Introduction
Over the years, human beings have continually created and established closer contacts. In the recent times, however, the rate of integration and global cohesiveness has been accelerated. Communication, transport and computer technologies have given the global integration process an impetus and the increased the degree of interdependence around the world. Innovations and inventions in the technological world have resulted in the reduction of distance in the world. Platforms like the internet have created a simple, quick and efficient medium of communication around the world. The rate of sharing information and ideas is ten times faster than what it used to be a few decades ago; this and many other technologies have improved and enhanced globalization.
The flow of information, good and services, today, is swift and efficient, goods are being manufactured in one country and sold to another country around the world. Basically, a lot of products and finances, cultures and information and ideas, are all circulating around the world in the name of global integration. All these interactions, at an international level, have resulted in the transformation and creation of laws, social movements and economies at the international stage. As a result, globalization of the economy, law, culture and politics has occurred. However, the local regulations and national politics have all been undermined in the process of globalization. The local economies, cultures and political forms are all being swept away and done with - in the event of international integration. The ‘erosion’ of cultural values is another eventuality that has resulted from globalization. The fact that people are now more exposed to different cultures than ever before has led to the adoption of cultures from other parts of the world thus leading to the abandonment of some values and beliefs in some communities.
Globalization
Globalization has many faces, but a more definite explanation would be that, globalization is the integration of political, cultural and economic systems across and around the world. Some people tend to look at globalization as the dominance of the first world (developed countries) in making decisions at the cost of the developing, third world poor countries. The less powerful nations tend to be manipulated and made decisions. This is one way of looking at globalization, in the sense that a big brother is always looking at you. It has been analyzed and criticized from every other direction. Some view it as appositive force that has resulted in more cohesiveness and unity in the world. The positivity of globalization is, however, diluted by the negative remarks that are thrown at it from every other direction. Some claim that it only benefits the rich, and the poor stand no chance of improving their wellbeing, while others claim that it is a force for devastation of the environment and exploitation of the developing world. The claims that globalization suppresses human rights are other negative attributes of globalization. The lectures of this semester have, however, opened my mind and cleared a number of questions in my mind. The approach and dimension I take after this lectures are clear and have made me realize globalization as a whole new phenomenon. From the lectures on globalization, I learnt that it was creating new wealth and markets all over the world. In a way, globalization seems to be creating a new world order; it is benefiting some groups and creating havoc and distress to others. It appears to be a source of both suffering and catalyst for global movements of social emancipation. The negativity and dangers that come with globalization, as I have come to learn, are numerous.
A typical example of the dangers that come with globalization is the financial crisis of 2008-09. The instability of the global economy was manifested in the financial economy and the world realized the imminent danger that lacks in globalization. In as much as the negative attributes of globalization were manifested, a positive side to it was that the crisis led to the birth of important global initiatives for development. Globalization and climate change are thematic issues that have time and again interlinked during the course study. Claims of globalization resulting into the devastation and destruction of the environment are still existent. Because of the growing need to compete globally and, for example, improve the economic power of the country, some states have taken to over exploitation of the environment so as to meet specific economic goals. For example, most of the developing countries have a higher dependence on environmental resources and for purposes of increasing volume of trade or exports attempts and exploits have been made in this field. The environmental exploits have resulted in the destruction of the environment and some of this actions result in climatic changes. Globalization has time and again appeared to be a force of nature and thus it does not have alternatives or bounds. However, this is not true because people and citizens of states from all over the world have proven that globalization can be shaped and changed to ensure cooperation and solidarity.
Summary
Globalization, as a field of study in my academic journey, has improved my perception towards this particular field. Understanding what globalization really is has proven to be important and beneficial in equal measure. It surely has its positive and negative attributes, but I cannot criticize it in the same way I used to before attending these lectures. I have come to appreciate that globalization has resulted in a number of positive undertakings and actions in the world; it has also resulted in more coordination in the world over, and this allows me to view it as a useful tool that can be utilized in creating more harmony around the world. However, every other good deed has been destroyed and negatively exploited for selfish gains, and globalization is not left out. Numerous selfish pursuits have been done all in the name of globalization. Taking advantage of this tool has made some selfish countries create avenues of exploiting the poor and developing nations. We cannot brush aside globalization in light of it being negative or disastrous, but we can develop more effective and efficient ways of exploiting it without harming any party, country and even the environment. Never have I encountered a problem that did not have a solution in the sense of an innovative way of addressing it; this, therefore, means that globalization and its negative attributes can be minimized or completely dealt away with to ensure it is effective. The bottom line, therefore, is whether you think globalization’s various effects and attributes are worth worrying about, and this depends on how much you care and think about people in other countries.
Works cited
