Understanding Globalization

• Globalization is the spread of people, ideas, and goods, fostering interaction and integration among cultures, governments, and economies worldwide

Core Aspects of Globalization

• Driven by international trade, investment, and aided by information technology, globalization integrates people, companies, and governments across nations
• It is characterized by increasing worldwide connectivity

Historical Context

• Evidenced by historical trade routes like the Silk Road, which connected China and Europe for centuries, and ongoing international investments

Economic Impact

• There is increased cross-border trade, investment, and migration due to policy and technical developments, marking a new phase in economic development
• World trade volume has increased 20 times since 1950
• Foreign investment flows nearly doubled from 1997 to 1999, specifically from $468 billion to $827 billion domestically

Post-World War II Developments

• Many governments have adopted free-market economic systems, boosting productive potential and creating opportunities for international trade and investment
• Governments have reduced trade barriers and established international agreements to boost trade in goods, services, and investment

Multi-dimensional Nature

• Seen as a multi-dimensional process encompassing economic, political, technological, cultural, religious, and ecological dimensions, leading to new social connections and activities across traditional boundaries

Metaphors for Understanding Globalization

• Solidity represents barriers that prevent movement
• Liquidity describes the increasing ease of movement of people, things, and information globally
• Flows represent the movement of people, things, places and information due to global limitations becoming more porous

Attributes and Characteristics

• Globalization creates new social networks and multiplies existing connections across traditional boundaries
• Social stretching expands social relations, activities, and connections

Examples of Social Stretching

• Social stretching includes non-governmental organizations, commercial enterprises, social clubs, and global institutions such as the UN, ASEAN, and EU

Intensification and Acceleration

• It involves the intensification and acceleration of social exchanges and activities
• The internet relays information in real time, satellites provide instant pictures, and social networking connects billions

Impact on Consciousness

• Occurs on a subjective level of human consciousness
• It compresses the world, making "global" a frame of reference for human thought and action without erasing local attachments