Globalization 101
Course Description:
Why Teach Globalization?
Globalization is an umbrella term for a complex series of economic, social, technological, cultural and political changes across the globe. It is a process of increasing interdependence and interaction among people, companies, and governments of different nations, driven by international trade and made possible by innovations in information technology.
Some argue that globalization allows poor countries and their citizens the opportunity to raise their standards of living, encourage democracy and embrace multiculturalism. Others claim that globalization has simply allowed Western corporations to overwhelm world markets at the expense of small businesses, local cultures, traditions and values. The promotion and resistance of globalization has therefore taken shape at both a popular and governmental level, however, such efforts can only hope to steer globalization, not alter it. The convergence of economics, culture and politics is happening around the globe. While thoughtful, deliberate, and innovative leadership is necessary to help shape globalization, the process itself is inevitable.
Globalization has effects on the environment, culture, political systems, economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world. To truly comprehend the interconnected nature of a globalized world; to truly understand the consequences of our foreign policy choices; to truly understand the new face of the world -- citizens of all nations need to understand how globalization works and the policy choices we are facing.