The Contemporary World and Globalization - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the contemporary world and globalization as presented in the lecture notes.

Contemporary World

The present time period characterized by rapid technological change, media influence, ideological shifts, and consumer culture; the current state of global affairs.

Globalization

The increased interconnectedness and interdependence of people and countries through faster flows of goods, services, capital, people, and ideas, enabled by institutions and policies.

Internationalization

Describes designing a product or process so it can be readily consumed across multiple countries.

Westernization

The process whereby societies adopt Western culture in areas such as industry, technology, politics, economics, lifestyle, law, norms, mores, customs and traditions.

Information Technology

The development and spread of information technology that makes the world more interconnected, enabling global communication and exchange.

Networking

Systems and platforms that establish and sustain relationships among nations, facilitating global communication and collaboration.

Economic globalization

Development of cross-border trade and investment and the spread of technologies that connect economies worldwide.

Financial globalization

The emergence of a global financial system with international markets and cross-border capital flows; stock markets influence each other.

Cultural globalization

The interpenetration of cultures, leading to adoption of foreign beliefs and practices and, sometimes, loss of unique local cultures.

Political globalization

The growth and influence of international organizations and governance beyond the nation-state.

Sociological globalization

The integration of different cultures within societies and the possibility of cross-cultural exchange.

Technological globalization

The global interconnection enabled by digital platforms and widespread diffusion of technology.

Geographic globalization

The reorganization and evolving hierarchy of regions worldwide, aided by easier transport and travel.

Ecological globalization

Treating Earth as a single global entity with shared environmental concerns and cooperation; environmental issues cross borders.

Institutional globalization

The process of institutional change in how nations interact, driven by technologies that increase exchange of knowledge, culture, and commerce.

Forces and Drivers of Globalization

Key forces include technology, economics, individuals and institutions, politics, environment, and culture that accelerate globalization.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to maintain peace and security and promote human rights and development.

IMF

International Monetary Fund; an organization of 190 countries promoting monetary cooperation, financial stability, and growth.

World Bank

An international development organization that lends to governments to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

WTO

World Trade Organization; governs global trade rules and helps negotiate trade agreements and resolve trade disputes.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization; alliance of European and North American countries for defense and crisis management.

Media globalization

Worldwide integration of media and cross-cultural exchange of ideas via platforms such as social media and video sites.

Global civil society

A network of non-governmental organizations and associations influencing global affairs.

Environmental globalization

International treaties and practices coordinating environmental protection and sustainability across borders.

Silk Road Cultural Exchange Program

An intercultural exchange program promoting ties and understanding along the historic Silk Road.

Intercultural learning

Learning that emphasizes understanding and communication across cultures.

Cultural exchange

The sharing and mutual influence of cultural elements between societies.

Indigenous cultures

Cultures of Indigenous peoples and efforts to protect their rights and revitalize traditions.

Indigenous rights

Legal and moral rights of Indigenous peoples, including protection of lands and cultural heritage.

Cultural dialogue

Constructive discussion between cultures to understand differences and common ground.