Globalization is far from a new concept, with its roots tracing back thousands of years. The international exchange of both goods and ideas has resulted in an ever-increasing opportunity for people to explore and appreciate the diversity of world culture. While the negative consequences of globalization are undeniable, it's important to acknowledge the positive consequences of globalization as well.
The Good in Globalization
The argument in support of globalization is multifaceted, involving complex political, cultural, economic, and ethical factors. Let's briefly touch upon each of these categories and explore the ways in which they may be perceived as beneficial.
Political
The central pillar in political globalization is the ever-increasing need to cooperate. It is clear that through the proverbial shrinking of the world, countries and cultures are brought together to facilitate international agreement. The creation and existence of the United Nations, for example, has been called one of the classic examples of political globalization.
The United Nations Headquarters in New York City
Cultural
Along similar lines, the "shrinking of the world" has allowed individuals across the globe to explore new cultures either via travel or through local exposure to international art, music, religion, theater, TV, movies, and countless other cultural outlets and perspectives.
Ethical
While there are ethical concerns associated with globalization, there are ethical benefits as well. International awareness carries with it, for example, the opportunity for nations and organizations to address human rights injustices committed across the globe. This allows for a rising sense of global civics, the notion that we have certain rights and responsibilities towards each other by the mere fact of being human on Earth.
Economic
Globalization allows for the exchange of goods and services across the globe. As a result of globalization, areas with limited resources (i.e. areas with limited farmland or no access to medicine) are able to access goods that can substantially improve their population's standard of living.
Globalization also allows for specialization, allowing different parts of product, for example, to be manufactured in different regions of the world. While one area may excel in producing the semiconductor for your phone, another area might excel in crafting your touch screen, and so on. This creates synergies through collaboration, enabling specialists to focus on their business strengths.