Globalization may be defined as the process where the nations and people of the world become highly interconnected and interdependent (Boudreaux 1). This is facilitated by communication and technological development. It was in the early 1990s that globalization took shape after the fall of communism coupled with technological advancements (Boudreaux 8). By the start of the 21st century, globalization had spread rapidly in an unprecedented manner.
One of the driving forces for globalization was the need to promote freedom and the consideration of all people in the world as equals. However, the whole concept of globalization has generated heated debate on whether it is a good or bad thing. Both sides of this discourse shall be considered briefly.
Globalization has brought with it information communication technology in the form of mobile phones and internet connectivity (Boudreaux 12). This has ensured that information flow is instant/real-time. Anyone who can access these services can be reached at any time and anywhere. This has significantly simplified the means of communication across the world. However, this has ensured that individuals cannot get adequate time to be alone and avoid external interferences. Moments that would have been for reflections may be interrupted by incoming calls or even by the urge to get to know them ongoings elsewhere. This has caused an increase in stress among people.
It has also come with great opportunities for all due to the large globalized market. Some businesses that were initially small were catapulted by technological innovations. Despite the gains, many individuals have lost their jobs due to the less demand for direct manpower. Some companies have collapsed under the impact of huge internet giants like Google, Yahoo!, or YouTube (Boudreaux 14).
The opening up of the world has ensured that shared critical information or knowledge that may help improve life. However, this has led to the watering down of traditional values due to freedom associated with modern liberalized societies. Undesirable values are spreading all over the world, like wildfires. There can be as many advantages of living in a globalized world as there may be disadvantages.
There are a number of factors that have enabled globalization to take place. Principle ingredients may be identified (Boudreaux 3). International trade has facilitated the globalization of the economy by ensuring that there are fewer trader barriers. There have also been marked financial flows, especially technological transfer and allowing of FDI. Globalization has taken place largely because of enhanced means of transport and communication like road networks, railway lines, and air transport.
Exchange and access to information have also been increased significantly (Boudreaux 7). The other very critical force that is driving globalization is technological advances in electronics. Population mobility has also contributed to globalization. The world has lately witnessed the free movement of people in search of opportunities. Competition among the people and their businesses has also accelerated globalization over the past few years.
In general, it can be concluded that globalization presents both opportunities as well as threats to the members of the society and their co-existence. This process has brought together people of the world into global citizens, with the ultimate end being the sharing of diverse cultures. With this glaring fact, globalization should be tamed using available means to ensure the growth in opportunities and suppression of undesired activities. A cost-benefit analysis should be done before embracing products associated with globalization.
Works cited
Boudreaux, Donald J. Globalization. ABC-CLIO, 2008: 1-15.