Many manufacturing workers in developed countries are losing work to foreign manufacturers who will work for substantially less pay. As companies take advantage of the significant savings that result by shipping jobs overseas, manufacturing workers in developed countries are frequently forced to take jobs paying significantly less in their own country. One of the greatest impacts on the global economy is the world's growing thirst for crude oil. The engine of the world still runs on gas which is steadily becoming problematic. In addition, the giant Chinese economy has awakened to the power that comes from combustion engine prosperity, so demand for the precious commodity has reached an all time high. But oil consumption and demand are not simply economic problems for the world. Oil is at the center of many of the cultural problems facing the planet.

Cultural Globalization confluence of cultures has beset the world's richest oil producing areas and has ignited significant fury by many Islamic religious fundamentalists. Traditionally, religious fundamentalists face the introduction of new cultures with suspicion and often hostility.

All forms of religious fundamentalism rely on the notion of a "pure" religion independent of cultural variations and influences. Today's Islamic revival shares the dogmatism, communitarianism, and scripturalism of American evangelist movements: both reject culture, philosophy, and even theology to favor a literalist reading of sacred texts and an immediate understanding of truth through individual faith. (Roy)

As nations continue to attempt to exert influence on the religious governments in the Middle East, many practitioners...

For some, the situation is simply unacceptable. This fact coupled with the poverty, repression and standard of living experienced by many in the region, inevitably lead to a physical conflict.
Globalization Continues

Because the world has a voracious appetite that shows no sign of relenting, it is extremely likely that the trend toward globalization of politics, economics and cultures will continue in the same direction. Notwithstanding the efforts of xenophobic nations and cultures, the desire and necessity for increased community and cooperation is essentially guaranteed. As technology further elevates impoverished countries, inhabitants of those parts of the world will surely begin seeking out additional exchanges as well. But this growth will not come without a price. Religious fanaticism will not likely die of natural causes and suspicion and mistrust will probably continue to be the emotions of introduction when two new peoples meet. Still, in spite of the challenges that the world faces, the future will come. Whether it comes in peace or not is still to be decided.

Works Cited

Applebaum, Anne "Back in the U.S.S.R." New Republic 28 Jun. 2004: 230

Firebaugh, Glenn and Goesling, Brian "Accounting for the Recent Decline in Global Income

Inequality." American Journal of Sociology Sep. 2004: 110

Meyer, Michael, Brown, Frank, Mcguire, Stryker, Conant, Eve "Flowers for Freedom."

Newsweek 6 Dec. 2004: 144

Roy, Oliver "Understanding roots of Islamic fundamentalism" Jakarta Post (Indonesia) 24 Jul.

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