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Paper Abstract: Discusses economic, political & socio-cultural elements of globalization. Role of technology (computers, telecommunications, satellite communication, the Internet, the World Wide Web). Free-market capitalism. Free trade & competition. Benefits & downside of economic globalization. Paper Introduction: CAPITALISTS OF THE WORLD UNITE? AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEW GLOBALIZATION Among the litany of buzzwords floating around the political theory campfire, in the new millennium “globalization” is on everyone’s lips and agendas. A highly controversial prospect, globalization deserves the debate it generates. It marks the beginning of a new experiment whose outcome is uncertain; though many argue that the foundation for globalization has been in place for as many as fifteen years, none deny that the technological revolution(a major component of globalization) is still in its formative years. The palpable, far-reaching effects of a fully-functioning and fully-implemented globalized system remain to be seen. Globalization is, in this most modern context, a long-term effort to integrate international markets, nation-states, technologies, and Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. 61). "Backlash: Behind the Anxiety Over Globalization". "We Can Fight, We CanWin". The technological advancements that allow for globalization inthe first place are truly available for all(who have money) to use.Freidberg emphasizes that because globalization has wired the world intonetworks, so it has given more direct power to individuals than at any timein history (Foreign Policy, 1999). Indeed, as Ramonet asserts, the capitalistic natureof globalization adversely effects the development of sound politics; heinsists that "the champions of globalization are incapableof...anticipating the needs of humanity and the environment, planning forthe expansion of cities, or slowly reducing inequalities..." (1999). Ina free-market global economy, there is no way to temper the flow ofAmerican culture into areas that feel threatened by it- no way that is-unless a pure lack of profit accompanies the venture. April 24, 2 i3678 p2 2. Fall 1999 p11 . Similarly, as economic globalization inspires a degree of politicalglobalization, so political globalization inspires a degree of socio-cultural globalization. Ultimately, American culture is not yet at risk ofbeing overtaken by a global alternative- as it stands, American culturedefines the global alternative (Friedman[Foreign Policy], 1999). Thomas L. Will globalization ultimatelybenefit or devastate the bulk of humankind? A highly controversial prospect, globalization deserves thedebate it generates. The verynotion of "speed" today conjures images of microchips, satellites, and faxmachines. In this, globalizationdemands what big-business capitalism demands: an open, deregulated, andprivatized economy (Friedman, 1999, p.7-13). Eitherscenario is entirely plausible. "Dueling Globalizations".Foreign Policy. have expressed fears thatglobalization policies only benefit big companies- not average citizens-and that "elitist trade and economic bodies make undemocratic decisionsthat undermine national sovereignty on environmental regulation"(BusinessWeek, 2 , p.38). "What's Behind the Global Backlash". "In some nations," writes VanDusen Wishard, "the traditional sanctity of government authority is erodingas individual freedom advances"(1999, p.61). Theeconomic, political, and socio-cultural elements each sustain andinvigorate one another. And, economic globalizationhas led directly to political globalization (Van Dusen Wishard, 1999,p.61). TheFuturist, in October of 1999, offered this regarding the globalizationexperiment: "If it succeeds, humanity may enter an epoch of opportunity andprosperity for a greater proportion of the earth's inhabitants than everbefore. Friedman, author of The Lexus and the Olive Tree, emphasizesthat the driving idea behind globalization is free-market capitalism."Globalization," he writes, "means the spread of free-market capitalism tovirtually every country in the world"(1999, p. As the politics of individual nation-statescontinue to evolve around the increasingly global economy, the citizens ofthose nation-states will grow more and more exposed to a global culture --which is dominated by the strong and the profitable. Friedman and Ignacio Ramonet (of Le Monde Diplomatique) debate theeffects of globalization. Even in powerful nations like the United States, the politicalchallenges of globalization inspire social, non-governmental movements thatresist the trend. In thisrespect, we have not seen the extent to which the Internet can damagesociety or for that matter, the global community. In developed nations (particularly the United States), unfetteredcapital flows allow for access to foreign investment and keep interestrates down, and export jobs often pay more than other jobs- thereforeliving standards can go up quickly (Business Week, 2 , p.38). The Lexus and the Olive Tree: UnderstandingGlobalization(1999) New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux. Oct 1999 v33 i8 p6 . CAPITALISTS OF THE WORLD UNITE? Van Dusen Wishard writes that if globalizationis to work "we need a generous understanding of the unique cultures andpsychology's of non-Western nations who are trying to graft an alieneconomic system onto an indigenous social structure"(1999, p.62). TheInternet is available for use a means to organize, meet people, andmaintain relationships across great distances. One thing is sure: for many years to come,every nation on this planet will remain uniquely itself; the process ofintegration will test each of us differently, and so we must each preparedifferently for that test. For example, as Van Dusen Wishard notes, "theInternational Monetary Fund dictates economic policies to nations fromRussia to Indonesia. The United Nations and NATO intervene in the internalaffairs of autonomous nations such as Iraq and Yugoslavia"(1999, p.61). Friedman, Thomas L.; Ramonet, Ignacio. AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEW GLOBALIZATION Among the litany of buzzwords floating around the political theorycampfire, in