Globalization and Its Impact on the World

Dividing the World

Globalization has extended the culture and way of life of the USA and some European countries to the rest of the world.

The world today can be divided into two main parts:

• Central areas
• Peripheral areas

Global cities (New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt) are the main decision-making centers for multinational companies, large banks, and important international organizations.

Support for Globalization

Arguments in favor of globalization:

• Globalization promotes the exchange of goods, services, capital, and people.
• This process benefits all countries and individuals.
• Globalization can bring people, countries, and cultures closer together.
• Globalization leads to greater cooperation.
• The transmission of data enriches the lives of individuals.

Movement Against Globalization

Made up of various social groups and non-governmental organizations. They organize protests that coincide with the meetings of international bodies that promote globalization.

Arguments against globalization:

• Globalization imposes a capitalist economic model.
• Decisions affecting national economies are made by international organizations, multinational companies, or supranational institutions.
• The most powerful countries impose their language, culture, and customs on weaker countries.

Unequal Human Development

People often use the term "North" to refer to the industrialized world and "South" to refer to underdeveloped countries (also known as the Third World).

The following indicators are used to measure development:

• GDP per capita: in developed countries, it is over 10,000 dollars.
• Literacy rate

The UN uses the Human Development Index (HDI), which includes economic data, health, and education indicators, such as:

• Life expectancy at birth
• Years of schooling

Developed Countries

Characteristics of developed countries:

• Have a high GDP and a high standard of living.
• Their economy is based on the tertiary sector. Most people live in urban areas.
• Have their own technology.
• Population ageing. Life expectancy is high.
• Literacy rate is high.
• There are enough public services.
• Have a democratic political system.