Introduction to Globalization

Globalization

A process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology.

Globalization (IMF Definition)

The growing economic interdependence of countries worldwide through increasing volume and variety of cross-border transactions in goods and services and of international capital flows, and through the rapid, wide diffusion of technology.

Social Stretching

The expansion and stretching of social relations, activities, and connections across the globe, such as reaching worldwide financial markets or operating round-the-clock electronics.

Anti-globalization (1990s)

Resisting the trade that occurs among countries, which is facilitated and promoted by global organizations.

The Prehistoric Period (10000 BCE-3500 BCE)

The earliest phase of globalization where contacts among hunters and gatherers were geographically limited due to the absence of advanced forms of technology.

The Pre-modern Period (3500 BCE-1500 CE)

A historical period in globalization marked by the invention of writing and the wheel, which improved transportation efficiency and facilitated the spread of ideas and inventions.

The Early Modern Period (1500-1750)

The historical period between the Enlightenment and the Renaissance that strengthened globalization through European metropolitan centers and the emergence of the capitalist world system.

The Modern Period (1750-1970)

A period of globalization characterized by rapid industrialization, population growth, increased migration, and innovations in transportation and communication technology.

The Contemporary Period (1970 to present)

The historical period marked by a dramatic creation, expansion, and acceleration of worldwide interdependencies.

Economic Dimension of Globalization

Refers to the extensive development of economic relations across the globe resulting from technology and large capital flows that stimulate trade in goods and services.

Political Dimension of Globalization

Refers to the enlargement and strengthening of political interrelations across the globe, raising issues like state sovereignty and regional or global governance.

Cultural Dimension of Globalization

Refers to the increase in the number of cultural flows across the globe, heavily driven by media empires and cultural characteristics such as individualism and consumerism.

Hybridization

A constructive interaction process between global and local characteristics that is often visible in food, music, dance, film, fashion, and language.

Religious Dimension of Globalization

The dimension involving personal or institutionalized sets of attitudes, beliefs, and practices relating to an ultimate reality or deity as they interact with global forces.

Jihadist Globalism

A religious response to the materialist assault by the West, whose disciples seek to destroy alien influences imposed on Muslim people.

Solidarity (Catholic Teaching)

The principle affirming that membership in the human family means that all bear responsibility for one another.

Preferential Option for the Poor

The Catholic teaching that special care must be given to the poor, who are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage because they work in farming, fishing, and forestry and live where cheap materials are used.

Subsidiarity

The Catholic Church teaching that decisions should be made at the lowest level possible to achieve the common good.

Integral Humanism

A principle in Roman Catholic Teaching concerned with the whole person.