the new millennium "globalization" is on everyone's lips andagendas. The anticipated effects of globalization are consideredin such grand terms mainly because the very nature of globalization is sosweeping; in integrating the many global dimensions of life, every nationinvolved in the process of globalization will see it's economics, politics,society, and culture become bound up in the success or failure of thesystem (Van Dusen Wishard, p. Ultimately, up and coming nations must brace themselves for aninflux of American products and innovations, and risk losing a sense oftheir own identity as a nation in the process. The result is social discomfort and politicalunrest. It is therefore valuable to considernot only the evolutionary development of globalization, but also the manypros and cons that beleaguer each context that globalization ultimatelyinvades. Globalization, at its best, will offer an international environmentwhere people feel connected, productive, creative, and secure. It isestimated that if current trends of economic globalization continue, thecurrent $7 trillion world export of goods and services will top $11trillion by 2 5(Van Dusen Wishard, 1999, p.6 ). 39). In this, economicglobalization is interpreted as divisive rather than inclusive, effectivelyexcluding those not fast enough to keep pace with the economic front-runners. This is particularly good for non-Western nations in which experiments with global capitalism may uprootharsh traditional political structures. From an economic standpoint, Ramonet declaresthat "globalization is destroying the welfare state", meaning that underthe current global conditions the disparity of wealth caused by economicglobalization is out of control (1999). Van Dusen Wishard, Wm. And, nongovernmentalorganizations are duly empowered by this; consent is mobilized on-line, asare human rights and environmental agendas transferred and developed(Freidberg[Foreign Policy], 1999). At itsworst, it will be divisive, ruthless, stifling, and immoral. Other countries mention similar woes; so many,in fact, that some U.S. 8). But we're all going to find out. For this, culturalglobalization can be viewed as a homogenizing entity; in our currentconfiguration, the smaller, less-developed nations typically receive highlydisproportionate levels of foreign cultural bombardments from the larger,more highly developed nations- and of these, the United States is the mostprolific. In this,some key elements comprising the system of globalization are tech-related,many of which go hand in hand. The thrust of these arguments inferthat economic globalization is concerned only with profit, and is thereforeincapable of mercy: those nations and people who cannot integrate, by therule of natural selection, will starve (Ramonet, 1999). 38).Additionally, a lack of trust for the big multilateral institutionsfrustrate individual citizens, as was evidenced in the anti-World Bankriots and demonstrations in Seattle; the closed-off decision-makingprocesses employed by the WTO, IMF, and World Bank also ruffle labor andenvironmental interest groups, arousing suspicion of misconduct (BusinessWeek, 2 , p. Seeing the future is not so simple. 6 ). The proponents of globalization are outspoken and optimistic.Criticizers are equally pessimistic, and anti-globalization movements havecreated a sizable backlash in many nations in all corners of the globe(Business Week, 2 , p.39). Clearly, theadvancement of American culture via socio-cultural globalization can offendon many levels: spiritual, social, and intellectual. But American cultureis multi-media culture, it is wealthy, and it is marketed to the world. Economically, the new global order"is made possible by computers and telecommunications, satellitecommunication, the Internet, and the World Wide Web" (Van Dusen Wishard,1999, p. In all spheres of human interaction,globalization relies upon technology. The major components of globalization are interdependent. Most obviously, national sovereignty has diminished;many nations (such as the fifteen comprising the European Union) have optedto sacrifice a degree of political sovereignty by forming free-trade unions- in order to procure more a favorable global economic position (Van DusenWishard, 1999, p. It is fair to conclude that the evolution of globalization clearlymirrors the rate of technological development. 38). Can we hope to achieve this level understanding if we insist onutilizing a globalized system driven by free-market capitalism? May 1, 2 p9. The Nation. Political globalization hosts a similar dichotomy of support andcontempt. However, many developing nations are also led to ponder how fragileexperiments with liberal democracy are supposed to stand if theirgovernments are pressured by global investors and enterprises (Van DusenWishard, 1999, p.61). The economic globalization backlash is a result of anxiety over thecontinuation and expansion of the international market. "Globalization: Humanity's Great Experiment".The Futurist. As Friedman comments,"Culturally speaking, globalization is largely the spread (for better andfor worse) of Americanization from Big Macs and iMacs to MickeyMouse"(Friedman[Foreign Policy], 1999). Protesters in the U.S. As Friedman states,"thanks to the combination of computers and cheap telecommunications,people can now offer and trade services globally...that could never reallybe traded before"(1999, p.xv). The downsides to economic globalization are also plentiful. At the crux of the debate is the issue of national sovereignty.As was mentioned earlier, economic globalization has prompted many nationsto engage in trade organizations that command a certain degree of surrenderof national sovereignty. "March Madness". Friedman notesthat the economically globalized world "tends to turn all friends andenemies into 'competitors'"(Friedman, 1999, p.12). A positive attribute of social globalization brings us back totechnology. It marks the beginning of a new experiment whoseoutcome is uncertain; though many argue that the foundation forglobalization has been in place for as many as fifteen years, none denythat the technological revolution(a major component of globalization) isstill in its formative years. As do human rights groupsregarding IMF and World Bank donations to developing nations that "condonesweatshops and pursue policies that bail out foreign leaders at the expenseof local economies"(Business Week, 2 , p. Computers and cheap telecommunicationshave made it easier for people to connect with one another all across theworld, on their own terms. Already, Third World nations that have integrated themselvesinto the international economy (mainly those in East Asia) have improvedtheir living standards the most (The New Republic, 2 , p.9). Labor Unions make similar complaints regarding unfair(or nonexistent) labor standards abroad. 6 ). The upside of such an arrangement is that in a globalized politicalsystem, the market will determine policy, thereby protecting the interestsof people who might otherwise suffer if absolute, exclusive nationalsovereignty were allowed to be a factor. Because a well-functioning globalization hingesupon the perpetuation of free-market capitalism, it is well to assume thatthe economic component is the most pivotal -- without it, the whole systemwould be for naught. As economics has increasingly dictated political action, so globaleconomics has drastically affected every individual nation-states'political identity. Basically, at the grass roots level, individuals feel that underglobalization, the rules are being made for them, not by their owngovernment, but by untouchable international organizations that areaccountable to no one. Social globalization effects large nations such as the UnitedStates in such ways. political theorists consider the Americanpostmodern culture, when unleashed upon the world, a legitimate threat toour national security (Van Dusen Wishard, 1999, p.61). Ramonet asks, "If we sized up ourglobalizing world today, what would we find? The potential benefits of economic globalization are tremendous.Access to larger economic markets has been known to spur innovation (as hasfree trade), and competition is more fierce in an open economy, forcingcompanies to increase productivity and keep prices low (Van Dusen Wishard,1999, p.6 ). Essentially, theneglect inherent in the political globalizing of individual nation-statesis perceived again as being ultimately divisive, which indicates thatperhaps national sovereignty should not be relinquished at all. And we all risk much in the endeavor for large-scale integration. The palpable, far-reaching effects of afully-functioning and fully-implemented globalized system remain to beseen. Business Week.April 24, 2 i3678 p38. If it fails, it could retard progress for generations"(Van DusenWishard, p. However, it is critical to note that without the technologiesavailable today, globalization as we know it could not exist. The richest fifth of the world'spopulation owns 8 percent of the world's resources, while the poorestfifth owns barely .5 percent"(1999). Business Week. Basically,pro-side statistics indicate that a globalized economy can raiseproductivity worldwide, it can allow for the free exchange of technologyand ideas, thereby increasing creativity, and it can raise living standardsall over the world. "Nothing in history," says a Pakistanischolar in Van Dusen Wishard's piece, "has threatened Muslims like theWestern media"(1999, p.61). Insurrendering the global market to capitalism, many project that, as in mostcapitalist arrangements, the wealthy will augment their bankrolls as thoseless able to compete will wallow in impoverished squalor. Dec 6, 1999 v269 I19 p24. References Anderson, Sarah; Cavanagh, John; Lee, Thea. In ways that have never been available before,communication has been made virtually instantaneous and effortless. In short, workers in less-developed nations often feel exploited inthe globalized economy, and workers in well-developed nations feel thatthey lose their competitive advantage when companies build advancedfactories in low-wage countries (Business Week, 2 , p. Inthis, Ramonet cites evidence of existing political fracture due toglobalization: under the current reign of globalization, "borders areincreasingly contested, and pockets of minorities give rise to dreams ofannexation, secession, and ethnic cleansing" (1999). However, it is impossible to overlook technology asthe true enabler of the complete globalization system; "the definingmeasurement of the globalization system" writes Friedman, "is the speed ofcommerce, travel, communication, and innovation"(Foreign Policy, 1999).Such things are, in this day and age, strictly technology-based. Friedman, Thomas L. Globalization is, in this most modern context, a long-term effort tointegrate international markets, nation-states, technologies, andinformation across national borders (Friedman, 1999, p.xv-xvii). 2 2). The homogenizing effects of socio-cultural globalization effectsmaller nations more directly. The New Republic. Of course, the downside to effortless communication is that itbenefits those eager to commit heinous acts as surely as it does those whomerely wish to keep in touch (Friedberg[Foreign Policy], 1999). Nobodyknows the answer for certain. In the UnitedStates, for example, 68 percent of Americans believe globalization dragsdown domestic wages, and millions of Americans have lost jobs due toimports or production shifts abroad (Business Week, 2 , p. In attempting to answer thisquery it is imperative to consider the pros and cons of globalization ineach of its three aforementioned contexts: the economic, political, andsocial. Therefore, it is simple to see how the components ofglobalization gain a sense of interdependence under the umbrella oftechnology, and how these components reinforce one another. Poverty, illiteracy,violence, and illness are on the rise. 61). Ultimately,this lack of confidence in the system could lead to its demise, asindependent groups across the world rally not for integration, but economicdisintegration. In a Foreign Policy feature entitled "Dueling Globalizations", ThomasL. Because of these technological innovations, the othercharacteristics of economic globalization may flourish; the advancements ofthe Digital Age have created means by which individual components of theworld can be more tightly interwoven than ever before. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.