Globalization is a characteristic feature of the twentieth century. This is an inevitable result of an economic and technological progress of nations (Kirkegaard 2008). Admittedly, some nations benefit from the process but some lose (Kissinger 2008). Small nations fail to benefit from globalization as they do not have the necessary base.
On the contrary, developed countries have the necessary grounds to gain from the free market and the world with no boundaries. Of course, this leads to various groups of discontents. Some of these groups resort to violence to fight against the ‘global evil’ (Cronin 2003).
Naim (2003) notes that along with various states numerous non-state actors also benefit from the effects of globalization. Various criminal networks flourish as they make use of the benefits of globalization. These groups manage to spread news, share information, carry out various illegal operations, etc. Availability of various resources and absence of boundaries enable these groups to operate rather easily and effectively (Karacasulu 2006).
Proliferation of weapons and drug trafficking have become quite ordinary operations which do not require a lot of time in the modern globalized world. Of course, one of the most striking terrorist operations was the 9/11 attacks (Hoffmann 2002; Jalata 2008). The attacks can be now regarded as a manifestation of new opportunities non-state actors have obtained in the course of globalization.
It is necessary to note that such events made people understand that globalization has two distinct sides. First, globalization means economic benefits and cultural interchange. On the other hand, people have understood that states are vulnerable and there is quite particular threat to any state and any individual. Of course, people’s fears are not enough to stop such a potent change as globalization.
However, terrorism can cause certain changes in the attitudes towards globalization and ways people can respond to it. For instance, people can be reluctant to use the benefits of globalization, and try to limit access to their states (Karacasulu 2006). People can try to limit cooperation between countries which will inevitably threaten the process of globalization.
Admittedly, such kind of path is unlikely to be chosen. Now states try to respond to the threat of terrorism by assembling certain military forces (UN). Nonetheless, global terrorism does not cease to exist.
Jalata (2008) also defines one more possible threat that terrorism poses. Thus, the war against terrorism may lead to many other unjustified wars which will never end. The researcher provides an example of Ethiopian state terrorism and its devastating effects (Jalata 2008, 35). Likewise, western states can try to fight against terrorism on the territories of countries of the Middle East, which can only lead to lasting conflicts which can threaten globalization.
Admittedly, globalization is impossible when countries are in war. People have particular evidence as one of the waves of globalization was stopped by the First World War. Likewise, the war against terrorism can become the obstacle for the further development of the globalized world.
To sum up, it is possible to note that globalization and terrorism are two closely related notions. On the one hand, terrorism has acquired various opportunities due to globalization. On the other hand, terrorism can put globalization to its end. Thus, countries can be involved into lasting military conflicts which make any cooperation between states impossible. Therefore, states should address the problem of terrorism carefully as the issues concerning terrorism are as controversial as the issues concerning globalization itself.
Reference List
Cronin, A. K. 2003. Behind the Curve: Globalization and International Terrorism. International Security 27, no.3: 30-58.
Hoffmann, S. 2002. Clash of Globalizations. Foreign Affairs 81, no.4: 104.
Jalata, A. 2008. “Faces of Terrorism in the Age of Globalization: Terrorism from Above and Below.” Sociology Publications and Other Works. Web.
Karacasulu, N. 2006. “Security and Globalization in the Context of International Terrorism.” Uluslararasi Hukuk ve Politika 2, no.5. Web.
Kirkegaard, J. F. 2008. “Perceptions and Realities of Globalization.” Web.
Kissinger, H. A. 2008. “Falling Behind: Globalization and Its Discontents.” The International Herald Tribune, Web.
Naim, M. 2003. “The Five Wars of Globalization.” Foreign Affaires 134. Web.