Globalization...

It is an ongoing debate. Where perspectives shift based upon global position. This global position includes the geographical location; western world or the eastern, and the global status; super power, developed nation or a developing nation. But before the weighing the scales on this phenomenon, what does it actually mean? Globalization is the integration of the world into one small village. It is essentially a term that represents connections. The world is now connected with modern technology and internet providing instantaneous long-distance communications. Globalization has revolutionized the concept of distance; its meaning, its implications have now been challenged. The process or rather state of globalization which allows a global free-market trade, as well as exchanges of technology, culture and social values is assumed to be a positive thing. Obviously it is good if the world is coming together and there is interdependence and cooperation. Nations are linked in several ties with others, and each is helping the other to progress and advance towards betterment. This is the general idea that the seeming wonderful concept of globalization portrays. However, a closer look at our world today reveals a different picture. Poverty has increased, and continues to do so. More and more regions of the world are now coming under this label. Starkly contrasted to this is the fact that the wealthier regions of the world are as steadily becoming richer and richer. Is globalization indeed benefitting all? It is true that new and modern technology has reached the developing world, but the developed world still continues to remain the basis of comparison. And by comparison the developed world is still far behind. And this power imbalance and status quo will remain, for globalization is reinforcing it. Globalization is benefitting different regions at different paces and to different extents, if indeed it is benefitting all regions. Multinational companies such as Nike open up factories in poorer region under the pretext of providing employment and revenues while actually exploiting cheap labour. World organizations such as IMF and the world claim to help developing regions by monetary assistance, however in exchange of loans the nation has to agree to many conditions which are often detrimental to it, and furthermore, the superpowers feel that they have a license to interfere in the internal matters of a nation. The concept of free trade asserts that it provides everyone an equal chance to compete in the global market. However, it is a competition and like all competitions, the fittest win. The developing nations often fail to match the high standards of their wealthier competitors. Those who support it, associate the concept of interdependence with globalization. However, in most cases it actually translates into the dependence of the weaker nation and the domination of the wealthier. Instead of striving to be self-sufficient, globalization traps the developing nations to rely on the developed superpowers for their survival.