One ever-present technology forefront is that of mobile technology. Take the UK Company Three, with its regional video satellite network. This company will soon provide the public with video conferencing over wireless technology, enabling people to communicate whenever, regardless of time or place. With advancements like this, it won’t be long before people can communicate globally. The possibilities of this technology are virtually endless. But more on a multi-national basis, and a fine example of how powerful globalization has been, take Microsoft. Now Microsoft has played the part in world communications and interactivity for nearly 20 years. In that time it has created computer tools for nearly every country worldwide. It has been at the front of the technology ladder throwing out new ideas almost weekly, allowing internet and email communications everywhere. We now see its products in our homes, school, and work environments, and no doubt will continue to for many years to come. However, without the international links that have been created over the years through trade between foreign and local markets, this would be an almost impossible vision.
Politically speaking, there is a strong argument that globalization is changing the face of society today. The increase in foreign market has not only led to the bringing down of social barriers (such as cultural and religious ideologies) but has also led to the integration of prominent democracies, strongly seen in the ‘Europe’ debate. (After all, everyone’s under the same global superstore?). And what is so highly strange with this problem, is that those that agree with this view are the ones that will go out and buy products from an international market regardless. Countries are far too dependant on income that is based around global business links, almost to the point of complete saturation in a community sense. In many local towns and cities in England there is closed shops where businesses cannot afford to stay open with the so very low prices that the multi-national companies have set the bar at. The political view is that it is creating a vacuum effect which will eventually collapse, as government tax increases and prices continue to fall. What happens when multi-nationals set the prices high again as resources fall short?
The one thing people do need to remember is that globalization is something we have created ourselves and play a very strong part in. We are the consumer, and we do have the right to refuse purchase. When we stop relying on the international survival markets (such as food, clothing and healthcare supplements), we will once again allow the small businesses to flourish in our own societies.
