It is inevitable that a force as monumental as globalization should present both benefits and challenges, or disadvantages. The world is literally interacting at unprecedented levels and, as this is inevitably an expanding reality, the effects, positive and negative, then become more prominent. In terms of advantages, to begin with, there are inestimable positive consequences resulting from the process as a whole. As is widely noted, increased globalization inherently translates to increased diversity. Cultures interact in multiple ways, from literal migrations to commerce bringing together nations previously unknown to one another (Emory, 2001).
The benefit here is, admittedly, subject to debate; that is, cultural interaction may generate conflict as well as mutual understanding. Nonetheless, the greater probability is that increase of global interaction alone must in time promote international diversity and a more universal appreciation of multiculturality itself.
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"Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization".
Then, there is the inescapable matter of economic advancement, and going beyond corporate concerns. Certainly, business is poised to benefit when vast new markets become available, which in turn may go to enhanced multicultural relationships; the company establishing an overseas presence, for example, relies on the new culture to supply a workforce, and disparate cultures then come together for common goals. Moreover, the potential commercial advantages of globalization encourage governments to develop their own infrastructures, and be enabled to more effectively transact business with other nations. Throughout Asia, for example, and from the 1990s, multiple countries expended intense efforts in enhancing their technological capabilities, in order to better compete in global markets (Blum, 2007, p. 31). Globalization then may be said to immense opportunity for economic growth.
Nonetheless, certain issues are noted as well, and one is often overlooked; namely, globalization is very much based on how technology enables communication across vast distances, and with great efficiency. This presents the ironic likelihood that, as cultures and nations interact through this technology, individuals will be more distanced from physical realities and actual experience (Howard-Hassmann, 2010, p. 128). Individual isolation, in fact, may become the defining mark of the “global village.” A more widely discussed and negative potential exists in how, as globalization itself proceeds, great powers will dominate and overwhelm other cultures. There is a distinct sense already that the U.S. reflects an imperialist agenda, as it is noted that other nations resent American dominance (Emory). Apart from the ethics of undue authority, there is as well the potential for indigenous cultures to be eclipsed by the stronger presences. Diversity, in other words, may actually give way to a single culture’s eradicating others.
On a personal level, I am wary of globalization because, its many advantages notwithstanding, it seems too likely that power must dictate the actual form it takes. I have enjoyed the benefits of globalization, if only in interacting with individuals greatly distanced from my country, as well as by how I have “global” options for my future career. We live in an age of vast access to contact and information, and globalization is so immense a process, it is difficult to even estimate the advantages it may offer. At the same time, my concern is based on human history as being less concerned with humane and/or cultural progress, and far more consistently reflecting ambitions for control. This is not to suggest that the U.S., or any other individual world power, will take such a course. Nonetheless, history also reveals that commerce tends to dictate international interaction, commerce enables power, and great power does not traditionally limit itself through respecting that which it overtakes. Consequently, and while I value what globalization brings to us, I anticipate it as ultimately creating immense conflicts.
