What does globalisation mean to you? State why you agree or disagree with it

The modern concept of globalization has expanded today to engulf virtually all aspects of a human beings’ everyday life. Many people think that globalization is a modern concept driven by denationalization and aided profoundly by technology.

Globalization.com defines it from an international business perspective saying:

A basic definition of Globalization in the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary  reads as follows:

Although there are many definitions, case studies and international reports on globalization, it remains a generic term that mutates itself to fit into any conversation spanning from sports, to entertainment, to business, to education and even design.

While people are trying to define the term from their perspective of a “practical” sense, consider the following passage from the Holy Quran:

Now think about the meaning behind it. God has said that He has created mankind in basic form as pairs of different sexes to populate the earth and create continuity. He goes on to describe the logical development of events “and made you nations and tribes” which is a valid outcome to development and growth. The reasoning behind that is “that ye may know one another.” This is the very first introduction to globalization mankind has encountered.

Therefore the idea of Globalization is at the heart of human development and progress, so that cultures should meet, exchange ideas and ideologies and learn to live with one another harmoniously.

Yet, what is the meaning of the rest of the verse? “Lo! The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct.”

If you look at the articles in the agreement of the WTO, it states the facilitation of trade in imports in terms of lowering tariffs on imported goods of member countries. That sounds good. In fact, it’s excellent if you are a well-established Developed country with advanced technology, and has a worldwide demand for your exports.

However, underdeveloped countries, who seem to have all the natural wealth and abundant inherent resources, and are technology illiterate, are being driven downwards by an agreement that not only stunted their advancement but is also taking advantage of them with the help of the rest of the world. Why? Because any goods imported are not taxed and none of the goods that are exported are levied, subsequently, there is no income coming into underdeveloped countries. Exploiting underdeveloped countries in order to make the rich richer and the poor poorer is not good conduct.

There is nothing more that people can add to the concept of “Globalization”. In it’s true form, it is a splendid act that promises a better life for all, but in it’s manifestation into human greed, it is the only force pulling the world closer and closer to its self destruction in the name of Progress. Karl Kraus, an Austrian satirist, who lived and died before the time of GATT 1947, has written a very enlighten quote on Progress which is also appropriate for Globalization in its current form:

Resources:

1. Encyclopaedia Britannica =
2. Globalization.com – Introduction to Globalization
3. Merriam-Webster Online

4. Qur’an Chapter 49: Al-Hujraat (The Private Apartments, The Inner Chambers)
5. Is the World Trade Organizationa a blessing or a curse?
6. Literary Encyclopaedia: Kraus, Karl