Globalization

For years, proponents of globalization have argued that increased economic and cultural integration is beneficial for all members of society. Others argue that globalization has benefited the few at the expense of the masses. Noam Chomsky offers insight into this matter as he answers “What is Globalization?” Chomsky details a system rural farmers move to urban areas in search of steady work. MNCs (Multi-National Corporations) certainly benefit from an expanded labor pool, although wages go down while the economy booms. If farmers don’t move to the urban slums and choose to continue farming, they are forced to compete with imported products, often with less than favorable results. He cites the rational peasant, who understands that goods must be produced for export and maximum profit. In many cases they turn to coca or poppy farming and grow plants destined for the drug market. The saying goes “Desperate times call for desperate measures” and nowhere is this clearer than in the Global South. It is a known fact that impoverished individuals will often resort to crime or any other means necessary to make a living. It is worth considering that there are many capable, motivated, intelligent individuals who also find themselves impoverished. As many individuals find themselves marginalized in this period of intense globalization, how will they respond and provide for themselves? With small laptop computers being produced for less than $200 and wi-fi hotspots popping up left and right, even in the Global South – it is time to be worried about a new type of crime. As eCommerce in the United States alone increased 17% from 2007 to 2008* (to a total of $204 billion!!) there exists a staggering market for targets of cyber crime. Especially when taken into consideration the low level of violence involved in internet fraud in contrast to the extremely high levels of violence in the drug trade, it is certainly an appealing field to make a quick buck. It would definitely be interesting to study emerging trends in this area of study.

* http://www.shop.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?groupId=1&articleId=702&version=1.0