Economic Globalization and History

Economic Globalization

• Globalization spreads trade, transportation, and communication systems.
• It promotes worldwide commerce.
• Contributors include:
  • Transnational businesses (operating in multiple countries, often outsourcing).
  • Containerization (revolutionizing goods transportation).
  • The Internet (transforming global communication).

Sustainable Prosperity

• A key question is how to achieve global prosperity without harming the planet.
• Sustainable development focuses on growth that doesn't deplete resources for future generations.

Economic History - Post WWI

• WWI disrupted global and domestic economies.
• Infrastructure was destroyed.
• Some countries (e.g., US, Canada) did well post-war.
• Others (e.g., Germany, Austria) faced high inflation and severe poverty post-war.

Economic History - Economic Systems

• Russia's poverty led to a push for communism.
• Joseph Stalin established a centrally planned system.
• The government controlled production and distribution.
• An aim to provide wealth equally.
• The Soviet Union became an economic and industrial powerhouse.

Economic History - The Roaring 20s

• A period of rebuilding after WWI, marked by:
  • Optimism.
  • Economic prosperity.
  • High investments.
  • Market-based economies (e.g., US, Canada) based on supply and demand rather than central planning.

Economic History - Stock Market Crash and Great Depression

• Stocks rapidly rose and then suddenly fell.
• Many investors lost their savings due to the stock market crash.
• The economic downturn (Great Depression) led to:
  • Bank failures.
  • Reduced international trade.
  • High unemployment and poverty.

Economic History - Keynes VS Hayek and Friedman

• Keynes supported government intervention in the economy (e.g., spending on public works).
• Hayek and Friedman argued against extensive government intervention, preferring a market-based system.

Economic History - Cold War

• Post-WWII, the US initiated the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe.
• The plan aimed to turn Europe into a strong trading partner.
• A powerful USSR sought to expand influence, leading to:
  • Ideological conflict.
  • Economic competition between market and communist systems.
  • The Cold War.

Bretton Woods: World Bank and IMF

• International conference established the World Bank and the IMF near the end of WWII.
• Its policy was to achieve international monetary stability after the Great Depression.

World Bank

• The World Bank provides long-term loans to developing countries.
• Countries receiving loans must adhere to specific rules (e.g., reduced government spending on social programs).
• Focus on reducing corruption and competition in developing markets.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• The IMF is funded by member countries.
• It aims to boost global trade and free markets.
• Promotes stability in major currencies, providing short-term loans to countries with balance of payment issues.

Criticisms of the World Bank and IMF

• The World Bank is sometimes seen as an extension of US policy, with loan conditions seen as too harsh in some cases.
• Conditions imposed on developing countries sometimes have unintended social consequences.
• The IMF is criticized for prioritizing economic issues over labor, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of citizens.

Sustainable Development

• Sustainable development involves economic growth that doesn't deplete resources for future generations.
• Conserving resources and fostering stewardship are integral to this concept.
• Rapid economic growth often leads to unsustainable practices.

Ecological Footprints

• An ecological footprint measures the area of Earth's surface needed to support a person's consumption patterns.
• This includes the resources used and waste produced.

Climate Change – Causes

• Human activity has dramatically changed the global climate
• The burning of fossil fuels increased CO2. levels.
• This significantly accelerates natural warming processes.

Climate Change – Evidence

• Evidence of climate change includes sea level rise, rising global temperatures, shrinking ice sheets, and increasingly extreme weather.

Case Studies – Life and Debt

• Jamaica took an IMF loan in the 1970s, leading to cuts in social programs.
• The country's economy was further affected by free trade policies, potentially harming local industries.

Case Study – WTO

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization regulating international trade.
• It provides a platform for negotiations and dispute resolution.
• Criticisms include its bias towards wealthy nations and its neglect of labor and environmental concerns.

Case Study – NAFTA

• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) fostered free trade among Canada, the US, and Mexico.
• Critics point to the potential for job losses in Canada and the US, and agriculture industry damage in Mexico.

Case Study – Transnational Corporations

• Transnational corporations (TNCs) operate across multiple countries.
• They access foreign markets and obtain cheap labor/resources.
• Criticisms include their significant economic power, control of energy resources, exploitation of vulnerable populations, and negative environmental consequences.

Case Study – Free Trade

• Free trade aims to reduce trade barriers (e.g., tariffs) between countries.
• It promotes unrestricted access to markets.
• Critics argue that existing regulations and rules may give unfair advantages to larger nations.

Case Study - Fair Trade

• Fair trade focuses on sustainable development and alleviates poverty by sending more money to producers and investing in their communities.
• It promotes fairer prices and better working conditions.
• It can be more expensive than conventional products, and its success depends on how it is implemented.

Explore the impact of economic globalization and its relationship with sustainable development. This quiz covers key historical events post-WWI, the rise of economic systems, and the contributors to global trade and communication. Test your knowledge on how these factors shape our world today.