Understanding Globalisation

• Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world.
• Globalisation involves communication between people, world trade, international investment, and the sharing of ideas.
• Globalisation has led to the internationalisation of people, companies, and governments.
• Communication and travel are much faster than in the past, like in the 1800s when it took days or weeks for a letter to arrive.
• Now, it only takes seconds to communicate with someone on the other side of the world via phone, text, or email.
• Globalisation's origins can be traced to the Middle Ages with colonisation and exploration facilitating the sharing of ideas, cultures, and technologies.
• Advancements in communication and transport technologies have accelerated the pace of globalisation.
• It's difficult to imagine a country not influenced by the wider world, from food to music to clothing.

Factors Affecting Globalisation

• Advancements in technology have significantly contributed to globalisation.
• New technologies have enabled companies to become more global and connect across the world more easily.
• Travel has evolved remarkably since the 19th century.
• The internal combustion engine, railways, and aeroplanes enable travel from one country to another much faster than in the 17th century.
• People previously relied on horses or ships.
• The petrol engine led to the usage of cars, buses, lorries, and the construction of extensive highway networks.
• Aviation developments allow for the quick transport of passengers and freight over long distances.
• Newer technologies have enabled automated transport, and the use of drones and easy ship loading/unloading reduces business costs.
• Container ships introduced in the 1950s enable quick and easy transportation of bulky goods.
• Containers facilitate handling goods anywhere with specialized ships, lorries, and cranes.
• Suppliers can move goods quicker and more efficiently from lorries onto ships.
• Shipping goods has become cheaper for many suppliers, making the global market more accessible.
• The large container ship sizes caused problems for the London Docklands in the 1960s, leading trade to move to deepwater docks like Dover and Felixstowe.
• The 21st century has seen significant advancements in communication technology, driving globalisation and breaking down political and cultural barriers.
• The internet enables instant communication for people and businesses.
• Satellite communications provide a global view and communication links, facilitate TV and telephone communications.
• Mobile phones enable communication and internet access.
• Social networking connects people worldwide.
• Transnational companies (TNCs) can develop in countries worldwide and be monitored from a headquarters in a developed country.
• Reduced communication time enables companies to work more efficiently and reduce costs.
• Government decisions can significantly impact globalisation.
• Government reforms in India during the 1990s brought more foreign investment and a rise in TNCs.
• India is now one of the leading countries on the world market behind China.
• Partnerships with other countries make trade easier and reduce costs; the European Union aims to ensure the free movement of people, goods, and services within its member countries.

Impacts of Globalisation

• Globalisation has shaped cultures and identities into both homogenous and heterogenous societies.
• A heterogeneous society has a wide variety of races, religions, cultures, beliefs, and leisure activities.
• A homogeneous society has less variation in cultures, beliefs, and languages spoken.
• Globalisation can even affect films and food, with the emergence of the same shops and trends in areas across the world.

Positive Impacts

• Transnational companies developing in lower-income countries can improve the economy and provide new jobs and skills.
• It's easier to connect and stay updated with foreign news and events.
• People can experience new countries and cultures through the media and better transport.
• It is possible to buy cheaper products from abroad.
• Countries can share ideas and develop new technologies together.

Negative Impacts

• Transnational companies can exploit poorer countries for their resources, with low pay or illegal working conditions.
• Small businesses are forced to close because of the competition from global chain stores.
• Diversity diminishes with towns and cities becoming more uniform.
• Large amounts of pollution are created by air travel and the movement of goods on ships and lorries.
• Diseases like Covid-19 can spread from one country to another more easily.