Globalisation and History

It can be said that while globalisation has been around since the movement of our ancestors toward the Mediterranean hundreds of thousands of years ago, the developing aspects of conquest, exploration and trade over time have led to a redefined nature of what globalisation entails. Robinson notes that the evolving nature of exploitation has become a main benefactor in modern society and consequently, has become the main disadvantage of globalisation. While the evolving nature of technology has provided a grounding for a larger framework for exploitation, when compared to times hundreds of years ago, it can be said the main motive for globalisation has always been the struggle for resources.

Nevertheless, while the main intentions of globalisation have constituted the same framework over many years, technological advancements have allowed for communication barriers to be crossed and as such, means of education among global citizens have continued to expand and diversify.

On the other hand, the notion of Americanisation has contributed to the growing nature of exploitation in a world which is becoming flooded more and more by technology, popculture, and materialism. While this is certainly true in large societies, as individuals, Americanisation is in the eye of the beholder, and is as influential as you make it to be.

Yes, while Americanisation was certainly the last wave of globalisation, it is hard to predict what the next wave will be. Having said that, regulated economies such as China have potential to be the next wave of globalisation, purely based on their array of resources they possess.

It can be said that while it is hard to say where or if a new wave of 'Americanisation' will form, a change of power due to such development is most probable. Historically, powers have swayed from Egypt, to the Persian empire, to Greece, to Rome due to the presence of resources and the stranglehold they have over other societies. As such, it can be said that power in globalisation will most probably lean toward those with resources (in the future most probably China), be it natural, financial, military, technological or geographically.

Now the question must be asked, is globalisation good or bad? Essentially, globalisation is necessary for continual development and consequent competition amongst societies. On the other hand, this comes through the form of exploitation which in itself negates the concept of globalisation. As such, globalisation like a fire. Fire can bring both positive and negative repercussions . When correctly implemented, it can heat, cook and help develop resources. On the other hand, when incorrectly implemented, lives can be put at risk. As such, globalisation is both good and bad. Only when effectively used, will the positives be seen.

Peter Adams

Nationalism & Global Citizenship

Prior to the subject reading, my knowledge of globalisation was limited to a modern age. At first I believed that globalisation developed alongside modern technological advancement and should be considered a 21^st century term. While this period aided the ongoing development of globalisation, it is evident that this concept began a few centuries ago not only through trade, but war, and consequently the transfer of knowledge among differing societies.

As acknowledged by Carter, global citizenship entails two intrinsic trends, that is, people who believe that global citizens constitute interpersonal values which are instilled into the fabric of the community, and those who preserve the concept of universal values and a compassionate point of view. While both points are true in their own respect, I believe that both thoughts work interchangeably to broaden global citizenship. While global citizenship should follow some sort of central idea, it should not be limited to one defining fact.

As mentioned, globalisation has often been motivated by the results of war and trade. Through this, exploitation of labour and the consequent sale of the by-products from this labour have led to the search for increased profit amongst organisations.  As such, while connecting the world through the aforementioned actions, unfortunately, while developing or maintaining global ties, there will always be a party at cost while somebody benefits at their expense.

From this, the question must be asked: Is globalisation good or bad?

While this question will generate differing views depending on the organisation or party asked, in my opinion, globalisation has become a type of ‘indirect’ business. In an age where the consumer must be pleased, global issues have moulded from the old (war, slave trade etc) to consumerism (where internet has become a main global communicator); a dog eat dog world where profit is key.

Peter Adams

Introduction

It can be said that the recent seminar held on the 1st of December indefinitely challenged my initial understanding of what being a global citizen entails. Initially, through the analysis of the online GAP test results I received, I thought that I was without doubt a fully fledged global citizen (since I have lived elsewhere in the world and vastly travelled to different areas) . Nevertheless, by the end of the seminar it dawned upon me that the dimensions of global citizenship extends past this preconceived notion - everybody is expanding their global citizenship horizons, not only spreading culture within places people like me have travelled to, but bringing cultures to our own doorstep. As such, through understanding of global consequences, and differing ethos', the idea of being a global citizen without leaving your place of residence is certainly plausible.

To add, while global citizenship entails  to a degree, the aforementioned feature of networking with different cultures through travel, this is not the complete extent of global citizenship. The extent relates to our acceptance and acknowledgement of humanity and race, paired with un-restrictiveness and equality in decisions and processes.

Through this course I would like to develop this understanding and expand my global citizenship profile so that I can not only learn about cultures, but respectfully understand the consequences of differencing views and actions carried out within these cultures.

Peter Adams