Globalization and International Political Economy

International Political Economy and Globalization
1- Exercise your reasoning skills by using clear points and illustrations from Global Trade and Economy Industries, give two or more reasons which justify the definitions of Globalization. Use a reasonable meaning regardless of its rigidity and typical nature.
Globalization refers to the growing international dependency of worldwide nations and organizations as a result of cross-border trading of amenities, cultures, technological concepts as well as information. (Mingst and Arreguin 2011. 161)
Furthermore, the basic principle of globalization originates from the comparative advantage model. This model is of the notion that nations that are renowned globally to produce certain commodities are at an advantage of exporting those commodities to nations that are not capable of generating such goods. On the other hand, the less capable nation is also able to trade what it is best able to produce to the former nations. This results in trade exchanges between nations as there is not one country which can produce everything on its own. In addition to this, the existence of diverse assets in each country provides an advantage in all the involved nations. (Sciubba, 2011. 80)
However, practically all elements of this present world has been influenced by globalization. For instance, a Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco report of 2010 indicated that nearly 35.6% of the garments and footwear that are retailed in the United States originated from China. This is in comparison to barely the 3.4 % of those items that were locally made in the United States. This form of trade is shown to have advantages such as the increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) compared to global trading. This increase enhances technological exchange, business reformations as well as the expansion of international corporations. (Mingst and Arreguin 2011. 165)
Moreover, globalization results in enhanced competition which facilitates the growth of novel technology. The increase in FDI streamlines business operations thus enhancing the trade and industry outcomes. Not only that, but globalization also facilitates the realization of cost advantages which minimize business expenses thus resulting in huge profit margins among global companies. The downside of this is that local small scale enterprises tend to suffer economically. (Mingst and Arreguin 2011. 165)
Globalization has nevertheless faced a backlash from several critical minds who claim that globalization only seeks to exploit the impoverished who ultimately sponsor the affluent lifestyles. This may not augur well, considering we live in a world where equality as well as the concept of fair and just interrelations between people and the society is highly advocated for. Societal strains have been observed in communities where globalization has only benefited a certain group out of the entire nation. These strains often lead to violence and prejudice. Amy Chua, who is a connoisseur of globalization, blatantly states that global policy makers must address this emerging trend of disparities created by globalization. (Mingst and Arreguin 2011. 167)
As a result of the current worldwide economic calamity, the prevailing fact is that most of the young adults who innately belong to certain societal clusters never seem to overcome such lifestyles. This has been caused by the effects of globalization which tends to shine its light on those who possess competent abilities to suit in certain job positions which elevate their social lifestyles. In as much as this is just one of the many probable causes, the time has come for the influential citizens to seek solutions to these issues simply because globalization ought to positively enhance the lifestyles of all people in the society. (Sciubba, 2011. 82)
Last but not least, a point worth noting is that an increase in the economy should foster equal sharing of resources, ecological conservancy as well as social accountability. Lack of equal sharing of resources as well as unfair treatment in the society are the causes of social upheavals experienced in countries. What was experienced in the Arab Spring upheavals only goes to show that there is a clear division between the impoverished and the affluent as each class seeks to fight for the nation’s resources. As such, the root cause of these issues should be identified and nabbed. (Mingst and Arreguin 2011. 169)
2- Reasoning with clear ideas and examples, provide at least two main justifications for International Economic Development as a legitimate component of Globalization, and two of its main criticisms? Have a working definition of International Development even if highly elastic and normative. How is this distinguished from the UN Human Development project if at all?
The role of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a non- business entity, is to assist the task forces which run the economy. IEDC considers itself as a crucial element of globalization owing to the global and diverse number of shareholders who surpass 5,000 and also it boasts of being a one of a kind as well as the biggest international corporation. In addition, the primary policy guidelines for IEDC include globalization, maintaining any form of environmental change, creating businesses as well as reforming the global economies. As such, IEDC partners with societies as well as agencies of economic growth to integrate those primary frameworks into relevant programs geared towards enhancing the economy like societal regeneration, invention of business operations as well as creating sources of livelihoods in nations as well as globally. (Van den Berg, 2016. 4)
The global partnership of IEDC and other corporations fosters global data transfer, competent skills as well as effective methods for business operations within business experts and agencies. One of the ways they do this is by attending events organized by any of the involved parties thus enhancing international relations thereby fostering globalization. (Sciubba, 2011. 84)
Conversely, the prevailing matters relating to IEDC are to do with the mandate it has over decision-making on global issues. This issue is as a result of the impact IEDC has on a nation’s independence. IEDC is criticized on this front as it is felt that the decisions made are political in nature, and have to involve power play. As such, some nations are intentionally left out whenever such decisions are deliberated on. In as much as the model of involving all stakeholders in order to reach to an agreement has been the norm in IEDC operations, some claim that this is only superficial and that more often than not, IEDC tends to favor votes of the affluent nations over the impoverished ones. (Van den Berg, 2016. 6)
Moreover, the critics are well aware of the lack of democracy within IEDC. Regardless of the shortage in validity of these economic agencies, they still advance as a result of globalization. Organizations in the revolutionary period were better placed in exercising integration as opposed to the current business environment that is operated by set of rules. The rise of political involvement as well as the ability to sanction other nations has diminished the business freedom and has also mitigated the changes needed to be executed to create a balanced business environment, especially in emerging nations. (Sciubba, 2011. 89)
Lastly, there is lack of a substantive definition of global economic advancement from United Nation human development project (UNHDP). This body is at the forefront in promoting reformations by integrating nations with skills, information and amenities to enhance the livelihoods of people. UNHDP offers technical and financial aid to emerging nations and pays key attention to the most impoverished states. It encourages technological development in countries. (Van den Berg, 2016. 7)

