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Module 1-Lesson 2 - Historical Development of Globalization

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21 views

Module 1-Lesson 2 - Historical Development of Globalization

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Joaquin Bogart
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Module 1.

Introduction to Globalization
Lesson 2: Evolution and Historical Perspectives of Globalization

Globalization, at its core, refers to the process through which societies and economies become
more interlinked and interdependent. This multifaceted phenomenon is influenced by cultural,
political, economic, and technological factors (Steger, 2009). Historically, globalization can be
traced back to the first civilizations that engaged in long-distance trade and cultural exchange. As
humans developed more advanced transportation and communication means, these
interactions grew more frequent and intricate.

1. Pre-modern Forms of Global Interaction (e.g., Silk Road)


Pre-modern globalization, while not as intense as its modern counterpart, consisted of a series
of important exchanges. The Silk Road stands out as an emblematic example. Spanning from
China to Europe, this network of trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, technologies,
religions, and even diseases for centuries (Liu, 2010). The road played a pivotal role in the spread
of Buddhism, the circulation of paper and printing technologies, and the lucrative trade in silk
and spices.

Ancient maritime trade routes, such as those between ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley, and
Mesopotamia, also played a pivotal role in early globalization. Cultural exchanges during these
times paved the way for religious spread, including the dissemination of Buddhism, Christianity,
and Islam.

2. The Age of Discovery, Colonial Expansion and Mercantilism


The period between the 15th and 18th centuries marked a significant shift in global interactions.
European nations, driven by mercantilist ideologies, began exploring and subsequently
colonizing large portions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Mercantilism advocated for
accumulating wealth by ensuring that a nation's exports exceeded its imports, leading to a
favorable balance of trade.

Colonial powers established colonies to extract resources. This not only led to the expansion of
European cultures, religions, and languages but also paved the way for the establishment of
global trade networks.

The negative aspects of this era include the Transatlantic Slave Trade and significant socio-
cultural and economic disruptions in colonized regions.

The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and Vasco da Gama's
maritime route to India in 1498 signified the beginning of an interconnected global system. This
period saw the exchange of crops, animals, cultures, and diseases between the Old and New
Worlds, a process known as the Columbian Exchange. Moreover, the establishment of colonies
fueled the transatlantic slave trade, which had long-lasting sociopolitical and economic
ramifications (Curtin, 1984).
3. 20th Century: From World Wars to the Creation of International Organizations
The two World Wars in the 20th century brought unparalleled destruction, but also catalyzed the
push towards global cooperation. In the aftermath of World War I, the League of Nations was
established, albeit with limited success. Post World War II, the United Nations (UN) was founded
in 1945, aiming for global peace and cooperation (Iriye, 2002). Furthermore, economic
interdependence was bolstered with the creation of the World Bank, International Monetary
Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). These organizations, amongst others,
aimed to stabilize the global economy and promote free trade.

The aftermath of the Second World War significantly shaped the trajectory of globalization. The
war devastated Europe's economy, leading to the rise of the US and USSR as global superpowers
and the beginning of the Cold War era. The Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 established the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, aiming to promote international
economic cooperation and ensure monetary stability.

Additionally, the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 aimed at promoting peace,
security, and cooperation among member states. The decolonization movement, starting in the
mid-20th century, saw many countries gain independence, leading to a shift in global power
dynamics.

The post-war period also witnessed the advent of global organizations promoting trade,
including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947, which later became the
World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 (Ikenberry, 2001)

4. 21st Century Globalization: Digital age, Instant Communication, and the Rise of
Multinational Corporations.
The advent of the digital age has supercharged globalization. Technological advancements,
especially in communication and information dissemination, have made the world feel smaller.
Platforms like the internet, social media, and mobile devices enable real-time interaction
regardless of geographic distances (Castells, 2011). Additionally, multinational corporations, with
their global supply chains and vast consumer bases, play a pivotal role in shaping economic
globalization. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google not only command enormous
economic power but also influence cultural and social norms across the world.

REFERENCES:

• Castells, M. (2011). The rise of the network society: The information age: Economy, society, and
culture (Vol. 1). John Wiley & Sons.
• Curtin, P. D. (1984). Cross-cultural trade in world history. Cambridge University Press.
• Ikenberry, G. J. (2001). After victory: Institutions, strategic restraint, and the rebuilding of order
after major wars. Princeton University Press.
• Iriye, A. (2002). Global community: The role of international organizations in the making of the
contemporary world. University of California Press.
• Liu, X. (2010). The Silk Road in world history. Oxford University Press.
• Steger, M. B. (2009). Globalization: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

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