Understanding Globalization
Exploring the interconnectedness of our world and
its profound impact on societies, economies, and
cultures.
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What is Globalization?
Globalization is the process of integrating communication, culture, and economies worldwide into a single global
system. Countries, people, companies, and governments increasingly work together, leading to a more closely
connected world.
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Why is Globalization Accelerating?
Ease of Travel Eased Trade Improved
Regulations Communications
Jet airplanes and improved
transportation make global Reduced barriers and international Cell phones, internet, and social
movement faster and more agreements promote free exchange media enable instant global
accessible. of goods and services. communication and business.
GLOBALIZATION | CHAPTER ONE
Globalization in History
Ancient Connections
Globalization is not new. Over 2,000 years ago, Alexander the
Great spread Greek culture, and the Silk Road connected China
and Europe for trade, exchanging goods, ideas, and culture.
Medieval Routes
The Trans-Saharan Trade Route linked North and West Africa,
spreading goods like gold and salt, along with Arabic
knowledge and Islam.
Early 20th-century globalization primarily affected the wealthy The Silk Road
due to limited travel and communication.
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Speeding Up: The Modern Era
While globalization has existed for centuries, its pace significantly accelerated in the 19th century, marking the "first wave of
globalization."
19th Century Post-WWII
Technological advances like steam engines and railroads Trade surged again with communication and transportation
reduced costs, boosting international trade until WWI. improvements. Transnational corporations emerged, and
world trade volume increased 20-fold since 1950.
1 2 3
Inter-War Period
Globalization slowed due to the Great Depression and trade
restrictions.
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Shrinking Barriers to Trade
Since WWII, many governments have removed trade barriers What is a Trade Barrier?
and embraced free-market systems, where prices are
A government restriction on the free exchange of goods or
determined by supply and demand without government
services between countries, designed to make imported goods
interference.
more expensive than local ones.
International agreements further promote trade, allowing
• Tariffs or taxes on imported goods
companies to expand globally, build foreign factories, and
reach worldwide customers. • Testing and certification requirements
• Subsidies for domestic companies
• Restrictions on foreign investment
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Mid-20th Century Technology's Role in
TAT-1 cable (1956) carried 36 calls
at $12 for 3 mins, improving quality
Connecting the World
and capacity. Calls skyrocketed from Advances in technology have been crucial in accelerating globalization, making
10,000 (1927) to 4 million (1961). communication and information exchange instant and affordable.
Early 20th Century
Transatlantic phone calls were
expensive and unreliable ($75 for 3
mins in 1927).
Today
Submarine cables carry over 1
million calls. Satellite
communication (1980s) connected
remote areas.
Engineers at AT&T make plans to run a cable across the Atlantic Ocean in 1922.
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The Internet: A Global Game Changer
The internet, designed by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991,
revolutionized global connectivity. It provides a common
platform for communication, business, news, and cultural
exchange.
People can instantly communicate via email, chat, and video
calls, and access the same music and movies worldwide,
fostering shared cultural experiences.
Global media networks bring news instantly, allowing people to
see events and perspectives from around the world, like the
2004 tsunami in Thailand.
Images from the 2004 tsunami in Thailand could be seen around
the world almost immediately after the event.
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Zoom Around the World
Transportation has transformed over the past 100
years. What once took weeks or even months can now
be done in hours. Thanks to advances in technology,
travel has become faster, safer, cheaper, and more
efficient—connecting people, cultures, and businesses
worldwide.
• Cars: safer, fuel-efficient, and affordable
• London → Singapore: from 8 days with 22 stops → to 12
hours nonstop
• Ships & railroads: move massive goods, boosting global This plane can fly straight from London to Singapore without stopping.
trade
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The Dark Side of Globalization
While globalization offers many benefits, it also presents challenges and criticisms.
Wealth Gap Local Competition Cultural
Homogenization
Critics argue it widens the gap Transnational corporations (TNCs)
between rich and poor, benefiting using cheap foreign labor can Western pop culture, fast food
multinational corporations while undersell local companies, forcing chains, and English as a dominant
exploiting cheap labor in developing them out of business. language can replace local customs
nations. and languages.
In 2016, emerging economies contributed nearly 25% to global growth, up from 12% in 2000, yet many struggle to compete globally.
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Navigating Our Interconnected Future
Globalization is a powerful force that connects people, ideas, and goods worldwide. Understanding its complexities is crucial for shaping
its future.
Positive Impact Challenges Our Role
Promotes economic growth, prosperity, Threatens livelihoods and cultures, By understanding its issues and
and democratic freedom, offering changing traditional ways of life for controversies, we can find the right
greater access to goods, technologies, billions. balance to improve life for all people on
ideas, and cultures. Earth.
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Group 1 Members
JAYVEE TYRONE CORDOVA
CHRISTIAN ANDRADE
RICHARD ARANCILLO
EDRIAN CLAVERIA
APPLE KAYE COLONA
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