What is globalization? - Choe Seoyeong

 1. Summary

Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, businesses, and governments across the world. As a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, it is often seen as a form of capitalist expansion that integrates local and national economies into a global, largely unregulated market system. The growth of globalization has been driven by advances in transportation and communication technologies, which have facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures on an international scale. While globalization is primarily an economic process, it is also deeply connected to social and cultural aspects, as well as to historical patterns of conflict and diplomacy.

Economically, globalization involves the exchange of goods and services, as well as the movement of capital, technology, and data across borders. The expansion of the global market has liberalized economic activities by reducing trade barriers and encouraging the free flow of resources. The formation of global markets has been made possible through technological progress, such as the development of steam locomotives, steamships, jet engines, and container ships, alongside major communication breakthroughs like the telegraph, the Internet, and mobile phones. These innovations have been key drivers of globalization, deepening the interdependence of economic and cultural activities worldwide.

Although many scholars trace the origins of globalization to modern times, others argue that it began long before the European Age of Discovery—some even dating it back to around 3000 B.C. Large-scale globalization started to accelerate in the 1820s, and by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, connections between the global economy and culture expanded rapidly. However, the term globalization only began to take on its current meaning in the 1970s.

 

2. Interesting and unusual points

I found it interesting that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) defines globalization through four key aspects: trade, capital and investment flows, migration, and the spread of knowledge. It was also surprising to see how environmental issues like global warming, transboundary water management, air pollution, and overfishing are all connected to globalization. Moreover, globalization influences not only business and the economy but also social, cultural, and environmental systems. Academic research typically divides globalization into three main dimensions—economic, cultural, and political—showing how deeply it affects nearly every part of human life.

 

3. Concerns and problems

Globalization points to the diversity of interconnected fatal consequences, such as social collapse, the collapse of democracy, a faster and more widespread deterioration of the environment, and the spread of new diseases. Increasing poverty and alienation are another problem with globalization. While the power of globalization is leading to the spread of Western-style democracy, free market economic policies are accompanied by increased ethnic tensions and violence along with the expansion of militarization to combine with the democratic process of universal suffrage and impose democratic principles.

 

4. Points for discussion

I could suggest a question that does globalization destroy culture? Globalization brings economic growth but is often criticized for eroding local culture and community identity. The spread of global brands and fast-food chains symbolizes how globalization can lead to cultural uniformity, raising the question of whether it destroys culture. It has indeed weakened or eliminated certain traditions and local enterprises, yet people are not powerless in responding to these effects. Globalization can also be an opportunity to promote cultural diversity. In Ireland, participation in global trade not only strengthened its economy but also helped spread Irish culture—through beer, film, music, and dance—around the world. Exposure to other cultures encouraged many Irish people to preserve their own identity, shown in the revival of the Irish language. Economist Marc Coleman points out that while globalization often spreads a secular and individualistic worldview, it also gives traditional or family-oriented cultures a platform to share their perspectives. Instead of resisting it, societies can use globalization to express and promote their unique values. In the end, economic opportunity should not replace native culture and traditions; it is important to know who we are and protect the cultural values that define us.

 

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, globalization is a powerful force that connects people, economies, and cultures across the world. It has brought remarkable economic growth, technological progress, and opportunities for global cooperation. However, it has also created serious challenges such as cultural erosion, environmental damage, social inequality, and political instability. The influence of globalization extends beyond trade and economics—it reshapes how societies function and how people understand their identities. Therefore, globalization should not be seen only as an economic process but as a phenomenon that requires balance between progress and preservation. To ensure a sustainable and inclusive future, it is essential to embrace the benefits of globalization while protecting cultural diversity, human values, and social justice.

 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization

https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/science/future/879226.html

https://www.acton.org/

 

Use of AI: for language refinement

 

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