Global Issues - The History Of Globalization

By Environmental Editor

The last twenty years have shown a large increase in globalization trade, which was expedited by the decline of communism and closed door trade strategy ...

In the 17th Century, trade globalization was a way for powerful nations to spread their sphere of influence and explore other countries under the banner of "economics." The Dutch East India Company was the first multi-national company to offer stocks in 1602, and was granted a 21-year monopoly to deal with trade between the Netherlands and Asia. The Netherlands held considerable water power back then, with massive fleets of ships. This setup ensured that the powerful European influences would be sailed around the world and financed by other European nations to obtain Japanese copper and Chinese spices and textiles. However, global issues arose as ships were attacked en route and the need to protect trade interests began to play a major part in the exportation of ideas and government leaders. The Dutch found themselves up against expanding British and French powers which sought to cut out the "middle man" and make their own international trade deals. In the end, the Dutch East India Company wound up in shambles due to corruption, but other European powers stepped in to take their place.

The last twenty years have shown a large increase in globalization trade, which was expedited by the decline of communism and closed door trade strategy. Countries like China and Russia have welcomed foreign developers in an effort to bolster and rebuild their nations. The Soviet Union was in a state of disrepair at one time and China was overwhelmed with poverty, but thanks to financial globalization, their countries are now valuable players in the world market.

Today global issues have emerged as resources become limited and Americans find themselves in a potentially compromising position. Traditionally, the US, Germany and Britain have long maintained the top slots in productivity and exportation. Although one could argue that they also have some of the highest importation rates as well. In recent years, with the technological boom, China has emerged as an extremely powerful force -- becoming the world's largest exporter of communications-technology, in addition to exporting massive quantities of cheaply-produced garments and toys, as well as automobiles. There is much domestic banter in the United States about trade globalization and the importance of self-sufficiency, which has become one of the predominant global issues with regards to our sustainability over the long-term. Cases of Chinese toys contaminated with lead or GHB-like chemicals, and Canadian beef contaminated with Mad Cow Disease has alerted Americans to the dangers of an increasingly reliant economy.

Global issues are debated among scholars, politicians and economists world wide. Some argue that globalization causes the exploitation of workers and foreign nations, with an increased gap between the extremely wealthy and the dirt poor. Others in the globalization debate argue that impoverished people in other nations are offered some of the best employment opportunities and job security with multinational corporations, which are working to improve working and living standards for everyone in a humanitarian effort.

Next article: The Impact Of Globalization

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