Globalization: Positive or Negative

Globalization has both positive and negative aspects. I personally think that it depends on the perspective which is used to analyze the factors related with Globalization. If we think of the world economy dominated by a small group of nations, Globalization looks to be unfair on developing nations. And the other way round, if we think about studying in an online university, regardless of the national boundaries and economic constraints, Globalization is like a blessing. However, these are not the only points which make us so divisive; we need to take a deeper look into it.

So, let’s take a look at the positive side.

1. Better trade, business and job opportunities (Mourduokotas, 2011).

2. Joint efforts in tackling global issues like global crimes, Epidemics, and Environmental issues.

3. Establishment of international aid agencies to help developing nations.

4. Technological innovation and knowledge sharing (Goldin, 2012).

5. Emergence of International NGOs to improve lives at grassroots level.

6. Opportunities for global research and development.

7. People around the world get to know each other better by sharing their culture.

8. Worldwide sporting events like FIFA World Cup and the Olympics promote global harmony (Economic-geography.org, 2012).

9. Increased cooperation between countries. 

10. New sources of income for developing countries like Remittances. 

11. Enforcement of global laws like Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Copyright laws. 

12. Declination of language barriers, hence increase in communication (Economic-geography.org, 2012).

Now, let’s see some of its negative consequences.

1. Monopoly of powerful nations.

2. Illegal Immigration (Economic-geography.org, 2012).

3. Spread of global diseases.

4. Sweatshops: Use of cheap labor in developing countries and selling goods at high price worldwide (Economic-geography.org, 2012). 

5. Threat to local cultures due to increasing influence from popular cultures.

6. Occurrence of Trade Wars.

7. Rise in global crimes.

8. Large funds wasted due to failure of aid projects.

Inevitably, a lot more can be added to both sides. However, the points above give us a general idea that even if there are negative effects, the positive results can compensate for them. Considering, the negative aspects, I think that they can be regulated because most of them are due to weakness in laws and policies, and lack of awareness in people. So, some reinforcement in government policies and international laws, and increase in public awareness programs can greatly assist in tackling the negative influences of Globalization.   

References:

Mourdoukoutas, P. (September 10, 2011), The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Side of Globalization, Accessed: January 6, 2013, Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2011/09/10/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-side-of-globalization/

Goldin, I. (February 1, 2012), Globalization: The good, The bad and the Uncertain, Accessed: January 6, 2013, Retrieved from: http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=9519

Economic-geography.org (July 5, 2012), Effects of Globalization, Accessed: January 6, 2013, Retrieved from: http://www.economic-geography.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98:effects-of-globalization&catid=98:inf&Itemid=85

 © Dixit Bhatta 2013