Globalization What is Globalization: A Framework 5/8/12

Globalization Definitions Traditional definitions place globalization in an economic context: “the increasing interdependence of national economies.” A broad way to think of it: the world is getting smaller and more interconnected than ever before.

Examples from the Past: #1 Trade along the Silk Road

Examples from the Past #2 Brazilians colonized by Portugal

Examples from the Past #3 Christianity in the Congo

Examples from the Present #1 Indian doctors analyzing American X-Rays

Examples from the Present #2 Starbucks in the Forbidden City The campaign to oust the Seattle-based coffee chain from one of China's most historic sites was led by a popular news anchor from the country's national television broadcaster, CCTV, who ignited a firestorm after taking up the issue on his popular blog last year. "Starbucks has good quality stuff, but it is still a symbol of America's low-class food culture," wrote Rui Chenggang on Jan. 12, "It's maybe O.K. to have a Starbucks around the Forbidden City. But having one inside the City is inappropriate. This is not globalization, but an erosion of Chinese culture."

Examples from the Present #3 Human Rights? Does China truly have human rights?

End of Cold War A billion + people have entered the global economy – pent up entrepreneurship is exploding – capitalism won, and these people want a part

Technological Changes Technology has made it easier to make work more efficiently, spread ideas quickly, and communicate cheaply across great distances

Population Growth More minds, more workers, more business, more middle-class demands

Rise of Multinational Corporations Efficiency in business – comparative advantage – what makes a company an “American” company?

By 2030….Great Barrier Reef…History