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Roxy James’ Globalisation Blog
Looking at a map, there are definite boundaries that separate the various countries and cities of the world which serve to reinforce a sense of territoriality, nationality and indemnity. However, these physical distinctions are constantly being eroding in today’s society, simply because they have become undermined by the phenomenon of globalization.Globalization can be defined as the integration of economic, political and social cultures, and is encompassed in the modernization theory, where there is an almost uncharacteristic and startling diffusion of cultural mores and ideas throughout the globe.
Countries in the Caribbean region-particularly Jamaica and Barbados- have been actively pursuing policies to aid in the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) which are driving the globalization process to create a knowledge-based society that would contribute positively to the economic growth and development of the region.
The advantages of MNCs in the Caribbean are undeniable-employment and the multiplier effect on the local economy that facilitates and promotes the growth of support services. Many countries have profited from the increased foreign exchange flows from multinational investments- Barbados and the Bahamas have benefited from tourism, Jamaica through bauxite and alumina and Trinidad through petroleum. According to Lent, “The strong presence of TNCs in the Caribbean has tied the economy and politics of each country to those of the large industrial nations, particularly the United States” (Lent 1991, 74).
Despite this, developing countries, such as those in the Caribbean, often feel a threat to their independence in having to deal with large corporations possibly because of the delicate reminder of the past as a colonized region and the submission to the more powerful, imperial nations. MNCs are also accused of merely investing in countries like Jamaica and Guyana without a single care for the environment. They are solely concerned with economic growth as opposed to sustainable development and thus, they neglect aspects such as pollution control and safety for workers.
Globalization, is accused of widening the gap between the rich and the poor, something completely contradictory to what it was originally intended to do (erode distinctions and level the playing field). This rapid growth in the disparity between the information-rich and in the information-poor is becoming increasingly noticeable especially since the process is occurring between the largely underdeveloped (the majority of the world’s population) and the industrialised countries, which form a small elite.
An aspect of globalization is therefore the introduction of crime into the Caribbean region, as the people who are the lower end of the poverty line are exposed to various types of criminal activities ranging from drugs, prostitution, trafficking, child labour-just a few forms of corruption that has been enhanced by globalization.
Globalisation is related to what I’d call the invasion of foreign media, often in an uncontrolled way. This flow of images from foreign countries has many negative aspects such as cultural erasure where our local Caribbean culture is disappearing in favour for the glitz and glam of North America.
Despite these negativities, I credit globalization since it provides the necessary forums needed to place the Caribbean on the international stage. For instance, the international diffusion of Jamaican popular culture throughout the globe, and Trinidad’s Carnival and its followers that are “a popular globalised celebration of hybridity and cultural identity...which facilitates the centring of the periphery” (Nurse, 200,109).
The dawn of globalization has produced its fair share of advantages as well as issues, ranging from critical issues from the economic, social and political spheres-communications, ecology, biotechnology and genetic engineering, health and education (provision of distance and interactive self-teaching facilities), food, employment and quality of life. It has promoted a degree of interconnectedness between states and people.
Although globalization has certainly done its share in terms of demolishing previous physical boundaries, it has simultaneously created a subtle divide, creating more pronounced distinctions between developed and developing countries.
Additionally, despite the fact that globalization may have resulted in the deliberate and unintentional hegemony of foreign giants as well as subjected the region to US and European sovereignty, it’s good to know that the Caribbean has not been just standing by sponging in foreign culture, but rather, a vibrant producer and exporter of popular culture.
Roxy James, Trinidad
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Nadia Siddiqi’s view of globalisation
I’m from Karachi Pakistan; the Karachi Stock exchange was declared the ‘Best Performing Stock Market of the World for the year 2002’ when Pervez Musharraf our most recent resident dictator was in power; things have not been as rosy since. Karachi though is better known for terrorism during and after that period (post 9/11 2001); the place where Daniel Pearl was killed. His French wife corroborated with Hollywood’s star couple `Branjelina` to make a film on his killing by a British(son of Pakistani immigrants) terrorist ;oddly the filming was in India (no permission from the Pakistani government) and featured only two Pakistani actors (in a cast of hundreds of Indians).How is this related to globalisation? Please review the number of nationalities involved in the project.Karachi fashion week (like Pakistan fashion week) recently only featured western clothes to be worn by Pakistanis. When Benazir Bhutto (who went to school in Karachi; before Harvard, then Oxford; becoming a notoriously corrupt self-exiled politician and then getting killed in Rawalpindi) called Asia the continent of the 21st century; the influence of the west on everything from what we eat, wear and bathe with was not as evident as it is now. From the bath&body works right across the street, the airport McDonald's, Benneton, Levi Strauss, Gucci, Chanel, Armani (Shaukat Aziz wore Armani suits) and then the infusion of the west into the clothes Pakistani designers make: gowns by Freiha Altaf; there is not a single clothing item made by our top designers (HSY,Maria B,Nadia Mistry,Deepak Perwani &Ammar Belal) that does not reveal legs/cleavage: Strange when you look back a decade.
Why has this happened? because we have significantly more designer imports (clothes and accessories) than exports. People buy foreign designer wear. Women in Burqahs ubiquitously carry big fat GUCCI bags. Burqahs themselves are imported from other countries. Muslim Scarves are almost always Italian.
We’re also influenced by Arabs; Jamiat-islamia; an organization responsible for a lot of violence funded mainly if not entirely by Saudi Sheikhs. There are high-walled Sheikh palaces all over the city of Karachi. Arab terrorists have allegedly settled in Northern Pakistan.
Oriental-staffed Chinese, Thai and Japanese restaurants invaded this city long before McDonald's did. There is the French Cafe Flo and Italian pizzerias. Karachi-ites from even the most rundown localities predominantly watch Bollywood and Hollywood films. Lolly-wood alienated itself from the city as the province of Punjab did. Other than that there is the Goethe institute for German and Alliance Française de Karachi for French aficionados. Embassies house people from everywhere in the world and many families are racially/ethnically-mixed.
Other Effects: There’s exposure and tolerance of cosmopolitan diversity in this metropolis but on the other hand there is tension/conflict. Smuggled foreign-designer-wear is sold in flea-markets sprawled all over the city; expensive cell/mobile phones are robbed at gunpoint in every public arena. These cell-phones are then sold cheap and people buy them because we don’t want to be robbed of an expensive investment. Economic decline results from not cutting Imports.
Nadia Siddiqi, Pakistan
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Me, My Country and globalisation
Name for the process of increasing the connectivity and interdependence of the world's markets and businesses I used to see globalization like a kind of panacea for all economies, cultures and people of the world problems, by being connected and well integrated in one same sphere. But seeing how things are like today makes me quite doubtful about the effects of globalisation, especially in south countries like Cameroon, where I do live. Yes, globalisation is a reality. It affects me and, that sort of standardization of world’s systems makes me anxious about my future.The way globalization affects me
● The more obvious effects are positive ones like access to information, knowledges, “cultures” from other countries. Thanks to Internet and other Medias I learn many things from around the world everyday. Today, I use Facebook, Myspace…, I do exchange and I’m connected with other persons from everywhere. I do consume products from many countries. In a nutshell, I can say that I’m a “globalized man”. But the other side of the medal is not so glittering.
● “Afro-pessimistic” people always say that globalization is a threat to south countries economies and cultures. In some way, it’s true. It’s clear that cultures are to change in times, but globalization also trend to lead to some bad changes.
For example, as I am opened to other cultures, some people in my country see me as an “uprooted man”. According to them, being so opened to stranger cultures makes me loose my own one. I sometimes feel like I’m not enough “Cameroonian”, neither European, nor American, Asian…in my habits. It’s like I’m from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Concerning economy, globalisation is more a threat to my country ones. national enterprises are not strong enough to face globalisation effects. We are literally “invaded” by products from coming from outside, particularly from developed countries like USA, France, and especially nowadays from China! Because some of those products (Chinese ones) have low cost, we buy them more than local ones, and this contribute to kill our national economy.
Some options for the future
With the increasing polarisation of world’s economic activities in developed countries ( USA, England, Japan…), I think in countries like mine, as we don’t possess enough means to face the growing influence of globalization, we have to elaborate real strong and sustainable development plans for the future. Otherwise, we’ll always leeway to make up compared with developed ones, while trying to benefit from globalization too. We have to purpose our knowledge; promote our local know-how, to benefit from it, like countries like China, India, Vietnam…did. But sadly, with our social realities (particularly our bad mentalities) i think globalization will continue to affect me and all my society, more in bad manner.
Philippe, Cameroon
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Globalisation from a Malaysian viewpoint
Thanks to the advent of technology, human manages to extend their arms further to another end of the globe than ever before. By reaching out, we automatically expose ourselves to all the influences of a totally alien environment, both the good and the bad. That is globalisation - the expansion of boundaries unlimited by space and distance.From an Asian’s perspective, erosion of our strong traditional and cultural values is often highlighted as a direct result of such integration. Nevertheless at a personal level, globalisation has affected me in a more positive way than the other.
My experience with globalisation began when I flew over to Glasgow, Scotland to complete my Bachelor’s degree. The most memorable one of course, was with my fellow classmates. We worked together on several projects, including one which aimed to bridge the gaps between the Malaysian students and the Scottish students, named the Buddy System. Through interaction with my Scottish friends, I improved on my communication skills. From them, I learnt to be honest with my feelings. From them, I discovered that Asian culture was not the only one that was unique. From them, I found values that I could adapt to make myself a better person.
On the other hand, living in a foreign country was completely eye-opening. Coming from another constitutional monarchy myself, I saw how such a country could be managed differently than the one I had been living in for the past 20 years. I saw a society that handles gender equality and racism issues better than my own. I saw the importance of having a responsible government. I saw how normal layman like you and me could play a part in a country’s progress and have a say in the government’s policy. I saw the path that my country could follow to become a developed nation!
It would not be exaggerating for me to say that my Glasgow experience was both inspiring and enlightening. I returned to Malaysia as a new person, a better person. With me I brought back additional qualities I picked up from my Scottish buddies, and a brainload of ideas which I am ready to contribute actively to my people and my country.
Globalisation brought me to a foreign land, given me exposure and allowed me to learn from a new culture.
It has not let me to forget my root and my cultural heritage.
In fact, I spread and shared them with everyone in the UK, as a part of me.
Lim KK, Malaysia
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Harrison Carter’s view of globalisation
My name’s Harry Carter, I’m 16 years old and I live in Sheffield. As a Member of the European Youth Parliament, globalisation is obviously at the heart of what I do and it’s my role in the European Youth Parliament which has educated and informed me about the important part it plays in the world today.In the European Youth Parliament, I am responsible for creating links and contacts between young activists across Europe. This remit is vital to globalisation. By forging this mindset of cooperation with other countries, and by forging it at such a young age, I believe that globalisation will continue to grow and be accepted as the way we can proceed and grow as an international community.
Globalisation is important for me because, I believe it enhances the melting pot of cultures which make countries better and stronger. It also allows specifically the young people of different nationalities to experience and further their understanding of how others live their lives.
The CISV programme, building global friendships is a brilliant example of young people and globalisation. It offers young people a comprehensive experience of other nation’s national identity and traditions. The friendships forged at the CISV camps cross national boundaries and are key to expanding the principles of globalisation.
However as an EYP I have also noticed the problems globalisation can cause when international interests conflict heavily with a national priorities. For example health in the United Kingdom is centred around the institution of the NHS which gives free health care for all. Internationally however, health care functions best when under the structure or a privatised system. In developing countries health has become a commodity. This strikes against the ideals of globalisation which aims to better the world by pooling resources of all nations.
So for me, globalisation show cases and often achieves many positive things for many people but it still has areas where improvement is needed.
Harry Carter, UK
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Globetrotting and General Gains from Globalisation
The application in one of the social networks I use just informed me that I’ve already visited 24 countries in 4 continents. Today only, I’ve already communicated with wonderful and diverse characters from 5 different time zones - friends I made during my thrilling trips. Today, I lived my daily life using casual goods made all around the world, without even thinking about it. Sounds like a casual day of the 21st century?Seems like it. Open borders, free flow of goods, advancements in technology, increasing social, political and economic relations, global village - concepts mentioned everyday, huh? The possibilities and opportunities available to the youth nowadays, however, could hardly been envisioned only 20 years ago. Likewise, the people of this generation can hardly conceptualize the world two decades ago. I was born and raised Lithuanian, a citizen of a country which was under the Iron curtain and thus isolated from the rest of the world 20 years ago. The fall of the Berlin wall opened borders, flow of ideas, and globalization generally revealed new horizons to all of society. Thanks to globalization, my passion for travels and adventures is now realistic. Family vacations in Southern Europe or Northern Africa, international projects and conferences all over the EU, the seminars on Leadership in Hungary, Climate Change in Germany, and the international cooperation projects in the UK have all contributed to who I am.
The greatest adventure of my life is happening right now. My curiosity and passion for adventures encouraged me to participate in a high school foreign exchange program in the other part of the world. Only thanks to globalization I am now living in Chicago, U.S. and I am able to develop myself as a personality while becoming responsible for my decisions and overcoming new challenges. The chance to live in a different culture is amazing, for it provides a new perspective towards life. Handling the smallest aspects of everyday life has contributed to my overall maturity. For instance, I was using the bathtub for the first week, because I lacked the skill to operate an American (oh yeah!) sink faucet, but once I managed to overcome this challenge, I gained more self-confidence! Whether a common or highly important, every experience is valuable. Therefore I am involved in the Model United Nations club here, and this helps me develop my critical thinking, public speaking and organizational skills. Competitions in a foreign language inspire me to strive to accomplish the impossible. Winning an international Model United Nations conference is a wonderful experience, but I would have never encountered it if I wasn’t able to travel or simply study a foreign language. Due to globalisation-related experiences, I'm becoming a more well-rounded individual and developing a more mature perspective towards life.
When you are reading this, wherever you are, just think about how lucky we are. Whatever our background is, wherever we are from, we have the access to opportunities, because globalisation established “a global platform that allowed more people to plug and play, collaborate and compete, share knowledge and share work, more than anything we have ever seen in the history of the world” (Thomas Friedman). Next time you travel, or simply reconnect with your friends on the other side of the globe think about the opportunities we have due to globalisation. Appreciate it and don’t abuse this wondrous gift.
Dominykas Milasius, Lithuania
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Nisha Thanki’s view of globalisaiton
‘A spectre is haunting cities around the world: the spectre of globalisation’ (Peter Marcuse)Globalisation is, without doubt, a buzzword of our generation. It is normally described as the ‘increased interconnectedness of the world’ and the increased interdependence of countries with global institutions. Maybe this will come across a little too stereotypical for a left wing student but when I hear the word globalisation immediately I can see the fluorescent arch of McDonalds and the Starbucks logo just pop into my head.
As a student in London too, this sight is far too familiar along with a million other chains that dominate the streets of London. Culture is definitely affected by globalisation which can most simply be seen in the choice of food available to us, for example one could argue that how curry is a national dish of Britain or the kebab the national dish of Germany could be considered as a sign of globalisation.
It would be fair to say that diversity can be linked to globalisation however, I come from a small town in East Anglia called Wellingborough and for years there have been talk of redevelopment but the only notable changes have been the introduction of a Costa Coffee, Subway and Burger King. This is definitely one aspect of globalisation that I find negative as many of these big corporations are not ethical and often have poor environmental records.
So as a student how does globalisation affect me, aside from cheap fast food and overpriced coffees? I think the answer is quite simple, we are now faced with an increased interconnected world, which means we have more opportunities available to us than ever before. We have the chance to live, study and work abroad.
Globalisation means that there are more and more links with other countries whether economic, political, cultural or even educational. With Britain’s participation in the Bologna Process there are now attempts to harmonise the education systems across Europe making them more comparable and therefore it is really beneficial for students.
It also encourages students to spend a semester studying abroad, which is what I am doing now, and I have to say it has been an amazing chance to really become independent and also to meet people from all over the world. Therefore I would argue that there are at least some positive aspects of globalisation.
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Globalisation of the Indian Economy
The advent of globalisation in India can be traced to the New Economic Policy that was pursued by the government way back in 1991 to put the ailing economy in place by generating a new wave of reforms which could boost the economic growth and usher in a new era of development and progress. The aim of the new policy was to bring about a realignment of domestic demand with available resources and to initiate changes in supply and production structures with a view to eliminating the external imbalance. The economy was to be liberalized and gradually integrated with the world economy by the dismantling of tariff walls, the protection of foreign direct investment and upgrading the technology of production in various fields. The broad thrusts of the programmes were financial stability, outward-looking policies and deregulation of domestic markets. Globalisation, Liberalisation and Privatisation were thus the broad contours of the New Economic Policy.A new spirit economic freedom is now stirring in the country, bringing sweeping changes in its wake. A series of ambitious economic reforms aimed at deregulating the Indian economy and stimulating foreign investment have moved India firmly into the front ranks of the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region and unleashed the latent strengths of a complex and rapidly changing nation. The opportunities generated consequently are galore and the leading MNCs have been typically quick on the uptake. Post 1991, India’s dynamic and highly competitive private sector has been the backbone of its economic policy. It accounts for over 75 percent of its Gross Domestic Product and offers considerable scope for joint ventures and collaborations.
As of now, India is the most sought after market in the world and it is rapidly emerging as a stronghold in the world economy all owing to the process of globalisation. Foreign Direct Investment has immensely increased and India has embarked on an ambitious plan to emulate the success of globalisation and has thus opened up its economy to the world market. The term globalisation refers to the integration of the economies of the world through uninhibited trade and financial flows, as also through mutual exchange of technology and knowledge. In the context of our country it has implied opening up the economy to FDI by enabling foreign companies and international conglomerates to invest in different fields of economic activities and thereby carrying out massive import liberalization programmes by switching over from quantitative restrictions to reduction of tariffs, quotas and import duties.
In a nutshell it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Globalisation has allowed companies to increase their base of operations, expand their workforce with minimal investments, and provide new services to a broad range of consumers. India has gained highly from the globalisation as its GDP increased to 9.7% in 2007-2008. In respect of market capitalization, India ranks fourth in the world but something needs to done so as to improve the share of agriculture in GDP which is a dismal 17% despite the fact that India is primarily an agrarian economy.
Umang Joshi
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Crystal Yan’s view of globalisation
"噢, 我不明白! 这不好玩!", the boys snickered to each other."Shhhh..." a girl nearby whispered. "She can hear you!"
Rolling their eyes, the two shot back, "Yeah, like she can understand Chinese."
Smiling secretively, she raised her hand. "Eh, excusez-moi, Madame? Est-ce que vous pouvez comprendre le chinois?"
The new teacher smiled back. "Mais bien sûr! 当然! 你为什 么问?"
It's a French 2 classroom, at a public high school in California with a student body of more than 65% students of color. Turns out the new teacher was more well-traveled than these students had thought. An American, she had taught English in France and in China to local students, thereby picking up the languages and now teaches French to American students.
While the term globalization is most commonly associated only with the study of macroeconomics and battles of businesses big and small around the world, to me, I experience more commonly globalization via the integration of international cultures. I have friends who are Indian-American who dress up as actors and actresses from Korean dramas for Halloween, friends who are African-American who gush about Bollywood movies and learning Arabic, and friends who are Hispanic and know their manga to a level that can only be described as fervent obsession.
For me, globalization of culture means defining my unique cultural identity. I question myself whether to define myself as Chinese or American and really, only feel comfortable with Chinese-American, a hybrid of my Chinese tendency to be humble and American tendency to take initiative, and because really, I don't know that many Chinese pop stars and my family spends Thanksgivings making dumplings.
That globalization of culture can be nonpartisan, that people my age are much more open to learning more about something that seems just a little bit different gives me hope.
So what about you? What's your story? Leave a comment below. As a writer, I always hope someone learns something from what I write. And as a student and lifelong learner, I hope that I can learn something from you too.
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Globalisation is when you don’t have to travel to Fiji Islands to get Fiji water …
As you may know, all the people contributing to our series of blogs about Globalisation come from our Global Youth Panel, a group of 1,000 young people from 100 different countries who got together to discuss issues arising from the COP15 conference and who are now moving on to debating all kinds of global issues. One of the stars of the GYP was Katerina Lygkoni from Greece and her views of globalisaiton are presented here:In the beginning of the nineties the 'New World Order’ was the term that I was hearing and reading everywhere and had to learn. By the end of the nineties a new term came to replace it and that was ‘Globalisation’….everywhere.
Now ten years after, the term globalisation is no longer the focus of attention as a term but rather the explanation for everything that is happening around the planet. It’s like a hat placed on the new Millennium and goes with everything.
Originally explained by financial terms for the complex business issues of our times, for example the legendary remark “our stock exchange catches a cold when Far East has flu!”. Never thought the day will come when the opposite could also happen: that the state of our small economy could make the World go round crazy and talk about it non-stop.
Globalisation then moved towards the technological and cultural spheres. A Professor in his article smartly termed it as a “Pax techologica” époque. Through globalization alternative cultures were launched by minorities and disadvantaged groups. According to analysts, a cultural pluralism and the promotion of the cultural understanding paradoxically co-exist with the commercialized mass culture. Subsequently it seems that this paradox is responsible for a culturally neutral globalisation.
When the abnormal looks just normal, when we catch ourselves watching on various screens, more than ever before, there is no mystery. It’s the globalization that went local.
As for me, a plastic bottle of water made me realize what globalization is.
In 2001 through an amazing two-month international education program I had the luck to anchor by boat for 2 days in the capital of Fiji islands, Suva. The humidity and heat were high and like the rest I was buying local mineral water in a bottle from local shops. At the moment of the departure I decided to keep the last empty bottle because it was the most exotic souvenir to bring from Fiji. The bottle had a logo called “FIJI natural artesian water” and had a picture of the Fijian exotic flowers. The label at the back of the bottle had the inscription that this water is from a virgin ecosystem, separated by over 1,500 miles of the open Pacific from the nearest continent. Oh how proud I felt knowing that this unique water bottle I got by myself from the exotic island of Fiji!
What a shock to find one day, 8 years later in 2009, piles of this bottle on the shelves of my local Supermarket! What! How come this exotic water bottle that I had to travel to the other end of the world to get it was now standing on my local market! I bought the bottle to examine it better. Same colors, same logo, emphasis on one local flower than many in the design. On the label at the back of the bottle the inscription said “Bottled in Fiji. Shipped to you”. It continued: “Why travel to the South Pacific island of Fiji for a drink of water?”. Later by Google-ing the internet I found that this bottle is imported through companies to all over the world. For me globalization has managed to localize the exotic.
Katerina Lygkoni
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Globalisation and Nepal
And now over to Nepal where Snigdha Baral tells us how globalisation is affecting where she lives“Nepal” a country in the southern lap of the Himalayas has always been a mesmerizing tourist destination because of its Himalayas, landscapes, temples ,and many to other places people long to visit .
