<< Causes of Globalization | | List of Factors >>
Causes of Globalization
Discussion Topics: Isolating Particular Causes and the Preconditions for Trade
While it is easy to see that there are economic motives at work in Globalization, it has many other causes. A detailed analysis of these causes is beyond the scope of this course. We are concerned primarily with the present direction, mechanisms and principles of contemporary Globalization.
One must be careful in describing the causes of Globalization that cause and effect are not confused or inverted. The factors involved in Globalization influence each other, so it is often difficult to say which factor caused another to become important. Increased international trade certainly leads to more cultural exchange and political cooperation, and hence more Globalization. On the other hand, increased trade is impossible without a prior commitment to communications, stability in political arrangements, and, most of all, a willingness to trade. Technologically, it would have possible to unify the world economically after WWII. But East and West were unwilling to trade because they were separated ideologically. Both sides used mass media to solidify their positions against each other -- at the same time that mass media also served to eliminate some barriers to communication. Since 1989, political, trade, and communications barriers have been lowered (but not obliterated), and Globalization has proceeded at an increased pace.
