What is Globalization?

Globalization is a term that has many broad definitions. The definition that I feel grasps the true meaning of the word the most is, "[T]he inexorable integration of markets, nation-states, and technologies to a degree never witnessed before-in a way that is enabling individuals, corporations and nation-states to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before . . . . the spread of free-market capitalism to virtually every country in the world". (Friedman, 7). The key concept of globalization is the idea of eliminating distance barriers between countries and bringing them closer together. With today's technology this idea is growing more and more possible. Through use of the internet, telephones, vehicles, etc, it is getting easier for nations all over the world to engage in trading, market activities, exchanging ideas, information and culture. All of this making the world a more diverse and wealthier place as a whole.

While the idea of globalization can be very positive, it is still very far from being achieved on an entirely global level. This is due to the technology gap between developed and underdeveloped countries. While developed countries have very easy access to the internet and other means of mass communication, there is still an overwhelming number of people that don't. "There is considerable concern worldwide that the explosion of the internet may leave many nations far behind, producing disparities between advanced industrialized and developing societies." (Norris, 1). This can become a lot more negative then positive because this gap could become drastic. While advanced nations are becoming more prosperous in both wealth and knowledge, developing nations will continue to fall deeper into a hole essentially excommunicating themselves from the rest of the world.

Works Cited

Norris, Pippa. "Information Poverty and the Wired World." The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics. Vol. 5, No. 3, (2003): 1-6. Web

Friedman, Thomas L. The Lexus and the Olive Tree. 2nd. New York City, NY: Anchor Books, 1999. 7-8. Print.