Globalization Became a Hot Topic in 1999

Globalization became a hot topic in 1999 during the Summit of the World Trade Organization in Seattle, where ant-globalization protesters disrupted proceedings and fought pitched battles with police (Hazebroek, 2001, p.1). The important questions that continue to rise are; what are the pros and the cons of International Trade as far as workers are concerned? Hazebroek reported in his article that the supporters of globalization claim that it leads to higher employment and therefore greater prosperity, whereas opponents believe that globalization, in its current form, only serves to widen the gap between rich and poor (2001 p.1).

Workers move from one country to another partly to find better employment opportunities. The numbers involved are still quite small, but in the period 1965-90, the portion of labor forces round the world that was foreign born increased by about one-half. Most migration occurs between developing countries (Staff p.1). The positives for workers during international trade are actually the cons for others. There may be areas that are more developed then others and are able to provide more jobs and opportunities for their residents; whereas, other countries may not be as fortunate, and the effects may be increase unemployment and poverty among their residents. Through international trade opportunities for capital movement, movement of the people, and a spread of knowledge become possible (Staff p.4).