What does it mean? Globalization is the increasing integration of economies and societies around the world.

Globalization is an inevitable phenomenon in the history of mankind, which consists in the fact that the world, as a result of the exchange of goods and products, information, knowledge and cultural values, becomes more interconnected. However, the pace of this global integration has become much faster and more impressive in recent decades, thanks to unprecedented advances in areas such as technology, communications, science, transportation and industry.

Although globalization accelerates the development of mankind and is its consequence, it is a difficult process to which one must adapt and which creates serious problems and difficulties. This rapid pace of change can be threatening, and most countries try to control or manage it.

Why does this concern me? Globalization has been the cause of some of the most heated debates of the last decade.

Criticizing the consequences of globalization, people most often refer to economic integration. Economic integration occurs when countries relax restrictions such as import tariffs and open their economies to investment and trade with the rest of the world. Critics of globalization point out that inequality in the current global trading system has a negative impact on developing countries to the detriment of developed countries.

Proponents of globalization believe that the implementation of open economic policies in countries such as China, India, Uganda, and Viet Nam has significantly reduced poverty.

In response, critics say that the process has led to the exploitation of people in developing countries, serious destabilization and little benefit.

In order for all countries to benefit from globalization, the international community should continue to work to eliminate distortions in international trade (reducing farm subsidies and lowering trade barriers) that are in the interests of developed countries and create a more equitable system.

Some countries have benefited from globalization:

China. The reforms have led to unprecedented reductions in poverty. Between 1978 and 1989, the number of rural poor fell from 250 million to 34 million.

India. Over the past 20 years, the poverty rate has halved.

Vietnam. The results of surveys of the poorest families indicate that in the 1990s, 98% of the members of such families improved their living conditions. The government surveyed families at the beginning of the reform process and, returning to the same families six years later, found that there had been a significant reduction in poverty. People had more food, their children attended high school. One of the many factors that contributed to the success of Vietnam's reforms was trade liberalization. In ten years, the level of poverty in the country has been reduced by half. Economic integration has raised prices for poor farmers' products: rice, fish, cashew nuts, and more jobs in shoe and clothing factories, which pay much better than other jobs in Vietnam.

But globalization did not help for other countries:

Many African countries have not benefited from globalization. Their exports are still limited to a limited list of the main types of raw materials.

Some experts attribute these countries' lagging behind to the inefficiency of their policies, underdeveloped infrastructure, weak institutions, and corrupt governments.

Other experts believe that some countries cannot join the process of global growth due to unfavorable geographic location and climatic conditions. For example, landlocked countries may find it difficult to compete in global markets for manufactured goods and services.

Over the past few years, there have been protests in Europe and the United States about the consequences of globalization. However, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey, there is very strong support in many developing countries for various aspects of integration, especially trade and direct investment. In sub-Saharan Africa, 75% of households believe that investment by multinational corporations is a positive thing.

What is the international community doing?

World Bank spokesman David Dollar compares globalization to a high-speed train that countries can only get on if they "build the platform." In fact, to build a platform means to create a foundation that ensures the successful functioning of the country. It includes property rights, the rule of law, basic education and health care, secure infrastructure (eg ports, roads and customs), and so on.

International organizations such as the World Bank, bilateral aid agencies and non-governmental organizations are working with developing countries to build this foundation so they can prepare for global integration.

If governments do not create such a framework and provide basic services, the poor will not be able to reap the benefits and will be left on the margins of development. It is also important that the government runs the country well. If a country has a corrupt and incompetent government, third-party agencies are unlikely to be able to change people's lives.

What can I do?

Expand your knowledge of the world and current events.

Become a member of the volunteer movement. Visit the UN Volunteer or Idealist websites for information on volunteering opportunities around the world to promote sustainable development.

If you live in a developed country:

Contact your country's National Volunteer Service

Or visit the UN Volunteer or Idealist websites for information on other options

Visit additional sites listed on the Take the Initiative page

Find out how much your government is giving away in bilateral and multilateral aid, and try to convince the government to increase the amount.

If you live in a developing country:

Go to school - learn and gain knowledge

Volunteer to help those in need

Convince other children and young people of the importance of going to school and volunteering

Link for article: