“To realize the full possibilities of this economy, we must reach beyond our own borders, to shape the revolution that is tearing down barriers and building new networks among nations and individuals, and economies and cultures: globalization. It is the central reality of our times.” In accordance with the pro-globalization stance taken by our former president, William Clinton, globalization’s grip upon the world can only enhance our livelihood as a global unit. However, one must not turn a blind eye to the issue and allow globalization to go unchecked, in turn the global populous should pay particular attention to both the positive as well as negative aspects inherent in the idea of globalization.
In order to categorize an issue as dynamic as globalization, analysis must first be given as to the origins and beliefs of the intended issue. Globalization can be defined as a worldwide integration of economic, cultural, political, religious and social systems. In essence globalization is the integration of many distinctly different entities in to one mass
body with a common goal such as all of the organs in the human body working in symbiotic fashion in order to promote the sustainability of life. The idea of globalization,
began to take root during the 13th century with the rise of the Islamic Empire (Islamic Golden Age). Within the period of Islamic dominance, the extension of Islamic political, social, religious and economic institutions were numerous, approximately two-thirds of the known world was under the globalized rule of the Islamic Empire. After the fall of the Islamic Empire, a new globalizing force came in to existence. The Roman Empire operated under the ideals of globalization, conquering and then assimilating the conquered into the uniformed institutions of the Roman Empire. In both the above instances globalization was used to allow for better administration of so many different entities. Many of the empires established between the classical era and the era of imperialism operated under the idea of globalization, only two times in the worlds history has their been de-globalization, those times being the Dark Ages where fragmentation was largely prevalent and the period before World War I. Currently, globalization has become a mainstream political, social, and economic strategy of many world powers. Continually popularized by esteemed professors, scholars and political analyst globalization has been invoking its will upon the world populous, most notably with the establishment of hundreds of multi-national organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent. Gripping the old and the new world, globalization has begun to take hold in many instances without anyone knowing the beneficial or the harmful aspects of this fundamental principle.
Globalization has been continuously touted by many influential individuals since its inception onto the world scene several centuries ago, due to the overwhelming advantages attributed to its philosophies. One such advantage attributed to globalization is the continuous increase in the sharing of basic knowledge and technology? One such example of the sharing of technology and knowledge within an ever increasing globalized world is when the Chinese manufacturing sector as well as the United States manufacturing sector analyzed each others manufacturing mechanisms such as the automated supply-line and integrated them into both economies’ platforms of production. An additional benefit brought about by globalization is the establishment of a uniform economic system as well as a standardized management philosophy in regards to natural resources. One such example of a uniform economic system is the European Union, which has established both a common currency and is the regulatory and supervisory body which monitors and corrects economic fluctuations and quarrels over precious resources which occur within its member nations. The last superior quality attributed with globalization is the standardization of global politics and social differences. The United Nations is symbolic of a global political unit, dictating laws that affect its member nations as well as setting standards for the nations of the world whether members or independent countries. The idea of globalization does have its merits, ranging anywhere from the standardization of economic policies which would ultimately bring all economies into specialized-equality to the political and social equality which would allow even the smallest nation to have a voice equal to that of all others. With advantages of globalization being numerous in scope it is no wonder that it is praised rather than denounced. However, we must take heed to the well known adage which states that for every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction, in other words for every positive there is an equally harmful quality attributed to globalization.
However grand the advantages to globalization may seem, several equally impressive disadvantages are present within the theoretical ideas of globalization. A strong argument made by anti-globalization activists is the increase in the number of impoverished individuals within the world with the standardization of economic and political institutions. With a globalized currency and political forum it would be highly improbable those individuals who are currently impoverished would be able rise up into self-sufficiency and strong economic standing due in part to the probable further devaluation of any asset they may currently possess. Following along the path of increased poverty, is also the overwhelming probability of a rapid spread of diseases, illicit drugs and crime. With the establishment of globalized government, aspects of immigration and open or closed borders become null and void, in essence the world is open for mass uncontrolled movement of both goods and people. As evidenced in the European Union, uncontrolled immigration and transportation of goods has led to an increase of disease related deaths by five-fold, in some cases even infections that had previously been eradicated in particular countries are now re-emerging stronger and deadlier than ever. Although not as drastic in scale it is also evident within the European Union as well as the United Nations that even though illicit drugs are considered illegal by both entities’ standards illicit drug use has increased by approximately forty percent in the last five years, according to both entities’ supervisory bodies. The disadvantages associated with globalization are not limited to the few presented by any stretch of the imagination, however many of the pro-globalization supporters dilute the negative aspects by saying that one must first allow globalization to fix the kinks before conclusions can reasonably be drawn.
Globalization as stated by former president, William Clinton, is the way of the future. However, before further generations dilute their national entities’ in favor of a global unified body they must focus and analyze both the pros and cons of globalization. The question must be asked by each future generation as to whether it is better to have a unified economic, political, religious and social unit with increased technological advancements, political equality, disease, poverty, and increased crime or whether the current system and way of life is more advantageous than the option of globalization. In regard to the choice that the current generation must make I leave them with a quotation from Eleanor Roosevelt, “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.”
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
