Recently finished this essay for my international politics class. The topic was globalization. Enjoy!
Globalization is a force that has the power to substantially benefit and unite mankind. However, it needs emphasis on maintaining local communities and minimizing the gap between rich and poor before it can be truly successful. Currently the nations and multinational corporations that seek commerce beyond domestic markets are moving at too quickly as new markets open up. Such quick progress carries with it both benefits and detriments. The spread of globalization hasn't been completely smooth, and many nations or trade organizations still have sizable tariffs and laws that inhibit foreign trade. Lack of infrastructure as well as lack of trust by developing nations have also hindered the development of new markets.The movement of businesses and funds toward an interconnected set of markets is at the core of globalization (Rourke). By moving beyond domestic markets, businesses can expand their operations. New markets provide multinational corporations with cheaper workforces and allow for lower production costs and higher profit margins.
There is great potential within these new markets for beneficial change. Modernization, reformation, and new construction are all beneficial side effects of opening up the markets in developing nations. Reduced trade barriers and tariffs allow for improved production and ease of distribution (Rourke). Better living conditions and increased life expectancy in developing nations are just some of the ways in which a growing economy benefits everyone within a country (Rourke).
These benefits seem largely one-sided, however, as problems arise in the process of globalization. Layoffs in industrialized nations as multinational corporations move overseas, inability for low-tech farmers to compete with mechanized farmers, and a less tangible, but no less valid, argument against the changing of regional cultures are all problems that emerge during the spread of globalization (Rourke).
While these problems are certainly short term, still they are considerable hurdles to leap in an effort to succeed in the long term. It is a difficult thing to convince someone that the loss of their job will be a national benefit in twenty years (Rourke). Also, to suggest that low-tech farmers can compete with subsidized and mechanized farmers from industrialized nations is simply laughable (Rourke).
America, as the largest exporter of culture worldwide tends to run into opposition from regional cultures wherever its multinational corporations set up shop. The cultural changes perceived by those in other countries becomes a precarious situation. While globalization spreads cultural influences around the world, it seems to spread only the cultural paraphernelia that are pop culture fads, tasty food or otherwise economically useful (Rourke). A lot of the finer aspects of cultures get lost in chic repackaging. The saturation of American brand names into new countries is not so shocking or appalling as the lifestyles many of those brands inevitably lead to. Rampant materialism, obesity, and other characteristically Western problems are slowly creeping into the new markets that welcomed corporations like McDonalds and Coca-Cola (Rourke).
With the myriad of short term problems, it is little wonder that certain factors that have limited the spread and lasting impact of globalization. It is these issues that must be addressed so that the benefits of globalization can be fully realized. A more functional approach to trade tariffs and barriers must be taken so that they are more impartial, especially between developing nations themselves. Improvements to infrastructure - not only in the immediate areas where multinational corporations set up their facilities, but around the regions they inhabit as well - will improve the spread and speed of trade as well ensure a symbiotic future (Rourke). These improvements also help to advance the health and education of the workers within the area. Smarter and healthier workers are, in essence, better workers on the whole (Rourke).
Multinational corporations have to promote an image of philanthropic concern for the areas they inhabit. Doing so will help reduce illogical fears about unfair practices and corporations that cheat the system for short term gain (Chua). There is little reason to argue against a multinational corporation entering a developing nation when that corporation is building roads and health facilities and improving the lives of the people around it.
Through working more closely with regional groups agencies of globalization can better achieve long term goals while taking care of short term problems. Solutions to problems in industrialized as well as developing nations must be brought to the forefront so that they do not severely hinder the spread of globalization in the the future. A more reasonable approach must be taken in regard to free trade amongst developed and developing nations. Multinational corporations must work at a level sensitive to cultural and economic needs of specific regions while also maintaining positive profit margins. With these changes taken into consideration, the march of globalization can continue with a healthy future ahead of it.
Rourke, John T, et al. “Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in World Politics” McGraw Hill, 2006.
Chua, Amy. “World on Fire” Anchor Books, 2003, 2004
I gave my sources at the end of the essay. They were books given to me by my International Politics professor who used to work at the Brookings Institute. You can't really get more credible.