Contemporary World
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
Globalization
Globalization
• Globalization refers to countries'
increasing interconnectedness and
interdependence through exchanging
goods, ideas, and cultures. This can be
driven by advances in technology and
communication, as well as trade and
investment.
• The spread of ideas, cultures, and
information, as well as increased
economic interdependence and the
growth of international trade and
investment.
• The erosion of traditional ways of life
and increased competition, cultural
homogenization, widening wealth gap,
increased pressure on natural
resources, and negative impacts on the
environment and labor standards.
• The growing influence of international
organizations, such as the United
Nations and the World Trade
Organization, on global political and
economic affairs.
Examples of Globalization
1. The growth of international trade in
goods and services.
2. The rise of multinational corporations
and the globalization of supply chains.
3. The increased movement of people
across borders for work, study, and
tourism.
4. The spread of popular culture, such as
music, movies, and fast food.
5. The growing importance of
international organizations, such as
the United Nations and the World
Trade Organization.
6. The increasing use of the internet and
social media for communication and
information sharing.
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
7. The growing interconnectedness of
financial markets, such as the
increased use of foreign currency and
international stock markets.
8. The spread of a global consumer
culture, with similar products and
brands available in many countries.
9. The growing influence of international
law and human rights on national
policies.
10. The increasing impact of climate
change and environmental
degradation on a global scale.
Different Philosophical Perspectives on
Globalization
1. Neoliberalism: This philosophy
emphasizes the importance of free
trade, deregulation, and privatization
as a means to promote economic
growth and development.
Neoliberalism views globalization as a
positive force that can bring economic
benefits to all countries through
increased trade and investment.
2. Marxism: This philosophy views
globalization as a tool used by
capitalist countries and multinational
corporations to exploit workers and
natural resources in developing
countries.
3. Cosmopolitanism: This philosophy
views globalization as an opportunity
to create a more interconnected and
harmonious global community based
on shared values and mutual
understanding.
4. Nationalism: This philosophy views
globalization as a threat to national
sovereignty and cultural identity and
calls for countries to prioritize their
interests over those of the global
community.
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John Ercel Lozada
Professor
5. Green Globalization: This philosophy
views globalization as an opportunity
to promote sustainable development
and protect the environment through
carbon reduction and biodiversity
conservation policies.
6. Postcolonialism: This perspective on
globalization critiques how it has been
used to perpetuate the historical power
imbalances between the global North
and South.
Types of Globalization
1. Economic globalization: This refers
to the increasing integration of national
economies through trade, investment,
and the movement of capital.
2. Cultural globalization: This refers to
the spread of ideas, values, and
customs across borders, as well as the
growth of a global consumer culture.
3. Political globalization: This refers to
the growing influence of international
organizations and global governance
on national politics and policy-making.
4. Technological globalization: This
refers to the spread of technology and
innovation across borders, as well as
the increasing use of technology for
communication and information
sharing.
5. Environmental globalization: This
refers to the growing impact of
environmental issues and concerns on
a global scale, as well as the
increased cooperation and
coordination needed to address them.
6. Social globalization: This refers to
the increasing movement of people
across borders for work, study, and
tourism, as well as the growth of
transnational communities and
networks.
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
7. Military globalization: This refers to
the growing interconnectedness and
interdependence of countries in the
field of defense and security.
8. Educational globalization: This
refers to the increasing
internationalization of education,
including the growth of international
students, the spread of international
curricula, and the emergence of cross-
border education programs.
Characteristics of Globalization
1. Interconnectedness: Globalization is
characterized by the increasing
interconnectedness and
interdependence of countries,
economies, societies, and cultures on
a global scale.
2. Mobility: Globalization is
characterized by the increasing
movement of goods, services, people,
information, and capital across
borders.
3. Diversity: Globalization is
characterized by the variety of
perspectives, cultures, and
experiences it brings together.
4. Complexity: Globalization is a
complex process that involves multiple
actors, such as governments,
businesses, civil society organizations,
and individuals, and is shaped by a
variety of factors, such as technology,
culture, and politics.
5. Ambiguity: Globalization is
characterized by its ambiguity and the
fact that it can positively and
negatively affect different aspects of
life and different groups of people.
6. Change: Globalization is a dynamic
process constantly changing, and its
effects are continually evolving.
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John Ercel Lozada
Professor