3- Using biblical and extra-biblical sources (The Bible, commentaries, teachings, other writings, etc.) to inform your own reasoning, does a consistent Christian worldview require definite support for or opposition to such institutions, or is this support or opposition merely contingent upon specific institutional ideas and behaviors? Be clear and coherent in your responses.
Personally, I believe that all human beings are endowed with fundamental cognitive alignments which are diverse. Worldview has been defined as the discrete opinion humans have in regards to truth and authenticity. Followers of Christ frequently take Paul’s caution: “Do not be joined together with non-believers” (2 Cor. 6:14) to mean that they are not to relate with the world in any way. Nonetheless, followers of Christ are compelled to “sway the world”. (Theron and Lotter, 2009. 472). As such, followers of Christ must embrace their mission of being change agents in every aspect of life. The only way Christianity can have an impact on the world is by being anchored on a central worldview which is embedded on improving the entire world in all aspects, be it political, social, economic or physical. (Theron and Lotter, 2009. 472)
Consequently, we ought to dig deeper into the Christian worldview because it is based on the principles passed down from the Bible as well as history. As such, I am convinced that there is no way to refute this worldview since it is embedded on beliefs which cannot be empirically examined as they form the core foundation. Therefore, this calls for continued support for these institutions.















Bibliography
Mingst, Karen A., and Ivan M. Arreguín-Toft. Essentials of International Relations: Sixth International Student Edition. WW Norton & Company, 2013.
Sciubba, Jennifer. "INTS 100-02, Introduction to International Relations, Spring 2011." (2011).
Simmons, Beth A., and Zachary Elkins. "The globalization of liberalization: Policy diffusion in the international political economy." American political science review 98, no. 1 (2004): 171-189.
Theron, P. M., and G. A. Lotter. "The necessity of an integral Christian worldview: reconnoitering the challenges for influencing the unbelieving world." Koers 74, no. 3 (2009): 467-493.
Van den Berg, Hendrik. Economic growth and development. World Scientific Publishing Company, 2016.
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