Globalization Introduction
Globalization Introduction
Globalization
Globalization
Globalization
Globalisation refers to the process how trade and technology have made the world a more
connected and interdependent place. In broad sense, the term “globalization” implies
combination of economies and societies through cross country flows of information, ideas,
technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and people.
Globalization has several aspects and can be political, cultural, social, and economic, out of
which financial integration is the most common aspect.
India’s massive economic growth is largely due to globalization which was a transformational
change that didn’t occur until the 1990s. Since then, the country’s gross domestic product
(GDP) has grown at an exponential rate.
It began with the overseas expansion of capitalism in the form of imperial conquests and
colony settlements across the world since fifteenth century or even earlier.
This phase of globalization brought the Asian, African and Latin American countries under
European political and economic domination. These countries were compelled to 'open-up'
their economies.
This phase is termed as “Widening phase” of globalization.
During this phase, the economic integration of the world was confined to international trade
and colonial exploitative relationships.
New Globalisation
New developments in the field of communications have forced the imperial powers to
renounce the use of force for the exploitation of 'colonies'.
Instead, indirect pressure through World Bank, IMF, GATT, WTO, etc., was generated on the
capital-starved developing societies to make structural adjustments to accommodate the
interests of the Multi-National Companies.
This is the new phase of globalization which “compresses” the world into one market, one
factory, one land, one ideal etc.
A distinctive feature of this phase is the remarkable growth in Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI).
Impact of Globalization
Due to the perception of being overwhelmed by the companies of the developed West , most of
the developing countries had adopted protectionist policies post-independence to protect the
indigenous entrepreneurs against the big Multi-National Companies.
In India also policies like FERA, MRTP Act, Licensing, Nationalization of Banks, requirement of
governmental approval for various industrial collaborations etc. were all meant for protection of
2
Globalization
Indian entrepreneurs from “outsiders” and to protect small scale Indian entrepreneurs from big
Indian Business Houses.
However, Globalization is based on the principle of universalism against protectionism. Also,
Globalization is a reality which can’t be wished away.
3
Globalization
However, Globalization terms these irrational and proposes to replace public sector units with
private ones. This undermines the other objectives public sectors cater to in developing
countries.
Cultural hegemony- U.S. being the most powerful country slowly usurped the cultural aspects
of almost every country in the world. Today the festivals we celebrate, the costumes we wear,
food we eat etc all are influenced by the West and specifically U.S. This cultural hegemony is
dangerous to the cultural diversity of world which is necessary for a balanced world.
Agriculture- Domestic agriculture production suffered because of competition from western
farmers’ production which is capital intensive and highly mechanized. This affected rural
economy adversely and created uncertainties for their income.