BRIEF REFLECTION ON GLOBALIZATION AND EFFECTS

Globalization by definition is the interconnectedness of states/nations that they become

so interdependent. It is the present reality that every nations are into. Linkages, free-flow of
goods and ideas, integration, sharing, are just few of the words that define this broad concept.
Since it is broad, we have to slice this into different perspectives:
a.Economist. In the past, people were just concerned about their daily (individual)
consumption, and production were at the very least in their living, especially in the nomadic
times. But because of the increasing population people started to live as a community,
maintaining and sustaining their living through consumption and production that is only limited
to their needs/wants. Because of the introduction of the products from other countries, people
started integrating some, if not all, that they later became so dependent from the goods
coming from other places and countries. Modernity and the introduction of technology, makes
transferring of goods from one place to another easy that every producing country cannot risk
being left from the growing competition, hence trade became global.
b.Sociologist. 19th century was the start of “independence” movement from the hands of
colonizers/imperialists. The spirit of nationalism was so strong that every nation developed a
sense of pride for their own race against another (e.g. Filipinos resented Spain and embraced
Rizal). In Europe, strong nationalism became one of the causes of the First World War when
Russia cannot isolate the Russian speaking Serbian that was under the Austria-Hungary domain
and France wanted to regain Alsace and Lorraine that Germany took. Division was prevalent in
the past and alien cultures are regarded as enemy (ethnocentrism). But indifference cannot
forever withstand the influence brought by land, sea and air connectedness. Ideas, trade,
culture (music, art, dressing, etc.) coming from different places started to flourish as one. In the
Philippines, education is no longer limited to men; household chores no longer limited to
women; trade is no longer limited to barter (the exchanging of goods) but mercantilism was
introduced for ease; we are no longer limited to baro’t saya for we are more comfortable to
western dressing; LGBT are given more voice and recognition. We are now in the age of fast
changing demographics.
c.Political Scientist. World War 2 was the product of indifference and isolationist perspective.
Cold War was started by the two most armed states of that time that happened to have
different political ideologies. But China’s rise into its current world power status is a reflection
of a growing globally-dependent economic life. Its major manufacture services are powered by
Western companies; part of its human resources are coming from third world countries that are
also linked to western countries. Its market is not excusive but inclusive, hence global. So
China’s current status as the 2nd most powerful country in terms of economy is not really a
threat for another devastating war, i.e. WW3, for it could not risk losing its world consumer
(e.g. USA, Japan)and its material resource (e.g Africa, Southeast Asia). Although geopolitical
conflicts are most prevalent in the Middle East, this is not a prelude to international escalation.
In fact, countries now are more focus and one, than ever, in facing international threats like
terrorism. The Philippines which traditionally belongs to the western block, is now more open
in accepting assistance from different world powers (e.g. China, Israel, Australia) in countering
terrorist insurgency.
 In the light of these global changes, we are sometimes confronted with the
contradicting perception about globalization, whether it’s a friend or a foe. To answer this, we
have to look at the different sectors of the society. It can be regarded as a friend if it promotes
innovation and development, e.g. academe, where researches are shared from one place to
another. It could be a foe if the societal reality could not cope up with the competition laid by
globalization. Common among these are the local businesses and some agricultural products,
i.e. small time and underground. Although, globalization alone cannot be blamed for some
sectors inability, resulting to unemployment, for government lack of competence is also a big
factor.

Interstate system is the situation in which countries are interconnected to the point of
interdependency, in economics and politics. Modern world is political in nature for it is ruled by
world leaders, bringing with them the interestof their own people, meet and achieve some kind
of consensus for the benefit of the global populacethat would last for a longer period of time.
Hence, international organizations are created (e.g. UN, LN, OPEC, APEC). The significant events
in Europe did really started the modern world order. The Treaty of Westphalia was a significant
achievement of mankind for without this, history and present reality would have been
different.