HUANG LINGXUAN （What is globalization?）
The term "globalization" first appeared in 1962, and today it has transformed from a specialized term into a common expression. <The Economist> called it “the most overused word of the 21st century.” Merriam-Webster defines globalization as the process of promoting activities and motives across global spaces, a process that has been ongoing for a long time. In fact, the roots of globalization can be traced back to humanity’s early migrations and expansions.
The year 1492 marked a significant milestone in the history of globalization. The discovery of the New World brought together people who had been isolated for millennia, and various species began to exchange globally. For example, Peru’s potato and Mexico’s chili peppers spread around the world, while Ethiopian coffee found new homes in Brazil and Vietnam.
During this period, different societies not only evolved in diverse ways and established unique political and economic structures but also developed different technologies, cultivated various crops, and, most importantly, advanced distinct languages and ways of thinking. This diversity made reconnecting civilizations both challenging and highly rewarding. Historically, there have been four key motivations driving people to leave their homelands: conquest, prosperity, religious conversion, and curiosity. Over the past five centuries, trade trends and activities have strengthened interregional ties, reshaping the global economic landscape and affecting population distribution. For instance, the introduction of American crops significantly boosted populations in regions like China and Chechnya.
The information revolution in the latter half of the 20th century radically transformed communication. In the late 19th century, it took Queen Victoria of Britain 16 and a half hours to send a message across the Atlantic to U.S. President James Buchanan, whereas today, information is transmitted globally almost instantly. The reduced costs of telecommunications have made the benefits of the information age accessible to much of the world, and satellite television has brought people closer emotionally, as seen when news of Princess Diana's death quickly spread worldwide. Free information flow has also helped bridge political divides, such as when Iranian youths organized a candlelight vigil in response to the 9/11 attacks.
However, rapid globalization has come with environmental and social costs. Around 1% of the world’s rainforests are lost annually due to agricultural expansion and the trade of forest products. The global communications and transport network, while fostering economic growth, has also made the world more vulnerable to diseases, sabotage, and terrorism, with AIDS being a prime example. Originally confined to Africa and South America, the virus has now spread to almost every corner of the globe. While globalization has created unprecedented wealth, it has also trapped many in poverty. Historically, there was a period of retreat from globalization between the two World Wars, when trade barriers and restrictive immigration policies slowed the flow of trade and people. Yet these limitations did not diminish the four fundamental forces driving globalization: conquest, prosperity, religious conversion, and curiosity.
No country has played a more significant role in connecting the globe than the United States, which itself is a product of early modern globalization. During the height of 19th-century globalization, the majority of the 60 million people who left their homelands to immigrate abroad came to the U.S. Slaves in the New World built what became the wealthiest nation in history. Drawing on resources from around the globe, the U.S. emerged as a leader in innovation and the most powerful engine of globalization. Victory in the Pacific during World War II and the implementation of the Marshall Plan extended U.S. economic and military power to nearly every corner of the globe, reaching its peak at the end of the Cold War. The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in a new wave of globalization, leading many to equate globalization with Americanization.
What distinguishes today's globalization from the past is its visibility and speed. Accelerated global interactions have amplified its effects, while modern media makes these impacts immediately apparent. In the past, such processes unfolded more slowly and often remained hidden from view. This complex and hopeful process of reconnecting human societies will undoubtedly continue, becoming even more visible and challenging as it evolves.
reference
http://www.rmlt.com.cn/2021/0507/613343.shtml
http://www.qstheory.cn/qshyjx/2022-02/07/c_1128337452.htm
http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/zgylhg/jsyfz/qqh/200311/t20031106_8356718.htm
Globalization refers to the process of increasingly close connection and interdependence among countries, regions and people in economic, cultural, political and other aspects. This process mainly involves commodities, information and technology. The main features of globalization include the following
ReplyDelete1. Economic globalization: The expansion of trade, investment and transnational corporations has brought the economies of various countries closer together.
2. Cultural globalization: the acceleration of cultural exchange and communication leads to the mutual influence and integration of different cultures, such as the global spread of popular music, movies and food culture.
3. Globalization of science and technology: The rapid development of the network makes the acquisition and exchange of information more convenient, thus promoting the global flow of knowledge and innovation.
4. Political globalization: Cooperation and consultation among countries in the fields of environment, trade, human rights, etc., have led to the formation of multilateral relations and international organizations.
Globalization has brought positive effects such as economic growth and cultural diversity, but it has also raised challenges such as inequality, environmental concerns and cultural homogenization.