- export activity and securing a
free flow of goods and services across borders.
5. Privatisation:
Keeping the state away from ownership of means of production
and distribution and letting the free flow of industrial, trade and
economic activity across borders.
6. Increased Collaborations:
Encouraging the process of collaborations among the
entrepreneurs with a view to secure rapid modernisation,
development and technological advancement.
Nature of Globalization
7. Economic Reforms:
Encouraging fiscal and financial reforms with a view to give
strength to free world trade, free enterprise, and market
forces.
Globalization accepts and advocates the value of free world
trade, freedom of access to world markets and a free flow of
investments across borders. It stands for integration and
democratization of the world’s culture, economy and
infrastructure through global investments.
“Globalization” can mean:
The formation of a global village - closer contact
between different parts of the
world, with increasing possibilities of personal exchange,
mutual understanding and friendship between "world
citizens",
Economic globalization - "free trade" and increasing
relations among members of an industry in different
parts of the world (globalization of an industry), with a
corresponding erosion of National Sovereignty in the
economic sphere.
Signs of globalization
Increase in international trade at a faster rate than the growth in the
world economy
Increase in international flow of capital including foreign direct
investment
Greater transborder data flow, using such technologies such as
the Internet, communication satellites and telephones
Greater international cultural exchange, for example through the export of
Hollywood and Bollywood movies.
Some argue that even terrorism has undergone globalization. Terrorists
now have attacked places all over the world.
Spreading of multiculturalism and better individual access to cultural
diversity, with on the other hand, some reduction in diversity through
assimilation, hybridization, Westernization, Americanization or
Sinosization of cultures.
Erosion of national sovereignty and national borders through
international agreements leading to organizations like the WTO
and OPEC
Greater international travel and tourism
Greater immigration, including illegal immigration
Development of global telecommunications
infrastructure
Development of a global financial systems
Increase in the share of the world economy controlled by
multinational corporations
Increased role of international organizations such as
WTO, WIPO, IMF that deal with international
transactions
Increase in the number of standards applied globally;
e.g. copyright laws
Anti- globalization
Many anti-globalism activists see globalization as the
promotion of a Corporatist agenda, which is intent on
constricting the freedoms of individuals in the name of
profit. They also claim that increasing autonomy and
strength of corporate entities increasingly shape the
political policy of nation-states.
globalization imposes credit based
economics, resulting in unsustainable growth of debt
and debt crises.
Pro-globalization (globalism)