Globalization and the U.N

The growth of globalization has brought about an economical and political interdependence of many countries. It is probably one of the most popular and also controversial topics being discussed today. According to the United Nations Poverty and Development Division, globalization is described as “an increasing interaction across national boundaries that affects many aspects of life: economic, social, cultural and political,”. For the past few years, numerous non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and multi-corporations have emerged on a worldwide scale. They make decisions that impact one another to a great extent. While many people warmly welcome these integrations, there are some who raise doubts over its benefits for the developing countries.

In addition to the benefits offered by foreign investment, developing countries also can gain many advantages through the spread of technologies and skills. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, developing countries can export their products to other countries and begin competing at the international level with little barrier. According to a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), many developing countries have substantially increased their exports of manufactures and services relative to traditional commodity exports: manufactures have risen to 80 percent of developing country exports (International Trade & the Economy, 2011). This can tremendously aid the countries’ economy, create jobs, and generate innovative ideas.

Nonetheless, under all the seemingly positive effects globalization has on the economy of developing countries, there lies numerous drawbacks that can possibly bring those countries even further down the poverty path. While there is no doubt that many countries around the world are enjoying the endless possibilities of economic development, a majority of developing countries are still excluded from that process. The low barrier in cross-border trade provides a huge advantage for multinational companies to expand their resources and power. On the other hand, local businesses are suffering because they cannot meet what is considered to be the international standard. Whether or not these standards are set to hinder those small businesses or for the well-being of consumers is not important. What is important is the fact that products produced locally are not able to compete with products from foreign countries in terms of price, quality, or marketing strategies. Local people are left with the choices of working for big international corporations instead of initiating and expanding their own businesses. They are being paid at a lower rate than if they were to have their own businesses. Moreover, natural resources in developing countries are being exploited at a rapid rate. If they are not managed properly by the government, the country can encounter a great deal of loss in their economy, and citizens cannot benefit from what is rightly theirs.

Another important aspect of globalization is politics. Political globalization refers to the accumulation of power in a single international government. Just as families once combined into tribes and tribes into nations, so nations are combining into regional power blocs, and hence perhaps to a single world political community. While the idea is rather overwhelming, there is no denial that it is happening. Over the past several years, many international organizations have evolved and the United Nations is probably the most renowned one today. Although the main objective of the United Nations is to work towards achieving peace between different nations, it is also working to achieving other development goals. This coming together of different countries can be an effective solution for global peace. With member from 185 countries, the United Nations is a prime example of a diplomatic global village. Delegations from each country come to an agreement about rules and policies, and tend to have less conflicts. This can benefit the developing countries greatly because they are the ones who are at risk of being invaded and taken advantages of. Other than achieving peace, political globalization can be a platform to solve issues be it education, poverty, environment, or organized crime. These are global issues that need to be addressed although the developing countries are the most fragile. With helps from other countries and international organizations whether it is money or human resources, the developing countries will have a better chance towards alleviating those problems.

However, political globalization is not always as glorious as it seems. The condensing of power can mean developed countries getting even more power. Even though the UN General Assembly comprise of all delegates from all UN member states, it is far less powerful than the Security Council, which is dominated by the permanent five- the US, China, Russia, France, and the UK. Members of the UN have laws that they must abide by, although those “international” laws may not be as “international” as it appears to be. The big countries are more likely to influence their opinions. Moreover, a globalized political system can cause a conflict of ideologies. The world is still a rather diverse place, with different countries rooting for different ways of governing such as capitalism, communism, or democracy. It can bring about political tension when powerful countries are trying to spread their ideologies.

To sum up, globalization is a growing process that affects many aspects of our lives and should not be taken lightly. It is a tool one can use to help the economy and political system of a country. It is up to the government and the citizens to study its possible effects before any damage takes place.