Continuity and Change in a Globalized World - Notes

Continuity and Change in a Globalized World

Introduction

• Francis Fukuyama's quote highlights the interconnectedness of the modern world, where global media and information readily spread trends across vast distances.
• The central question explores how science, technology, politics, justice, transportation, communication, and the environment have changed or remained constant since 1900.
• The 20th and 21st centuries were marked by unprecedented change, largely driven by rapid scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
• These advancements impacted society, politics, economics, culture, and the environment, with both positive outcomes and unintended negative consequences.

Advances in Science and Technology

• Significant progress was made in understanding the universe and the natural world.

The Origin of the Universe

• The Big Bang theory is a prominent explanation for the universe's origin, positing that the universe began with a single cosmic event.
• This theory enhanced understanding of the universe and atomic/subatomic science.

Wave Science

• Advancements in understanding and utilizing radio waves, light waves, sound waves, and microwaves.
• Led to improvements in radio and cellular communications and faster internet service.

Medical Science

• Discoveries related to germs, viruses, diseases, and the human body.
• Resulted in cures and vaccines for diseases like polio, tuberculosis, and tetanus.
• Pioneered new treatments for chronic diseases, such as cancer and arthritis.
• The discovery of antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) aided in preventing and recovering from infections.
• Reliable birth control methods allowed women to control family size, contributing to longer and better lives.

Energy Technologies

• Advancements in oil extraction and production.
• Nuclear power became a significant energy source.
• Renewable energy sources (wind, solar, thermal) became more affordable.
• In 2018, the International Renewable Energy Agency predicted renewable energy would be consistently cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020.
• Increased power sources led to higher productivity, material production, and faster transportation.

Communication Technologies

• Further development of radio and television technology.
• Expanded telephone coverage.
• Internet and cell phones replaced older communication systems, increasing mass communications and global information transfer.

Transportation Technologies

• Invention of airplanes in the early 20th century.
• Jet airplanes reduced travel times between distant regions.
• Improved shipping technology with faster and larger ships carrying prefabricated containers.
• Enhanced transportation facilitated global trade network expansion and cultural interactions.

Agricultural Technologies

• Development of genetically modified crops resistant to drought and disease, with higher yields.
• The Green Revolution significantly increased population growth rates, especially in developing countries.
• A decline in biodiversity occurred as genetically modified crops replaced local crop types.

Changes in a Globalized World

• Science and technology advancements led to significant changes in societies, economies, politics, cultures, and the environment.

Social Changes

• The world population grew at an unprecedented rate.
• Population increase posed challenges to existing social orders.
• Developing countries experienced the greatest population growth, while developed countries saw a slowdown.
• Population growth was highest in lower socioeconomic classes in developing countries.
• Improved communication and transportation facilitated migration from less to more developed countries, causing a