Effects and Resistance of Globalization

Introduction to Globalization

• Globalization has significantly changed the world since 1900.
• Economic and cultural globalization has led to both positive and negative effects.
• Question: Has globalization been for the better or worse?

Positive Effects of Globalization

• Economic Growth:
  • 20th century saw a quadrupling of the global population.
  • Economic output increased 40-fold, leading to better standards of living, healthcare, lifespan extensions, education, and literacy.
• Cultural Interconnection:
  • Facilitated global movements for human rights.
  • Increased interconnection between cultures.

Negative Effects of Globalization

• Economic Disparities:
  • Benefits of globalization not evenly distributed.
  • Critics argue it favors global North, marginalizes global South.
  • Resembles colonial exploitation where imperial powers benefited from colonial economies.
• Cultural Hegemony:
  • Spread of global culture challenges local cultures.

International Economic Institutions

• Bretton Woods Conference (1944):
  • Aimed to create a stable post-war world.
  • Led by capitalist nations, particularly the United States.

Created Organizations:

• World Bank
  • Initially for European reconstruction post-WWII.
  • Shifted focus to loans and assistance for developing countries.
• International Monetary Fund (IMF):
  • Promoted monetary cooperation and stability.
  • Ensured stable currency values pegged to the American dollar.

Resistance to Economic Globalization

• Critics argue economic policies exploit labor in developing countries, undermine local decisions.
• Anti-Globalization Movements:
  • Battle for Seattle (1999):
    • A protest against the World Trade Organization's financial goals.
    • Marked significant anti-globalization activism.
    • Police response was harsh, with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Resistance to Cultural Globalization

• Social Media Influence:
  • Platforms like Facebook and Twitter spread global culture rapidly.
  • Some states, like China, resisted by creating local alternatives.

Case Study: China

• Actions Taken:
  • Banned Facebook and Twitter, blaming them for unrest (e.g., 2009 Han-Weeger riots).
  • Introduced "Weibo," a local social media platform.
  • Government filters information to prevent Western ideas.

Conclusion

• Globalization has led to both significant advancements and disparities.
• Resistance movements arise to counteract perceived negative impacts, both economically and culturally.

Additional Resources

• AP World Himler Review Guide for national exam preparation.