What is Globalization?

Globalization is, “A process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology” (Globalization101.com). This process has both positive and negative outlooks. According to Curran and Park, cultural theory suggests that globalization creates a “Global village,” (Curran and Park, 7) where increased technology has allowed for greater understanding amongst cultures, as well as faster and more useful communication. However, political economists believe that globalization can also have negative affects. The article argues that, “National Governments lost part of their sovereignty,” (Curran and Park, 9) due to globalization and homogeny. This loss of power amongst nations occurs when, “all economies are subjected to the pressure of market norms and behavior” (Curran and Park, 10). While globalization has cultural benefits, like enhanced communication, we also see the political and economic risks that it burdens us with.

Lee Hsein Loong, the deputy prime minister of Singapore states that, “There are risks to globalization, but in the end, there is no alternative to globalization” (PBS, Ch. 15). Loong recognizes the loss of power and economic risks that globalization can bring about; however, he also knows that we live in a world based on globalization which cannot be reversed. Noam Chomsky also realizes that globalization is necessary for the economy. He gives the example of farmers, who he describes as “Rational peasants” (Chompsky). He explains that these farmers know that they must export their goods in order to make a maximum profit. By exporting their goods to other nations, we see just a small part of the “international integration” that globalization offers to the world.

Global communication and culture benefit from globalization. Not only can a person call a friend in Italy, as Noam Chomsky said, but there is an increased understanding amongst people because it opens up, “new lines of communication between different groups and construct(s) new spaces for the building of mutuality” (Curran and Park, 7). Nowadays, we see global communication prosper through the internet and social networking cites. Americans can see a video made in China on Youtube, and Europeans can explore the lives (and tweets) of American stars on Twitter. Because people from different cultures can better relate to one another, we see globalization prosper through communication.

1. Chomsky, Noam. "What Is Globalization?" YouTube. 26 Mar. 2007. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. .

2. Chomsky, Noam. "Discussion on Globalization." YouTube. 30 Oct. 2006. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. .

3. "Commanding Heights: Storyline | on PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. .

4. Curran, James, and Myung-Jin Park. "Beyond Globalization Theory." De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. Print.

5. "What Is Globalization." Globalization 101: a Student's Guide to Globalization. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. .