In the modern world, some processes are more and more clearly observed that unite it, blur the borders between states and turn the economic system into one huge market. The peoples that inhabit the Earth interact with each other more effectively than ever and to some extent assimilate. All these and many other processes are called globalization. Many experts are inclined to believe that globalization is an inevitable stage in the development of mankind, when the whole world is gradually becoming one.
However, in the course of the formation of a global society, certain problems naturally arise. The processes of globalization are so complex and ambiguous that it cannot be otherwise. Before looking for a solution to these problems, it is necessary to understand the essence of globalization itself, because today it has already, to one degree or another, already touched almost all aspects of our lives.
What is globalization?
First of all, globalization is a process of changing the structure of the world economic system, when the economies of individual states are integrated into a common system. The purpose of these changes is to expand opportunities for trade, investment, capital flows throughout the world, which are regulated by a common principle for all. In fact, globalization affects more areas of human life. Mutual integration occurs in politics, culture, religion, education and in many other areas. On the example of the European Union and other alliances, one can observe how the erasing of borders between states occurs, and in the united countries uniform standards are more or less successfully applied in various spheres of life.
Globalization is characterized by many different phenomena, such as the spread of information technologies and means of communication, the interdependence of financial markets and the unification of their participants, migration, the formation of a universal human culture, etc. Moreover, these processes occur in conditions where separate civilizations and cultures that have their own value systems need to be integrated into a common system. The current problems of globalization, by and large, arise due to the diversity and dissimilarity of the participants in these processes. And according to her opponents, the processes of globalization are based on principles, the use of which very often leads to negative consequences.
Restriction of State Sovereignty
The main problem of globalization is that its processes are largely affected by various intergovernmental, supranational or private structures. Sometimes these institutions behave as if they have power over everyone and they are obliged to obey even the state. Of course, these structures cannot force anyone to fulfill their requirements and most often their conditions are advisory in nature, however, in order to gain access to certain resources and opportunities, the governments of the countries are forced to make concessions.
Indeed, today you can see how governments are losing control over the most diverse areas of government. More and more criticism is being addressed to such structures as the WTO, IMF or the World Bank, and transnational corporations (TNCs) have become so powerful that they can influence both individual states and the whole world. Many are concerned about the limited sovereignty of countries, and this despite the fact that today you can already hear talk about the revision of the traditional roles of the state and government. This problem of globalization is manifested in the difficulty of individual states defending their interests.
Focus on the economy
The structures that have the greatest impact on the course of globalization are largely focused on financial and economic issues. This mainly concerns TNCs and other private organizations that may be interested in making a profit or improving financial performance. They are more concerned about the economic problems of globalization, as a result of which its other aspects, such as health or the environment, which are also very important, are left without due attention.
TNCs in pursuit of profit
As already mentioned, TNCs put their priority on maximizing profits, which may go against the interests of society. Not to mention that in order to achieve their goals, TNCs can act to the detriment of everything else. A striking example is the tendency to transfer production to countries in which there are more favorable conditions for transnational corporations. In fact, these advantages lie in lower labor costs and less stringent labor laws, lower requirements for labor and environmental protection, low taxes and social security contributions. There is a violation of human rights.
In addition, the transfer of industrial production to developing countries provokes too rapid growth of their economies, which entails negative consequences. This problem of globalization also makes itself felt in the West, where unemployment is rising due to the closure of many enterprises.
Lack of openness
Governments and other state institutions, as well as their actions, can be controlled by voters in one way or another, their capabilities, principles of functioning and responsibility are clearly stated in the laws. With supranational organizations, the situation is somewhat different. They can act independently and most often make decisions that have a significant impact on the course of world processes, behind closed doors. Of course, this is preceded by lengthy multilateral negotiations, which take place both at the official level and on the sidelines. It is alarming that many very serious social problems of globalization are being solved in this way, and the mechanisms for making these decisions are not open and clear enough.
In addition, it is difficult for international structures to be held accountable in the event of unlawful actions on their part.
Loss of personality
As society integrates into a single economic and cultural space, some living standards also become the same for everyone. Opponents of globalization are concerned about the violation of the human right to their own culture and the loss of state identity.
Indeed, today we can observe how all of humanity is literally programmed, and people become faceless and similar to each other. They listen to the same music and eat the same food, it does not matter in which country or part of the world they live. A major role in this is globalization. The global problems of our time are not only difficulties in the economic or political spheres. Cultural traditions are forgotten, and national values are replaced by strangers or simply invented, which cannot but worry.
Globalization or Westernization?
Looking more closely, you can see the relationship between globalization and the so-called Westernization - the process of assimilation of other less developed and less modernized territories by Western civilization. Of course, globalization is a broader process than westernization. On the example of East Asian countries that have retained their identity, one can see that modernization and integration into the world system can occur in the conditions of the preservation of one’s own culture. Yet globalization is inextricably linked to liberal values that may be alien to some cultures, such as Islam. The problems of globalization in such cases can manifest themselves quite acutely.
Globalization and Lobby
Specialists, and some observant people, are sure that the main problems of globalization are that, under the guise of integration, someone's interests are promoted. These can be individual countries, mainly western, and powerful TNCs. It is no secret that the headquarters of many international organizations are located in the United States, and although officially they are independent institutions working in the common interest, one can often observe how globalization processes are happening to the detriment of developing countries.
A vivid example of this is the work of the International Monetary Fund. Those recommendations and loans that the IMF generously distributes to developing countries do not always benefit them. Integrating into the general system, the economies of these states become dependent on credit funds, or even completely decline.
World government
All sorts of conspiracy theories allow the existence of certain forces whose purpose is supposedly to establish a world government or a new world order. Indeed, the problem of globalization is that it subjugates the whole world, gradually, step by step, country by country, it brings everyone together and turns it into a single whole. One law, one culture … one government. The experiences of the opponents of these processes are quite understandable, because many are confident that this does not bode well.
As conspiracy theorists say, the goal of the world government is to create the so-called Golden Billion, which will include residents of selected countries (Western Europe, North America, etc.). The rest of the world's population is subject to destruction and enslavement.
Anti-globalism
Today, many people who are worried about the problems associated with globalization are joining the anti-globalist movement. In fact, it is an association of various organizations - both international and national, as well as a mass of people, politicians, scientists, human rights activists and ordinary citizens who have an active citizenship. It is important to note that anti-globalists are protesting not so much against globalization as against the principles on which it is based. According to members of the movement, many problems of globalization of the economy and other areas are directly related to the neoliberal principles of regulation and privatization.
Every day the anti-globalist movement is becoming more organized. For example, since 2001 the World Social Forum has been held annually, where the most important issues are discussed under the slogan “The world may be different”.
