What is globalization? ---JI HAIYUN

 At its core, globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Whether viewed from an economic, cultural, social, or political angle, globalization constantly brings different countries, regions, and cultures closer together. First, from an economic perspective, globalization can be understood as the expansion of capitalism and free-market economies, along with the rapid growth of multinational corporations and global trade. Through globalization, economies have become interdependent, creating a global supply chain where production and consumption go beyond national borders. However, economic globalization also highlights growing inequalities, particularly between wealthy nations and developing countries.

 Beyond economics, globalization has a significant impact on culture. Cultural globalization can be understood through phenomena like “McDonaldization,” where the global spread of Western fast food culture symbolizes a broader process of cultural standardization and homogenization. Yet, globalization doesn’t mean the erasure of cultural differences. As the concept of "glocalization" points out, countries adapt global influences to fit their local cultural traditions. For example, McDonald’s in India sells burgers without beef to align with Indian dietary customs. This blending of global and local influences shows that globalization is not a one-way process; it’s a dynamic balance where both the global and the local influence and adjust to each other. This helped me realize that globalization is a complex, two-sided process.

 Globalization also deeply affects society and individual lives. With the rise of the internet, the distance between people has shrunk, making long-distance relationships and cross-border communication more common. Whether it's international collaboration in work or cross-national marriages in personal life, globalization has transformed the way we live. Personally, I find it fascinating how easy it has become to stay connected with people across the globe through social media and other digital platforms, making the exchange of ideas and opinions much more diverse.

 Another result of globalization is the rise of global consciousness. As Robertson explains, this doesn’t mean that the world has reached a global consensus, but rather that we now share a collective awareness of the world as a whole. This heightened consciousness is reflected in the global discussions surrounding key issues like climate change, terrorism, and human rights. These concerns have transcended national borders, becoming common global challenges that require collective attention.

 In conclusion, globalization is an incredibly complex process, one that involves not only economic interdependence but also cultural, social, and political dimensions. It has changed the way we see the world, helping us recognize our roles as global citizens. As Robertson pointed out, globalization is not a singular phenomenon but a multidimensional process driven by multiple forces. In this ongoing journey, I believe we need to critically assess both the opportunities and challenges that globalization brings while constantly reflecting on how it impacts our daily lives and the development of global society.

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