The Disadvantages of Globalization

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Globalization is a term that is difficult to define, as it covers many broad topics in the global arena. However, it can typically be attributed to the advancement of economic, social, and cultural interactions among the companies, citizens, organizations, and governments of nations; globalization also focuses on the interactions and integration of countries (The Levin Institute 2012). Many in the Western world promote globalization as a positive concept that allows growth and participation in a global community. Conversely, the negative aspects rarely receive the same level of attention. Globalization appears to be advantageous for the privileged few, but the benefits are unevenly distributed. For example, the three richest people in the world possess assets that exceed the Gross National Product of all of the least developed countries and their 600 million citizens combined (Shawki and D’Amato 2000). Although globalization can provide positive results to some, it can also be a high price to pay for others. Furthermore, for all of those who profit or advance from the actions related to globalization, there are countless others who endure severe adverse effects. Those who support globalization believe it is a positive concept because it promotes the diffusion of wealth, culture, knowledge, and technology. Proponents argue that the dissemination of information and wealth of this type will only benefit citizens, from the poorest in developing countries, to the wealthiest in established countries. In addition, they claim the integration of cultures and economies leads to the spread of information, which also increases religious, cultural, and racial tolerance. However, in spite of all these well-intentioned ideas, globalization h... ... middle of paper ... ....edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/Ghose_Ajit_K.pdf?issn=0309166x&issue=v28i0002&article=229_giait], accessed 19 May 2012. Krain, Matthew (2005), “AP Comparative Government and Politics Briefing Paper: Globalization,” [http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap05_comp_govpol_glob_42253.pdf], accessed 15 May 2012. Frank, Barney (1999), “The Correct Approach to Globalization,” Congressional Record, [http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap05_comp_govpol_glob_42253.pdf], accessed 17 May 2012. Shawki, Ahmed, Paul D’Amato (2000), “Briefing: The Shape of World Capitalism,” International Socialist Review, [http://www.isreview.org/issues/11/world_capitalism.shtml], accessed 19 May 2012. Stiglitz, Joseph (2005), “The Overselling of Globalization,” in Bradley A. Thayer, Nuray V. Ibrayomova (eds.), Debates in International Relations (New York: Longman), 86.

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