Name: Adu Kehinde Rachael
Combination: Political Science/English
Matric Number: UI/UT/19/POL/031
Level: 400
Purpose: Assignment
Date: 15th Jan, 2023
1. "What is dependency? Discuss with appropriate
illustration how globalization has made developing
countries of the global south dependent on the global
north?"
2. Do you think the factors or forces of globalization have
equal impact on the benefit that globalization provides?
1.
The concept of dependency emerged in the 1950s and
1960s, when many former colonies in Africa and Asia gained
independence from European powers. However, these newly
independent countries faced a number of challenges, including
a lack of resources and a need for outside assistance to build
infrastructure and develop their economies. As a result, they
became economically dependent on the former colonial
powers and other developed countries. This pattern of
dependency continued into the 1970s and 1980s, as developing
countries became even more reliant on foreign aid and loans
from international organizations like the World Bank.
In general, dependency refers to a situation in which one
group or entity relies on another for support or resources. In
the context of globalization, it refers to the economic and
political dependency of developing countries in the global
south on the developed countries in the global north. This
dependency is often caused by unequal power structures, trade
imbalances, and a lack of access to resources. For example,
many developing countries in Africa are dependent on the
global north for agricultural products, technology, and financial
assistance. This dependency can lead to exploitation and
inequality, and it makes it difficult for these countries to
achieve economic growth and development.
In many cases, dependency can create a cycle of poverty,
where developing countries become stuck in a pattern of
relying on the global north for resources and support. This can
lead to a lack of self-sufficiency and a loss of control over their
own economies. Additionally, dependency can lead to brain
drain, where skilled workers and professionals leave developing
countries to seek better opportunities in the global north. This
loss of human capital can further hinder development.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the debt crisis in many developing
countries deepened the cycle of dependency. Many countries
found themselves trapped in a cycle of borrowing money to pay
off their debts, which further indebted them and made them
even more dependent on foreign aid and loans. In addition, the
policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the
World Bank often required developing countries to adopt
structural adjustment programs that cut government spending
and privatized state-owned industries. This further contributed
to dependency by limiting the ability of these countries to
develop their own industries and become self-sufficient.
In the 2000s, some developing countries began to emerge from
the cycle of dependency and pursue more independent paths
of development. For example, countries like Brazil and India
have diversified their economies and become less reliant on
foreign aid and loans. However, many developing countries in
Africa and Asia are still struggling with debt and poverty, and
they remain dependent on the global north for resources and
support.
One way that globalization has made developing countries
of the global south dependent on the global north is through
trade imbalances. Developing countries often produce primary
commodities, such as oil, metals, and agricultural products,
which are then sold to developed countries at low prices. These
countries then use the profits from these sales to buy
manufactured goods from developed countries, which are
usually sold at higher prices. This creates a situation where
developing countries are dependent on developed countries for
their economic survival.
Another way that globalization has made developing
countries dependent on developed countries is through
structural adjustment programs (SAPs). These programs are
usually implemented by international financial institutions, such
as the IMF and the World Bank, and they require developing
countries to make changes to their economic policies in order
to receive financial assistance. These changes often involve
privatization of state-owned industries, liberalization of trade
and investment, and cuts to government spending on social
services. As a result, developing countries become more
dependent on developed countries for their economic
development and stability.
Overall, it is clear that globalization has increased
dependency in developing countries in a number of ways.
These include trade imbalances, structural adjustment
programs, and foreign direct investment. This dependency can
have negative consequences for developing countries, including
a lack of economic sovereignty, environmental degradation,
and social inequality. However, some argue that globalization
can also bring benefits to developing countries, such as
increased access to technology and knowledge, and the
potential for economic growth.
2.
The impact of globalization is not equal for everyone. For
example, some people may benefit from the increased access
to technology and knowledge that globalization brings, while
others may be negatively impacted by the loss of jobs due to
outsourcing. Additionally, the benefits of globalization may be
unevenly distributed within a country, with some people
benefiting more than others. In general, it seems that the
forces of globalization can have both positive and negative
impacts, depending on the individual or group of people
involved.
One of the main criticisms of globalization is that it tends
to benefit the wealthy and powerful more than the poor and
marginalized. For example, the rich may be able to take
advantage of opportunities for investment and profit-making,
while the poor may only experience the negative
consequences, such as job loss or environmental degradation.
Additionally, globalization can lead to the spread of ideas and
values that may not be compatible with local cultures, causing
social and cultural upheaval.
Another factor to consider is the impact of globalization on
the environment. The increase in trade and production that
comes with globalization can lead to an increase in pollution
and climate change. Additionally, the increased consumption of
resources that comes with globalization can lead to the
depletion of natural resources and the destruction of
ecosystems. Also, the impact of globalization on democracy and
human rights. Some argue that globalization can lead to a loss
of sovereignty and self-determination for countries, and that it
can also lead to the exploitation of workers and the violation of
human rights.
Another factor to consider is the impact of globalization on
public health. With the increased travel and contact between
people from different parts of the world, there is a greater risk
of the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, globalization
can lead to the spread of non-communicable diseases, such as
heart disease and diabetes, due to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Another concern is the rise of so-called "superbugs," or bacteria
that are resistant to antibiotics, due to the overuse of
antibiotics in farming and medicine.
It is clear that globalization is a complex and multifaceted
phenomenon that has both positive and negative impacts on
society. On the positive side, it can lead to increased economic
growth, technology transfer, and cultural exchange. However, it
also has the potential to cause environmental damage, social
inequality, and public health problems. In conclusion, it's
important to consider the benefits and costs of globalization
and to find ways to maximize the benefits while mitigating the
negative impacts.