The richness of culture, various ethnic groups celebrating different festivals, the chiming bells, delicious nepali cuisine dal,bhat, tarkari , the beautiful costumes and ancient sculptures have touched the hearts of millons of people from all around the world.
Earlier here in Nepal, there were only a few schools that too which was controlled by the government and only a certain group of people like the royal family and sofesticated people went to school. There were very less hospitals. Communication was very poor people had to write down letters to hear from their loved ones which took months and months to reach.
However, with globalization ,we got an access to better opportunities ,education having an involvement of various private sectors .We have private clinics in almost all the parts . Technologies have developed to such and extent that we can connect the world In seconds . The use of computers, mobile phones , ipods have become really common these days . Various cars and other means of transport has made the life’s of the people easy.
Moreover, we have foreign multinationals and franchises opening branches in our country, so we have an opportunity to wear foreign brands and go to renouned resturaunts staying in the home country .Like Pizza Hut s, KFCs ,Baskin Robins which has become very popular among the teenagers .
With the advancement in technology and choices, globalization has also brought changes in people’s perspectives, lifestyle which is a key factor for development .
Its good to modernize with time and learn different different culture , try different food but we shouldn’t forget what we actually are . What I have seen in most of the teenagers is , in the name of modernization,they are westernising .They criticize the Nepalese culture and change their religion , celebrate some other festivals to be accepted amongst their groups or to show off that they are advanced .This is a wrong concept though .
I was surprised when I interviewed the person working on a Nike store when he said that he only wears branded clothes and also some girls on the Shopping malls saying that wearing guniyo cholo and dhotis ( their traditional clothes) is being a way to laugh amongst collegues .
Another surprising thing is nepalese people prefer advertising for foreign brands rather than promoting their own brands .
We are not against them trying new things , being modern but forgetting one’s norms and values is destroying our images .The future is in our hands .If we start behaving like foreigners and adopt their culture then what will the foreigners come to Nepal for? Its because of our beauty , culture , hospitality that these people travel here .If we destroy that, then there is no use of them coming here ..
So the message here is yes Nepal has developed because of Globalisation but if the Nepalese try to modernize in the name of globalization, then it will dent its image
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Globalisation under Singapore’s context
Our globalisation world tour takes us next to Singapore where Roshni Kapur describes the big impact it's having on this pretty small countryWithout a doubt, Singapore has flourished as one of Asia’s prosperous and highly developed nations. Due to rapid growth and industrialization between the 1960s and 1990s, she has been categorized as one of the four Asian Tigers besides South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Foreign investors are always keen on advancing with Singapore where she is currently home to approximately 7000 multi-national corporations.
Due to Singapore’s tight strain on natural resources, we have a heavy dependence on manpower which has maintained our competency in the global market. Globalisation has shaped Singapore’s socio-economic landscape over the past decades giving both locals and foreigners immense opportunities to build their career in the global market.
An average of 46,300 foreigners are granted permanent residence every year, that makes up 533,000 of our population. This has contributed towards the creation of multiculturalism in Singapore where locals such as I are given the platform to interact and exchange cultural backgrounds with foreigners. My institution, LaSalle- College of the Arts, consists of 30% international students who come from all walks of life. A diverse and interactive environment has been boosted with the assistance of globalization.
Widely known as a free-market economy, Singapore has been rated as one of the most business-friendly economies in the world. A tertiary level of globalization has allowed heavy investing in its economy. This has led to a tremendous growth in its tourism, pharmaceutical, financial and medical industries. She is seen has the perfect globalization model for South Korea. Her gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was approximately double of South Korea’s in 2006. Even then both Singapore and South Korea have economically benefitted from each other. The Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (KSFTA) ratified in 2005 has removed tariffs on most goods and services between the two trading countries. Singapore is taking her free trade policies to a whole new level. The European Union has recently agreed to create a free-trade agreement with Singapore. This will boost Singapore’s economic ties with the 27-nation bloc and form new bilateral relations. Currently she has free trade agreements with a total of 11 countries besides the European Union.
Evidently Singapore has molded herself into Southeast Asia’s leading economy. Her open-mindedness to multiculturalism, trade agreements and ambitions for a better tomorrow will continue to thrive its economy. Without globalization none of this would have been possible for my country.
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Globalisation from a Namibian standpoint
Over to Africa to hear from Bae Shofinari about how Globalisation has and will affect NamibiaThe principles of supply and demand brought about Globalization – goods, technology and labour - thats its availability to the entire world. It basically refers to rapid change in the technical, social and political stability and finance capital, production, trade, or aid and increased international rule of law, human rights, good governance, adequate infrastructure and skilled labour force. On the other hand, in Southern Africa it rapidly improved the livelihoods strategies crucially influenced by gender, age, and status leading to increased productivity and a higher standard of living for everybody. Social and economic status and role of women has become more valuable both at home and in the community. Moreover, advances in medicine, improved public health policies, and greater food supplies have lowered infant mortality and lengthened life expectancy.
Today, Namibia like any country cannot succeed in isolation – her borders are open to investment to champion stability, and democracy, or create better safety nets and education/training programmes. Open economies also brings about new markets and comparative advantage, economies of scale and access to a greater range of products and services and global investment contrary has increased competition, and recession. Globalization is happening at a time when humanity is exploring differing economic and political systems. It is affecting local way of life - again affecting national and local structures and thus in addition, current trends of air and water pollution, the mining and exploitation of natural resources, and the destruction of wildlife continues, the global environment will be seriously eroded with disastrous consequence for all humans. With internet, television or satellites brings in wealth creation; the exchange of culture and values, the greater attention now being given to issues such as human rights, environmental protection and technology, communications and our increasing interconnection with each other are inevitable.
Admittedly, Namibia the job market has changes considerably due to globalization, and some of the basic issues of life: food or services have become either dwindled/swindled, or are beyond the reach many. The strategic ascendance of financial investments and specialized services; the transfer of public resources to private hands and the proportional relocation of companies from Namibia has had its consequence. Other facets of globalization are characterized by the cost of living in a country which cannot produce its own food, unemployment rose by 17% (2009). Although the government(s) has been, and remains, fully committed towards the effectiveness of interventions and the sustainability of outcomes, it seems to me that this concept aptly characterizes today's global system leaving populations alienated, living in absolute poverty (less than $1 a day).hence there is lack of balance between the humanity and democracy in the face of capitalism. The necessary changes include protection of prices, appropriate and equitable market opportunities, and equitable citizenry partnerships and transfer of participatory technology development and research and development.
Adoptation of treaties/universal systems contribute positively to local livelihoods but the political and legal issues concern the effects and impacts of Globalization to ensure certain that globalization doesn't cost us our health or our values.
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Globalisation from a UK standpoint
Back to Britain as Angharad Evans blogs about Globalisation from a UK standpointI remember first learning about globalisation in a GCSE lesson of some sort, and how it was this wonderful thing where everyone could have access to products, prices would fall, living standards would increase and the world would just be fluffy and happy. Sadly This just isn’t what has happened. The world and its MNCs have decided that because people can be selfish, that they should be.
We now live in a world where we are losing biodiversity, access to drinking water, increasing childhood mortality, but don’t worry you can nip down to Primarni and get an outfit to wear Friday night, and throw it away on Saturday and not care about anyone else. In fact, it’s probably best that you don’t otherwise their profits will drop. And well, that wouldn’t be very nice would it?
Now you’re probably assuming from that, and yes you will have judged me for the above, that I’m some crazy unwashed hippy, perhaps a freegan who wants everyone to sit down in a circle and sing kumbaya. Actually I was public school educated, drive a German Car and like . So just run with me on this, and I promise to hopefully tell you a little bit more about why I think globablisation isn’t some horrible beast, as long as it chooses not to.
It’s my opinion that we’ve gone from being a reasonably family centred society, to only caring about ourselves and where the next mobile/gadget/piece of pretend chocolate is going to come from. Apparently the new generation care more, but they’ll just text you instead. The point however, is that this global marketplace can allow us to do wonderful things, like donate money to Haiti by an App, or find out what the cinema time is. These are great, but does anyone choose to think about the harms,
Many say that globalisation will help others in developing nations have the living standards that we have. It simply just won’t happen like that due to the hold MNCs have, their governments and the environmental problems already caused. I believe in free trade, keeping poor farmers poor isn’t the answer even if the chocolate tastes nice. The point, however, is that the big companies can make a difference. If they take responsibility, they have the power to make sure their enterprises worldwide conform to labour standards, equality, not using child labour and not destroying the habitat. You and I can make that happen. The next time you end up in a supermarket, maybe you should think about where that food has come from, if you’re buying branded good I’m quite sure you can afford free range eggs. Do you need to buy so much? At this moment in time there is physically enough food to feed the world, but the West throws 30% of it away a week. There’s a long road ahead, and it certainly isn’t paved, but the consumer can make sure that Every little helps, not ‘every product of ours hinders.....
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And I get up…
Today's globalisation blog comes from Ricardo Andrés López Suárez from ColombiaI live in a city at east of Colombia. It’s not so big but also not so small. I’m only 20 years old, so I have grown up with new stuff each day. In my Country, Globalization has started with all its powers 18 years ago. Things are changed, for good and bad, new stores and brands get here. And the following is just one example…
Until some years ago, all the phone service was given by only one enterprise. Also, TV service market had only two companies, one for cable and the other for satellite. With few market agents, the prices and the dynamics in those services were no so good.
We had an experience with cellphones and long-distant phone service; only when a third came into the market users get better prices, better technology and better service. That’s good for consumers, who have more options to choose and an active market which is always changing and not so behind the new advances.
That is happening now in the phone service market, now a Spanish company, Telefónica, and a Mexican one, Telmex, are in it. Prices are downing, and now we have services pack with TV, Internet and phone service. We have nowadays an ICT Market, with several options to the consumers.
In that way, Globalization can aid to local markets, adding new agents who came from around the world and have a good experience for creating a more competitive market. But also, the thing that they are combating is what they are creating in high scale. The big enterprises are enter in several places all around the world, stopping that new local ones will be born, because they have all that experience and power that can’t be improvise. In that way, next time the issue is not going to be a local market monopoly, it’d be a worldwide market monopoly.
And, not all the times the Globalization brings to local markets more agents, sometimes is in the opposite way. In my city, there were several department store enterprises, but now we have only two, and the owners are foreign, Casino and Carrefour.
Globalization could be better, if the big enterprises get a new dress: a businessman sponsor, almost like Banco Santander does. It created a program to impulse new ideas which could be a good enterprise. But that could be better, if enterprises with experience in the idea field get involved.
Globalization can be good, all depends how the agents move their pieces on the market chess board.
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So how does globalization affect me?
Deigo Ventura from Uruguay and his blog on Globalisation - all part of our link with Future StoriesIt all begins with me reading the “The world is flat” by Thomas L. Friedman, and the chapter “The ten forces that flattened the world”.
Flattener # 5 : Outsourcing
In 1951 Jawaharlal Nehru, India´s first primer minister set up the first Indian Institutes of Technology, now known all around the world as IIT’s, and famous for producing the most gifted engineers and computer scientists from all over the globe.
So far India had the brain power but not the economic situation nor the infrastructure to make use of it. It wasn't until mid-1990’s that the educated Indians were able to stay in their country without worrying about not getting a job. Thats when fiber optics , Netscape, and telecom deregulation came into play, now all the raw talent that India had didn't have to emigrate to America to work there, now they just needed an internet connection.
One of the first Companys who promoted this was HealthScribe India, which enable Doctors from USA to dictate notes that later were transcribed by a student in Bangalore, a process that it only take a couple of hours (something it used to take days, even weeks).
Because of the 12 hour difference, this allowed Indians to do the job, while american doctors where sleeping.
I'm gonna talk about another company who did the same, Tata Consulting services (TCS).
Why?
Because I’m from Uruguay, and lately we have become what India was for USA in the 1990’s, we are the one doing the outsourcing for them, Spain, and even USA.
Since TCS arrived to my country in 2002 it has hired more than 800 people and it continues to grow. The imports from India to Uruguay have gone from barely 7 million dollars in 2003 to more than 75 millions in 2008. The value of exports have remain the same around 10 million dollars, but thats because service exchange value isn't taken into account.
So, how does globalization affect me?
For starters its improving the economy of my country, generating jobs, importing technology, and improving the value of the Uruguay brand.
But its also having an effect that not many people suspected.
Since the 2000’s Latin america has seen a shift towards leftist governments, so the international community began to worry about how protectionist and closed this countries could become. Because these left wing parties had pushed an anti-globalization agenda so far.
What not many foresee was that leftist parties were changing too. Because the improving states of the economy due to the deregulation carried by the previous administrations was proving to be worthwhile.
So the “Frente Amplio” (the left wing coalition) has started to shift towards more centered policies. Even the former guerrilla fighter Jose Mujica who is now our president has acknowledge this in his inaugural speech last Monday.
So, again, how it affect me?
Its improving my economy, its changing my everyday life with new technology, its changing policies and ideas of the people who run my country, and last but not least, its changing the perception we have as a human species, we are starting to believe we are all one and that we are more united by our similarities than pulled apart by our differences.
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Globalization and Culture
Disty Winata continues our guest blogger week with her views of the impact of globalisation on Canada.“Hey, don’t you think the world is great? Now, we literally have access to everywhere to do anything!” shouted a friend of mine in Indonesia. There, I realized -- if there were no globalization, amazing things that our generation has witnessed would not have possibly existed.
An advantage of globalization is a rapid growth of relationships and ties amongst nations. Multilateral connections are always a topic that my friends and I never get bored of. Those links have given me something that I thought I would never be able to obtain; I get to experience my grade 11 and 12 in Canada. It is interesting to find out that according to 2006 Globalization Index, Canada is one of most globalized countries while Indonesia ranked one of the least globalized nations. Despite of the juxtaposition, I have seen that globalization benefits both Canada and Indonesia into a degree of development.
As a foreign student, I am the victim of globalization (though it may be indirect) and I am happy of it. I am captivated by how multicultural Canada is. Many immigrants seek Canada as a land of opportunities in terms of cross-cultural contacts, which has become an advent of what is called as global citizenship. In the other hand, Indonesia, a country that is already rich in culture, still opens up its door for other cultures to come in. While languages may be a barrier, music, food, fashion and fads are always something that vanish the cultural boundaries. Globalization allows different cultures into different nations, which will give people more choices to choose what they believe in, what they call a lifestyle. We all feel the effects of globalization, while many think that it causes culture assimilation (or even worse, obliteration), but in fact, many of us still hold the traditions and embrace the diversity at the same time. Not only that, globalization also brings out peace and a bigger scope of understanding.
Disty Winata
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The Dutch role within Globalisation
Today it's Leon Simons's turn to talk about Globalisation. Leon has been a fantastic member of our Global Youth Panel and his perspective on the Dutch influence on, and benefits from, globalisation is well worth a read.
Our world famous windmills were able to drive a saw. This saw would make planks out of trees. From these planks we were able to build ships. And with these ships we were able to help globalising the globe.
Globalisation gave the excess to new commodities such as spices, food and labour in the shape of human and animal slaves. Being able to have power over animals, other people and even wind and trees, we were able to colonise land surfaces all over the globe. The VOC (United East-Indian Company) has been the worlds biggest trading company for a long time and was the first real multinational.
Through this global exploration/exploitation, all the land of the world came into contact with one another. Species of flora and fauna where introduced at areas where their kinds had not been seen for millions of years if ever. Some species where able to expend rapidly, others have become extinct.
These where strange times indeed. But still there where stranger times to come.
When the fossil energy sources were discovered, the Dutch trading spirit came in handy again. In the kingdom of the Netherlands, a country with only a few million people, stood the cradle of what is now the worlds biggest company: Royal Dutch Shell.
The seemingly endless flow of ancient energy out of the ground into the earth system, drove global development into an overdrive. Cities build from wood and laid bricks have turned into gigantic concrete metropolitans. Human population is now 6 times what it was only 200 years ago. These humans are able to communicate and learn from one another over long and short time scales while distances have relatively disappeared. This makes it for instance possible that someone in China works together with someone located in South-America to develope a way to turn mass into energy considering the mind work done by a scientist 100 year earlier in Europe.
We are is still working towards a more globalised world. This is having local and global, positive and negative effects on culture, biodiversity, resource availability, climate, economy, education, communication, agriculture and on almost everything else. Therefore it is important to understand what the effects are of our actions.
I find myself lucky to be born in a country which is mainly experiencing the the advantages of globalisation. Where I born in a third world countries, I most likely would find myself looking at globalisation in different way.
Leon Simons
Autodidact Climate Change
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Roxy James’ Globalisation Blog
Second in our list of blogs about Globalisation (as part of our link with Future Stories) comes Roxy James' view of the impact of Globalisation on the Caribbean and in particular, TrinidadLooking at a map, there are definite boundaries that separate the various countries and cities of the world which serve to reinforce a sense of territoriality, nationality and indemnity. However, these physical distinctions are constantly being eroding in today’s society, simply because they have become undermined by the phenomenon of globalization.
Globalization can be defined as the integration of economic, political and social cultures, and is encompassed in the modernization theory, where there is an almost uncharacteristic and startling diffusion of cultural mores and ideas throughout the globe.
Countries in the Caribbean region-particularly Jamaica and Barbados- have been actively pursuing policies to aid in the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) which are driving the globalization process to create a knowledge-based society that would contribute positively to the economic growth and development of the region.
The advantages of MNCs in the Caribbean are undeniable-employment and the multiplier effect on the local economy that facilitates and promotes the growth of support services. Many countries have profited from the increased foreign exchange flows from multinational investments- Barbados and the Bahamas have benefited from tourism, Jamaica through bauxite and alumina and Trinidad through petroleum. According to Lent, “The strong presence of TNCs in the Caribbean has tied the economy and politics of each country to those of the large industrial nations, particularly the United States” (Lent 1991, 74).
Despite this, developing countries, such as those in the Caribbean, often feel a threat to their independence in having to deal with large corporations possibly because of the delicate reminder of the past as a colonized region and the submission to the more powerful, imperial nations. MNCs are also accused of merely investing in countries like Jamaica and Guyana without a single care for the environment. They are solely concerned with economic growth as opposed to sustainable development and thus, they neglect aspects such as pollution control and safety for workers.
Globalization, is accused of widening the gap between the rich and the poor, something completely contradictory to what it was originally intended to do (erode distinctions and level the playing field). This rapid growth in the disparity between the information-rich and in the information-poor is becoming increasingly noticeable especially since the process is occurring between the largely underdeveloped (the majority of the world’s population) and the industrialised countries, which form a small elite.
An aspect of globalization is therefore the introduction of crime into the Caribbean region, as the people who are the lower end of the poverty line are exposed to various types of criminal activities ranging from drugs, prostitution, trafficking, child labour-just a few forms of corruption that has been enhanced by globalization.
Globalisation is related to what I’d call the invasion of foreign media, often in an uncontrolled way. This flow of images from foreign countries has many negative aspects such as cultural erasure where our local Caribbean culture is disappearing in favour for the glitz and glam of North America.
Despite these negativities, I credit globalization since it provides the necessary forums needed to place the Caribbean on the international stage. For instance, the international diffusion of Jamaican popular culture throughout the globe, and Trinidad’s Carnival and its followers that are “a popular globalised celebration of hybridity and cultural identity...which facilitates the centring of the periphery” (Nurse, 200,109).
The dawn of globalization has produced its fair share of advantages as well as issues, ranging from critical issues from the economic, social and political spheres-communications, ecology, biotechnology and genetic engineering, health and education (provision of distance and interactive self-teaching facilities), food, employment and quality of life. It has promoted a degree of interconnectedness between states and people.
Although globalization has certainly done its share in terms of demolishing previous physical boundaries, it has simultaneously created a subtle divide, creating more pronounced distinctions between developed and developing countries.
Additionally, despite the fact that globalization may have resulted in the deliberate and unintentional hegemony of foreign giants as well as subjected the region to US and European sovereignty, it’s good to know that the Caribbean has not been just standing by sponging in foreign culture, but rather, a vibrant producer and exporter of popular culture.
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Malaysia and Globalization
We have linked with Future Stories, a project aiming to uncover how globalisation affects people in the UK. Our part will be to invite selected members of our Global Youth Panel to talk about how globalisation affects them and where they live. First up, Tang Chun Cheuh from Malaysia.Even before its days as a British colony and subsequent independence, Malaysia (then Malaya) is no stranger to globalisation. Between the 15th and 16th century, the port of Malacca was arguably the most lucrative harbour in the world, attracting traders from both Asia and Europe. As a British colony, Indians and Chinese nationals were sent to Malaya to work the tin mines and rubber plantation, forming the foundation for the cultural melting pot that is Malaysia today.
Mention Malaysia, and most people think of the Petronas twin towers, the Sepang F1 circuit, lush green jungles and perhaps tigers and orangutans. All of which are true, but also grossly under represent Malaysia, a problem faced by all nations. Due to its former colony status, Malaysia had assimilated Western culture with relative ease compared with other nations, which gave Malaysia a head start on Western education. As a result, Malaysia is able to maintain a competitive edge in the world's economy after gaining independence.
Fast forward to now however, and we are seeing the pitfalls of our own rapid growth. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad once quoted Malaysia having 'First World infrastructure, Third World mentality'. In our quest to join the global race towards becoming a developed nation, we did not pay heed to the loss of culture and civic pride. Malaysia was the first nation in history to gain independence through bloodless negotiations, but sadly this significant fact remains largely unknown to many Malaysians, and as such many of the current generation take our freedom and civil liberties for granted.
Of greater concern is the need to preserve our identities as continue to develop. Even as Malaysia is making its mark around the world in sports, fashion, culinary arts and other aspects, we are also in danger of losing the very elements that are uniquely Malaysian. The Malay language itself is losing its identity, with many original words being replaced with Westernized versions, while activities practised in the East Coast such as moon kite (wau) flying, shadow play (wayang kulit) and top spinning (gasing) are slowly being replaced with television sets, video games and commercial toys. These handicrafts remain commercially popular, but the craft of making them is slowly dying out as few are willing to continue the legacy in pursuit of a more glamourous job in the lights of Kuala Lumpur.
Our prized rainforests and islands, which attract a great deal of tourists every year, are ironically becoming victims of their own fame. Resorts and chalets are being built at an uncontrolled rate, with sewage being dumped into the sea while our jungles are slowly being cut down to clear new land and because Malaysian timber is in high demand.
To conclude, globalization has brought a state of paradox to Malaysia. The more we try to sell our identity to the world, the quicker we lose what truly makes us unique.
Tang Chun Cheuh
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