The term globalization used in relation to a host of social, economic, cultural and political processes

Abstract

Globalization is easier to describe than to define. This is because, in its present form and usage, it is a new, complex, dynamic, multidimensional, and worldwide phenomenon, which means different things to different people and different things to the same groups across time and space. It evokes strong emotions because it is associated, rightly or wrongly, with most of the world's significant challenges and opportunities.

It cuts across many academic disciplines—such as economics, political science, history, geography, and environmental science—and many professional practices—such as diplomacy and international relations, management (public and private), journalism, national and global security, and international development (Anton, 2004).

To provide the reader with a broader meaning of globalization, I provide lists of selected definitions from recent authors and writers. These experts are from different disciplines and organizations as well as from both poor and rich countries. The organizations include the United Nations bodies, universities, and leading media outlets. The disciplines include management and journalism. Still, the list must be viewed only as a small sample and is not intended to be comprehensive.

“It is the inexorable integration of markets, nation–states and technologies to a degree never witnessed before — in a way that is enabling individuals, corporations and nation–states to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before, and in a way that is enabling the world to reach out to individuals, corporations and nation–states farther, faster, deeper, cheaper than ever before.”
—Thomas L. Friedman (2000:9)

“Globalization is the growing interdependence of the world's people … a process integrating not just the economy but culture, technology, and governance. People everywhere are becoming connected-affected by events in far corners of the world.”
—United Nations Development Program (1999:1)

“Present day globalization is a unique convergence of technological, economic and political forces of daunting power and influence, having a massive impact on all aspects of public and private life in economic, social, political and cultural affairs at global, national and local levels. As it influences states and their partner actors, it is also exploited and shaped both positively and negatively by those with the foresight and resources to appreciate its power.

Yet, so diverse and overwhelming is globalization's manifold influences that no one group or sector can control or stop it. As such, it has been responded to and manipulated by a range of actors in the public, private and civil society actors, is instigated in good and bad motives, and has benefited some social and economic groups, but has hurt others who have become more vulnerable and disempowered due to its influence.”
—United Nations (2000:10)

“Globalization has three dimensions: cultural-ideational, politico-institutional, and economic. There are three ordinarily ranked levels of economic integration: existence of global infrastructure, harmonization and convergence of economic policies and institutions, and/or borderlessness. To understand the policy implications of cross border economic integration, we need to focus on flow of goods and services as well as factors of production- land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship, and technology.”
—Aseem Prakash and Jeffery A. Hart (1998:611)

Tags: impact of globalization on culture, politics and economics, opportunities and challenges for developing countries, international trade