Jennifer Craig
February 1st, 2005
Abstract: “Two Views of Globalization”
Professor Schwartz
I. Two Years Later, A Thousand Years Ago
Two years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th of 2001, Robert
Wright, journalist for the New York Times, speculates upon the positive and negative elements of globalization against the backdrop of history, as well as the challenges that the United States and all nations face with ever- increasing political and economic interdependence.
Until September 11th, many regarded globalization—particularly the spread of America’s political and economic liberties—as a type of manifest destiny. Advancements and expansions in technology have linked nations and profited either’s economic or political systems. In a sense, it has created a type of friendly neighborhood—though on a global scale—in which a level of interdependence between neighbors could help either out and, ideally, keep each on an equal, steady incline in the welfare of their peoples. History indicates that nations (such as the United States) that have engaged in global communication and interaction, do possess much higher tolerance and respect for religious and political freedom—both among its own citizens and abroad.
In contrast, though, various technological enablers of that communication and interaction have posed serious conflicts within the global community. To quote Wright: they enable “previously amorphous or powerless groups to coalesce and orchestrate activities, from peaceful lobbying to terrorist slaughter.” Increasing access to technology allows individuals or groups with harmful intent to operate discretely and with ease.
Since it’s seemingly inevitable that the world’s influx of advanced technology will continually increase nations’ interconnectedness and interdependence, various factors depend upon the success of globalization—or, the success of the relationship between the peoples involved. Wright claims that peaceful and profitable globalization entails not only a type of international governance, but a shared moral approach to it. He emphasizes the importance of a “global norm of tolerance” and that, “assuming we like our liberty, we have little choice but to take an earnest interest in the situation of distant and seemingly strange people, working to elevate their welfare, exploring their discontent as a step toward expanding their moral horizons -- and in the process expanding ours.”
II. Globalization Goes to War
In Newsweek, Robert J. Samuelson depicts the numerous contradictions and/or complications that characterize globalization. At any given time, the agreeability and/or success rate of trade, global investment, and migration can—as proven throughout history—cause globalization to flourish or fatally falter.
Amidst the extant economic and political problems that globalization already faces, the war in Iraq may either boost or hinder its development. Though, such as after WWI, it may have sporadically faltered throughout history, “[s] till, the presumption has been that
globalization is unstoppable. Freer trade and cheap transportation and
communications make it so.”