Introduction

Globalization is best understood as the interrelationship between nations, and though associated primarily with economic forces, globalization has come to represent the impact of one nation’s actions upon the global community: politically, economically, culturally and environmentally. As students begin to grapple with understanding globalization, it is imperative that they understand and appreciate the interconnectedness between nations which currently exists and how those connections are shaping the world.

Using a current map of the world and information gathered on CIA Factbook, students can draw connections between nations based on trade and diplomatic relationships. The most pressing concern regarding globalization exists in the ramifications for the developing world as the industrial world continues to consume natural resources at an alarming rate and how developing nations can or will gain a foothold in a modern global economy. Added to that are the environmental effects of rapid growth and industrialization, the impact on the poor, hungry, and disenfranchised.

Ban Ki Moon’s report on the Impacts of Globalization (see supplemental reading materials), published in 2008, highlights the major areas of concern, including poverty, health, role of women, and the environment. Having students read and understand this document can provide an effective tool in outlining, in specific detail, how globalization can have both positive and negative effects on the developing world. While countries with limited resources can benefit from economic or political support from industrialized nations, the danger of exploitation and imperialism can, ultimately, have negative implications.

Finally, and most notably, globalization should be considered from the perspective of technology and its availability throughout the world. As citizens of nations become more interconnected, how might that shift the balance of power at the government level? To what extent does a readily available, constantly streaming source of information begin to reshape our understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world? The impact of globalization could serve to unify or divide, and what role can we play in moving toward one outcome and not the other?

Impact of Globalization Video Links

Study Guide Questions for Impact of Globalization

Impact of Globalization

1. How does globalization affect you?

2. What, according to Bill Richardson, contributed to the collapse of the Eurozone?

3. How is advanced technology contributing to an even more complex and expansive globalized economy?

4. Clyde Prestowitz recalls the manufacturing prowess of Chester, Pennsylvania. What’s become of Chester, PA? How has your community been affected by globalization? Identify both the positive and negative aspects.

5. Clyde Prestowitz draws a sports analogy when discussing U.S. economic policy vs. Chinese economic policy. In the spirit of that analogy, how do we level the playing field?

6. What solutions does Clyde Prestowitz offer for strategic growth in Japan and Southeast Asia?