Globalization deals with the interaction and integration of people, companies, and governments of different nations. This process is driven by internation

Globalization deals with the interaction and integration of people, companies, and governments of different nations. This process is driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. Globalization is an important concept, as it affects the environment, culture, political systems, economic development and prosperity, and the physical well-being of societies around the world. Globalization, like everything, has two sides: the positive side and the negative.

The positives of globalization have been the spread of information, technology, and solutions to global problems.

Like our discussion last week about trade deals, the negatives of globalization are often ignored or even hidden from the public. Like trade, globalization is can be a good thing. However, like trade, we think the words used to describe a good thing are nothing more than nice sounding words for something that may otherwise be a bad thing.

Like trade, there are really two kinds of globalization: (1) you engage with other countries at the expense of your own country; and (2) you engage with other countries while keeping your own country’s identity.

In recent years, we have watched Europe and the European Union, in particular, support globalization, but not the globalization we all think of. Rather, the globalization being implemented in Europe has been at the expense of each country’s culture and identity, and much of this has had an elite versus commoner dynamic to it. There has been much backlash from the people over this in places like Poland, The Netherlands, Hungary, and many other European countries.

Consider the following in your response:

•What have been some of the problems associated with Europe’s push for the kind of globalization it is implementing?

•How have people on both sides reacted?

•What have been some of the recent trends for or against globalization in Europe and around the world?

•Who is behind the push for globalization at all costs and why?

•What other examples of this trend can we find around the world?

Review the posts of your classmates and respond to at least one other post. Remember, you do not need to respond to each of the items above. They are only there to give you ideas.

Please remember to support your opinion with well thought out fact. Do not just state your opinion and leave it without giving the reasons why you think that way.