7. Multidimensional: Globalization is a
In short, industrialization is a process of
multidimensional process seen in
economic development that occurs within a
different aspects of life, such as
country and leads to an increase in
economic, cultural, social, and political.
manufacturing and production. At the same
8. Transnational: Globalization is
time, globalization is a process of increasing
characterized by the emergence of
interconnectedness and interdependence
transnational networks and
between nations on a global scale, leading to
communities and the growing
increased trade and cultural exchange.
importance of global actors.
9. Contingent: Globalization is a
contingent process shaped by different
actors' political and economic choices Anti-globalization
and the social and cultural context in Anti-globalization refers to a movement or
which it unfolds. ideology that is critical of the adverse effects
10. Multiscalar: Globalization can be of globalization and calls for a more localized
seen as operating on different scales, and sustainable approach to economic and
from the local to the global, and the social development. The movement emerged
effects can vary at different levels. in the late 1990s and early 2000s in opposition
to the policies of free trade and financial
liberalization promoted by international
Industrialization and Globalization organizations such as the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and the International
Industrialization and globalization are two
Monetary Fund (IMF).
different but related processes.
Anti-globalization activists argue that
Industrialization refers to the development of
globalization can lead to several negative
advanced manufacturing and production
effects, including:
techniques, as well as the growth of industrial
societies characterized by large-scale 1. Widening income inequality and
production and the use of machinery. It poverty, particularly in developing
typically leads to urbanization and an increase countries
in the standard of living for a country. 2. Environmental degradation and loss of
biodiversity
On the other hand, globalization refers to
3. The exploitation of workers and erosion
countries' increasing interconnectedness and
of labor standards
interdependence through exchanging goods,
4. Loss of cultural identity and traditional
ideas, and cultures. Technological advances,
ways of life
transportation, communication, economic
5. Greater dependence on the global
policies, and trade agreements drive it. It can
economy and vulnerability to global
lead to the spread of ideas, cultures, and
economic downturns.
information, as well as increased economic
interdependence and the growth of
international trade and investment.

