Globalization concepts and impacts

¶ … Rebuilding the Alliance to Rebuild Globalization, by John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, Section 4,-Page 6, Column 1, 4/13, 2003.

This article argues that the concept of globalization as an unstoppable and inevitable (and generally good) force in 21st-century society must be questioned as recent rifts in the Western alliance have grown more serious.

This article makes the important point that there are long-standing structural constraints to the process of globalization. Empires have been built before but they have always crumbled because the forces of localization tend to overcome at some point the forces of consolidation. Centrifugal force applies not only in the world of physics but also of human society.

World Forum, Back at Davos, Faces Tough Economic Skiing," by Alan Cowell, Section A, Page 3, Column 1, Jan. 23, 2003.

Summary: This article examines an annual meeting of business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and their having to come to terms with a slowing worldwide economy.

Analysis: One of the major reasons that globalization has been supported by many who have philosophical problems with the concept is that is has promised greater wealth at most if not all levels of society. However, the world's economic state over the last two years suggest that the promises of economic growth and stability that many supporters of globalization have made are illusory.

Article Three

Brazil May Not Stay Upright on a Shaky Global Stage." Edmund, Section 1, Page 8, Column 3, Oct. 6, 2002.

Summary: An analysis of the field of candidates for the elections in Brazil demonstrates that although the candidates differ on many issues, a slowing down of American globalization is one thing that they agree on.

Analysis: Although Brazil's economic situation should be improving - and although the country has been able to work out its repayment schedule through the IMF - its economy remains shaky and its currency in trouble. Candidates for president - especially those on the left but even those on the right - suggest that the real problem may be American attempts to globalize all of the New World.

Article Four

Lagos Journal; Globalization of Beauty Makes Slimness Trendy" by Norimitsu Onishi, Section A, Page 4, Column 3, Oct. 3, 2002.

Summary: This article looks not at the economic aspects of globalization (the most common take) or even on the political ones but rather on the cultural ones - including how Western standards of beauty are affecting Africans.

Analysis: Although the pros and cons of globalization tend to be discussed primarily in economic and secondarily in political terms, the effects of increased trade and decreased economic barriers also has a significant impact on a range of other aspects of culture, including standards of female beauty - which is only seemingly a long way from NAFTA and the WTO.

Article Five

Globalization, Alive and Well." Thomas L. Friedman, Section 4,-Page 13, Column 1, Sept. 22, 2002.

Summary: This article argues that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 have been a great boon to globalization and have to some extent silenced those who have been trumpeting its dangers.

Analysis: This article argues that the terrorist attacks have made nations, their leaders and their citizens newly and profoundly aware of the fact that we are indeed all citizens of a common globe and that while there may be problems with the model of globalization when seen in purely economic terms, in terms of national security the model of a unified world is a very comforting one to many.

Article Six

Free-Market Upheaval Grinds Mexico's Middle Class." Ginger Thompson. Section A, Page 3, Column 1, Sept. 4, 2002.

Summary: Mexico's economic liberalization and growing dependence on a fully free market economy during the past generation has not closed substantial gaps between the rich and poor.

Analysis: Vicente Fox ran his presidential campaign in no small measure on the power and virtues of globalization, especially for Mexico's middle class and for the poor that would become middle-class with the opportunities offered by globalization. These have not in fact materialized.

Article Seven

As Multinationals Run the Taps, Anger Rises Over Water for Profit." John Tagliabue. Section A, Page 1, Column 1, Aug. 26, 2002.

Summary: This article reminds us that while globalization may be capable of "growing" the economy for many (and possibly even a majority of nations), it is not capable of increasing natural resources.

Analysis: One of the major sticking points of globalization is that while nations may agree to trade (an arena in which it is possible for both sides to gain something that they want) in the area of scarce natural resources there will almost necessarily be conflicts among nations, conflicts that could well undercut globalization efforts.

Article Eight

Globalization." Tina Rosenberg. Section 6,-Page 28, Column 1, Aug. 18, 2002.

Summary: This is a sort of primer by Rosenberg on how to make the process of globalization more equitable so that Third World nations benefit from it as much as First World nations.

Analysis: This article rightly makes the point that a globalized economy is not necessarily an equitable one and that if First World nations wish to continue to receive the benefits of globalization then they must be willing to allow greater benefits to Third World countries, especially in the area of intellectual property rights.