In this short article I will discuss the multi-facet topic of globalization. I will touch on how the increase in trade, investment in foreign entities, and immigration has all lead to sturdier globalization. This increase in globalization leads to a lower tendency for political entities to throw their countries into war. This creates a more stable global economy, where countries are interdependent on each other for their goods and money.
The definition of Globalization, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is; the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets. So basically, the three main entities that contribute to Globalization are the free flow of goods, money, and labor. This definition does a good job of identifying what Globalization is, but not of how it affects our global society.
Nowadays our global society is so used to the benefits of Globalization, so much so, that countries are now dependent on these benefits. Countries are dependent on their trade with other countries, they’re dependent on the labor they use from other countries, and they’re dependent on the ability to have cash inflows/outflows from/to foreign countries. Now ask yourself – how might this affect a countries foreign affairs policy? This interdependency will cause countries to steer away from conflict. Why is this? Because of countries that were interdependent on each other were to declare war on each other, what would happen to these aforementioned benefits? They would lose out on the free flow of goods, labor, and capital that they have become so used to – which in turn would hurt both participating countries. The only way for a modern country to achieve maximum growth is through these aspects of globalization.
Another aspect to look at is multinational intergovernmental organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. These organizations provide great benefit to almost every country that covers our planet. It provides sturdier economies, in terms of stable currency, and provides seamless flow of goods and capital. Countries don’t want to start wars because conflict would cause these organizations to struggle, not only for them but for all countries involved – especially if the warring countries are economic powerhouses such as the United States and Russia.
This brings me to my next point – when powerhouse countries involve themselves in trade with third world countries that have a smaller economy, these powerhouse countries affectively act as a “roof” for their partner country. This roof shelters trade, immigration, and investments, and offers protection in their partnering country. When the U.S. has its hands in the trade of goods with another company, they are going to do their best to make sure their partner country’s factories are free from threats such mafias, and any other illegal activity that could hinder the production of goods that the U.S. wishes to acquire. The U.S. acting as this roof, also protects their 3rd world partners from invasion as well, because if a country was to invade the U.S.’s trade partner, this would affect not only their economy negatively, but the U.S.’s as well. It also promotes immigration, because with the free flow of capital and goods, people will come too. The capital and goods will increase the opportunities available for immigrants to move and make it easier for them as well.
Another bonus to increased globalization is the increase of social awareness and the wellness of workers. Countries, when they have their hands in other countries due to trade, are pressured to have equal levels of work safety and regulations. This happens because the fairness of trade relies on the reliance that all involved parties have the same level of regulations, safety requirements, and environmental safety precautions in place. This will ensure that no country is at a disadvantage because of a lack of environmental consciousness or safety precautions for their workers. An example of this is the trade war the U.S. implemented on China for their lack of acceptable working conditions for their people.
As we can see from the above paragraphs, there are almost limitless reasons to be pro globalization and increase globalization in countries. Globalization affects the global stage by shifting individual countries’ mindset from a nationalistic territorial, towards a unilateral interdependent global society. This allows for a weaker focus on individual economies and rights a greater consciousness for world events and global development.