Globalisation has more advantages than disadvantages Flashcards
(4 cards)
1) economic globalisation
For More Advantages than Disadvantages
Global GDP nearly tripled from $33T in 2000 to $104T by 2023 (World Bank/IMF), boosting emerging economies.
China used cheap labour to industrialise rapidly, lifting 800+ million out of poverty.
Supported by Modernisation Theory: globalisation spreads capitalism, encouraging reforms like privatisation and liberalisation, attracting FDI, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling technology transfer.
India liberalised its economy in the 1990s, became a global IT hub (e.g. Bangalore), reduced poverty from 45% (1993) to 6% (2024).
Globalisation also helps tackle climate change through rapid tech diffusion (e.g. solar panels, EVs).
Consumers benefit from lower prices, more choice, and better access to global goods/services.
Against: More Disadvantages than Advantages-
Deepened global inequality: the top 1% hold 38% of wealth; the bottom 50% less than 2%.
Created a “race to the bottom”: poor labour protections, especially in low-wage economies like Bangladesh, where workers earn ~$95/month. Rana Plaza collapse (2013) killed 1,100+.
MNC dominance weakens state sovereignty. E.g., Apple pressures Ireland on tax policy.
Increased exposure to global shocks, such as the 2008 financial crisis, hurting weaker states like Jamaica and Ukraine.
Driven environmental harm through over-industrialisation, emissions, and resource depletion.
Judgement: Economic globalisation has led to poverty reduction and innovation in key countries like China and India, but it has also caused vast inequality, instability, and environmental degradation. Overall, the advantages slightly outweigh the disadvantages due to its transformative impact on development.
2) political globalisation
For More Advantages than Disadvantages
Enabled global cooperation through IGOs like the UN, especially on climate (e.g., Paris Agreement 2015, signed by 196 states to keep warming below 2°C).
COP26 reaffirmed $100B/year climate finance pledge from rich nations.
Established human rights norms via the UDHR (1948) and institutions like the ECHR and ICC, holding states accountable.
Oliari v Italy (2015): ECHR ruled in favour of legal rights for same-sex couples.
Promoted poverty reduction: the MDGs halved poverty by 2015; the SDGs (2015–2030) target elimination, tackling root causes (climate, education, inequality).
Against: More Disadvantages than Advantages
IGOs often favour powerful states and impose Western/neoliberal models on poorer nations, undermining sovereignty.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) by IMF/WB in Sub-Saharan Africa forced privatisation and spending cuts. In Zambia, poverty rose from 49% to 80% by mid-1990s.
Supranational bodies can infringe sovereignty, e.g., Greece fined €425M by the EU over CAP violations.
Humanitarian interventions can serve strategic interests. E.g., Libya intervention (2011) under UN Resolution 1973.
Realists argue that IGOs are weak: they failed to stop Russia in Ukraine or Israel in Gaza, showing limited enforcement of international law.
Judgement: While IGOs have often imposed flawed economic policies, their role in climate cooperation, poverty reduction, and human rights protection remains crucial. Political globalisation’s advantages are more substantial, though uneven.
3) cultural globalisation
More Advantages than Disadvantages
Promoted cultural exchange: global popularity of K-pop, Hollywood, Bollywood, and fusion of food, fashion, and art.
Social media spread awareness of global movements like Fridays for Future and #MeToo, pushing governments to act on climate and gender justice.
Shared language (especially English) has boosted international education (e.g., Erasmus) and global business collaboration.
Helped spread global values like democracy, human rights, and sustainability, aligned with UN SDGs.
Against: More Disadvantages than Advantages
Leads to cultural homogenisation and Americanisation; local identities replaced by dominant Western norms.
MNCs and media conglomerates dominate cultural narratives, often misrepresenting or commodifying indigenous cultures.
Disney films like Pocahontas and Moana criticised for oversimplifying and commercialising native cultures.
Undermines linguistic diversity: local languages decline as English dominates. In New Zealand, Māori language struggles to survive.
Local artists lose autonomy, and cultural products are shaped by global market forces rather than authentic voices.
Judgement: While cultural globalisation has fostered diversity and connection, it has also undermined authenticity and weakened non-Western cultures. The disadvantages slightly outweigh the benefits in this case.
Conclusion -
Globalisation has had both transformative advantages and severe disadvantages. However, its role in reducing poverty, fostering cooperation, and spreading innovation tips the balance slightly in its favour. Moving forward, reforms are needed to make globalisation more equitable and sustainable, especially for the Global South.