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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Contemporary World
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
Anti-globalization activists advocate for
alternative economic and social development
approaches that prioritize localization,
sustainability, and social and
environmental justice. This includes fair
trade, community-based development, and
alternative forms of globalization such as
deglobalization and relocalization.
Some have criticized the anti-globalization
movement as being protectionist and
hindering the economic growth of
developing countries. Additionally, the move
has been criticized for not providing a clear
alternative to the existing financial system and
for not recognizing the potential benefits of
globalization.
Alter-globalization
Alter-globalization is a term often used to
describe a more progressive and critical
perspective on globalization, unlike the anti-
globalization movement. Alter-globalization
emphasizes the need to address the adverse
effects of globalization while also
acknowledging the potential benefits of
increased interconnectedness and
interdependence on a global scale.
Alter-globalization activists argue that
globalization can be a positive force for
economic and social development, but only if
principles of equity, sustainability, and
social and environmental justice guide it.
They advocate for the reform of existing
international institutions and policies, such as
the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), to make
them more democratic and responsive to the
needs of developing countries and
marginalized communities.
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
The alter-globalization movement also
emphasizes the importance of alternative
forms of globalization, such as fair trade,
community-based development, and the
localization of economic and social
development. This approach aims to create a
more inclusive and equitable form of
globalization that benefits all people and
respects workers' rights, communities, and the
environment.
Alter-globalization is often seen as a more
pragmatic and realistic approach than the
anti-globalization movement, as it recognizes
the potential benefits of globalization while
addressing its adverse effects and providing
apparent alternatives that can be
implemented.
History of Globalization
The history of globalization can be traced back
to ancient times, with the growth of trade and
cultural exchange between different
civilizations. However, globalization, as we
know it today, began to accelerate in the 19th
century with the advent of new technologies,
such as the steam engine and telegraph,
significantly improving transportation and
communication.
➢ The first wave of globalization (1870-
1914): During this period, there was a
significant increase in international
trade and investment, driven by
advances in transportation and
communication, as well as the
expansion of European colonialism.
➢ The growth of international trade was
facilitated by reducing tariffs and other
trade barriers, as well as the gold
standard, which helped stabilize
currencies and promote international
trade.
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John Ercel Lozada
Professor
➢ The interwar period (1914-1945): The
outbreak of World War I and the
subsequent Great Depression led to a
decline in international trade and
investment, as well as the rise of
protectionist trade policies and
economic nationalism.
➢ The post-World War II period (1945-
1970): After World War II, globalization
began to pick up again, driven by the
reconstruction of Europe and the
economic boom of the 1950s and
1960s. The Bretton Woods conference
established a fixed exchange rate
system, which helped promote
international trade and investment.
➢ The neoliberal era (1970-2008): The
early 1970s marked a turning point in
the history of globalization, as the
Bretton Woods system broke down and
was replaced by a system of floating
exchange rates. This was accompanied
by a shift towards more neoliberal
economic policies, characterized by
deregulation, privatization, and trade
and investment liberalization.
➢ Post-2008 period: The global financial
crisis of 2008 marked a significant
setback for globalization, as trade and
investment flow declined, and many
countries adopted protectionist trade
policies. However, globalization has
continued to progress, driven by
technological advances and the
increasing interconnectedness.
Positive Side of Globalization
• Economic Growth: Globalization can
promote economic growth and
development by increasing trade and
investment among countries. This can
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
lead to increased access to markets,
resources, and technologies, as well
as increased productivity and
efficiency.
• Poverty Reduction: Globalization can
reduce poverty by creating jobs and
increasing economic opportunities for
people in developing countries.
Through trade, countries can access
new markets and resources, which can
help promote economic development.
• Cultural Exchange: Globalization can
promote cultural exchange and
understanding by bringing people from
different countries and cultures into
contact with one another. This can
lead to the spread of ideas, customs,
and values and help to break down
cultural barriers.
• Political Cooperation: Globalization
facilitates political cooperation and the
resolution of global issues by
encouraging countries' participation in
international organizations and
agreements.
• Technological
Advancements: Globalization
accelerates technological
advancements and innovation by
creating opportunities for countries to
share ideas, technologies, and
resources.
• Consumer Choice: Globalization
gives consumers more choice and
access to goods and services from
around the world, which can lead to
increased competition and lower
prices.
• Improved standard
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John Ercel Lozada
Professor

• Political and economic power

Negative Side of Globalization
imbalance: Globalization can reinforce
• Widening income inequality and the power imbalance between
poverty: Globalization can lead to developed and developing countries,
increased income inequality, as developed countries have more
particularly in developing countries, as resources and greater access to global
the benefits of economic growth may markets.
not be distributed evenly.

• Environmental
degradation: Globalization can lead to
increased pollution and resource
consumption due to increased trade
and transportation.

• The exploitation of
workers: Globalization can lead to the
erosion of labor standards and the
exploitation of workers in developing
countries as companies seek to
reduce labor costs.

• Loss of cultural
identity: Globalization can lead to the
erosion of traditional cultures and loss
of cultural identity due to increased
Western influence.

• Dependence on the global

economy: Globalization can make
countries more dependent on the
worldwide economy and vulnerable to
global economic downturns.

• Loss of jobs: Globalization can lead to

job losses in developed countries as
companies outsource jobs to
developing countries where labor is
cheaper.

• Political instability: Globalization can

lead to political unrest as countries
become more interdependent and
vulnerable to the economic policies of
other countries.

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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization