Introduction to Globalization through International Trade
We have defined globalization as the growing trend of interdependence of nations around the world in the areas of communication, technology, diplomacy, and trade. While globalization has been around in some form since the inception of ancient global trade (think the Silk Road and caravans across sub-Saharan Africa during the Golden Age of Islam), the past 20 years have marked a swift expansion in the interdependence of modern nations. The results of this trend has been a rapid expansion of technology and trade worldwide, thus resolving economic and development problems in some regions of the globe, while hindering/ complicating development and progress in others.
This process of integration and “transnationality” in policy and trade has not only had a major impact on how nations around the world do business, but also transformed how nations govern and interact with others. As stated by the Levin Institute on their site entitled Globablization101.org, “ Questions of the authority of a country within its own borders—that is, its state sovereignty—the role of the individual in the international community of nation-states, and the authority of international organizations, have all evolved in light of the forces of globalization.” The extent to which international trade has shaped foreign policy and politics will the the focus of our next two weeks of study and this week’s blog.
A key factor in this increase of globalization has been the emergence of trade organizations and associations aiming to limit trade barriers between nations sharing common borders and economic interests. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and European Union (EU) have probably been the most influential of these non-governmental organizations (NGOs.) Please select ONE of these collaborations to study and complete the assignment below to better understand how their existence shapes both domestic and international economic policy and development.
I - NAFTA: (select ONE topic)
Topic 1: Immigration and Migration Policy:
http://borderbattles.ssrc.org/Portes/
Read the Introductory page and ONE of the articles linked on the left of the site’s homepage.
Topic 2: Outsourcing and Labor Issues:
http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/outsourcedebate.html
Read the homepage and ONE of the hyperlinks on the NOW PBS page related to this issue
OR
II - EU:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/3498746.stm
AND
ONE of the following topics:
Topic 1: Minority Rights:
http://www.electric-review.com/archives/000085.html
Topic 2: Gas Crisis/ Resource Management:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7809450.stm
Topic 3: Immigration:
http://www.oecdobserver.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/337/
Topic 4: General Problems:
http://www.economicshelp.org/2007/03/economic-problems-of-european-union.html
Directions: Summarize the articles you read by –
a)explaining the purposes of the EU or NAFTA
b)Identify some positive and negative implications (effects) of this trade alliance in the modern world. Reference both domestic and international successes and complications that were referenced in your article
c)Elaborate with some depth one problem raised in your articles. Who seems to be benefitting most from this alliance? What region/ group seems to suffering the most hardship? To what extent can this problem be resolved? What will it take for this issue to be resolved?
d)Explain wether you believe residents of EU nations or NAFTA nations should be greatful/ thankful for the trade network they belong to.
e)Pose a question about this topic OR comment on one peer’s question or post (unless you post first, then it’s a freebie!)
This is a sophisticated assignment, so take your time and see me if you need help. The assignment is due in person by Wed. 11/ 25 or must be emailed or posted on the blog by Friday, 11/27.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
