Chapter 11 Globalization Unit 4 Decades of Change

Chapter 11: Globalization Unit 4: Decades of Change

11. 1 What is Globalization? • Globalization: refers to how the world is becoming more politically, economically, and socially interconnected and interdependent. • The interconnection of is largely due to developments in technology in the 20 th century • The interdependence refers mostly to how world economies are becoming more integrated

11. 1 What is Globalization? • Globalization is recognized as having three aspects: 1. Economic Aspect: Goods are now flowing freely throughout the world. 2. Political Aspect: Nations are becoming less independent and people are becoming world citizens 3. Cultural Aspect: Cultures are becoming more similar – Homogeneity: Sameness

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • Mikhail Gorbachev becomes leader of the Soviet Union in 1985 • Gorbachev begins a process of social, and political change in the Soviet Union – In 1989 there is a election with more than one party to chose from – Capitalist elements are introduced to the economy. – The arms race cools due to friendlier conditions with the United States.

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • Due to the reforms in the Soviet Union many satellite countries begin to break away • A key factor in this break up is the rejection of communism in many of the satellite countries • Countries that sever ties with communism include – Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechloslovakia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan. • The Soviet Union is gone, Russia stands alone no longer a superpower. • The Cold War is over.

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • A different World Emerges: – The United States becomes the worlds only superpower. – The United Nations, and NATO are described by many as the world’s police force.

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, and Peacebuilding? – Before the fall of the Soviet Union the United Nations only intervened in conflicts between independent countries. (14 interventions total) – After the fall the United Nations began intervening in matters of ethnic and religious violence within independent nations between 1989 and 2005 there were 26 interventions

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • The role of the UN is redefined: – Preventative Diplomacy: UN diplomats try to resolve disagreements before violence occurs – Peacekeeping: UN troops will enforce the terms of an agreement. (Non-Violent) – Peacemaking: UN forces will participate in a conflict. They take a side to impose a solution. – Peacebuilding: The UN will help countries rebuild after a conflict ends.

11. 2 The Cold War Ends • International Terrorism: – Terrorism: the use of violence and intimidation to achieve political goals. – Terrorist want to spread fear by acting against citizens on a country in an effort to get governments to comply with their demands.

11. 3 Economic Globalization • Transnational Corporations: – Companies that operate across nations, or in many different countries • Transnational companies can be extremely wealthy and powerful. – Even more rich and powerful than some countries. • Employees of trans nationals companies in developed countries are often paid more than those in developing nations. – This leads to the shifting of jobs to lesser developed countries

11. 3 Economic Globalization • Canada and the Global Economy – Some Canadian companies have done well in the global economy. • Bombardier (snowmobiles, railway equipment, and airplanes) • Mc. Cain (Food processing) • Softwood production has become globalized.

11. 3 Economic Globalization • Challenges for Canadian companies in the global economy have kept them small. • The cost of production for goods in Canada is high – This makes Canadian goods more expensive • To cut costs and become more competitive many companies downsize – Reduce the size of the workforce

11. 3 Economic Globalization • Trade Agreements: – Current economic policies encourage free trade • Goods move across borders without tariffs. – Encourages countries to specialize in products that they do best and import goods that they cannot produce well.

11. 3 Economic Globalization • NAFTA: • North American Free Trade Agreement • An agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that eliminates many trade barriers.

11. 3 Economic Globalization • Pros and Cons of Economic Globalization Pros Cons Makes goods available in countries where they are not produced Cultures across the world are eroded Increased trade between countries tends to Some companies are becoming so large make people more wealthy they are difficult for governments to control Growth in developing countries reduces poverty Some people in developing countries do not share in the wealth of their labour due to low paying jobs and lack of benefits Technology spreads across the world Large Trans National Corporations can cause insecurity as they can cause one country to play against another to find the lowest wages and environmental standards

11. 4 Cultural Globalization and the Media • Communications technology is one of the strongest driving forces of globalization. • Media can shape public opinion. – Media can push one side of an issue, or promote different values. • The influence of American media is one of the biggest global cultural concerns. – American music, clothing, movies, t. v. , and even toys influence people world wide

11. 5 Globalization and the Environment • Canada shares the worlds oceans and atmosphere with all of the people on this planet. • Canada needs to be a partner in resolving global environmental issues.

• Some key global environmental issues include: 1. Deforestation: Many global forests are being cleared for growing food and raising livestock 2. Ozone- Layer Deterioration: CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) that are used in industry and some household products deplete the ozone layer 3. Global Warming: The gradual increases of global temperature. 4. Ocean pollution: The amount of plastic in the worlds ocean has become a great concern in recent years.