Introduction
Ever since the advent of the term and concept of ‘Globalization’, the
world has not been the same. ‘Globalization’ has been one of the most
debated, most resisted and most blamed phenomenons all over the world,
especially in developing countries. It gave birth to so many movements
opposing its provisions and implementation. Globalization has been
blamed for almost all social and economic ills prevailing in different
societies, even though these ills were prevailing centuries ago too in
those societies.
The irony is that the concept of Globalization has been blamed for
all those problems, which actually it tried to eradicate. The
statistical figures would easily showcase the stupendous increase in
world trade and GDP after opening of markets. Millions of new jobs have
been created all over the world, new businesses set-up, new investments
made as a result of Globalization policies. Even social progress
indicators like enrollments in education, maternal & child mortality
rates, average age etc. have vastly improved over past two decades.
Participation of women workforce in economy and in other aspects of life
has also improved.
Then, the question arises - Why this opposition? Why do we take
excuse in blaming Globalization concept for all our problems? Why do we
consider it a form of economic slavery or an imperialist design of the
developed world? It is because, we have never tried to understand it in
right perspective. We have been afraid of something which was most
friendly. In the process, we have lost highly valuable period in
resisting the concept, which we could have very well utilized in
harnessing its advantages.
This author had a valuable opportunity to address a joint meeting of
Rotary Clubs of Lahore, Pakistan, way back in November 2007, on the
topic “Challenges of Globalization for the Developing Countries”. The
elite gathering present there, though from different occupations, had
one thing in common – having serious doubts over the utility &
desirability of Globalization. It took around an hour’s talk and
question-answer session to convince them to the core that they can use
the provisions of Globalization to improve their lot like never before.
Same has been true for us in India or for any other developing country.
Characteristics of Globalization
Let us try to redefine the concept in the light of its 10 basic characteristics:
Globalization is Not a New, Western Concept:
When ancient Indian scriptures mentioned “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, they had already viewed the world as a small global village of linked families. When our grandmother started her stories with “Saat samundar paar…”, she also meant that we are not alone in this Universe, and the world is cohabited by others too at far off places.
Globalization is Basically a ‘Mindset’:
Usually, Globalization is seen as another economic theory to enhance
business & trade. It must be understood that Globalization is
basically a mindset that is ready to encapsulate the whole universe into
its scheme of things; a mindset that is broader & open to receive
all ideas; that takes the whole globe as an area of operation.
Globalization is an Opportunity:
It is often feared that the implementation of Globalization will open
up our domestic economy for foreign competition, thereby endangering
economic progress & survival of local firms. While it does open our
markets for entry of multinationals, it also opens all other markets in
the whole world for our products & services too. Why can’t it be
seen as an opportunity to scale up our operations globally?
Globalization means “Interdependence”:
We have all grown reading history wherein either a country is
independent or a slave of another country. With the advent of
Globalization, it has been understood that no country can be said to be
totally independent, not needing anything from any other country. Hence,
a culture of interdependence has been established between nations.
Globalization means “Caring & Sharing”:
The world today is more united and concerned about common problems
being faced by the people- be it global warming, terrorism, or
malnutrition etc. natural disasters faced or atrocities encountered at
any part of the world attract immediate attention all over.
Globalization puts Technology in Service of Mankind:
The world would not have shrunk into a small global village without
the support of technological innovations like Computers, Internet,
Telecommunication, E-Commerce etc. Thus, technology has proved to be the
major source of the concept of Globalization, and for bringing people
nearer.
Globalization is Inevitable & Irreversible:
There have been attempts by fundamentalist forces all over the world
to oppose and stop the process of Globalization over past quarter
century. Yet, despite differences in political ideologies, the ruling
parties have gone ahead with implementation of Globalization policies.
It is rightly said, “You can not stop the advent of an idea whose time has come”. Globalization is one such idea.
Globalization has Linked Politics with Economics:
Earlier, political ideologies and relations between nations have
determined the fate of people over centuries; with economics being
subservient to politics. However, in the new era, it is the economics,
employment generation and public welfare that determine the need &
strength of relations between nations.
Globalization means Raised Standards of Living:
With consumers having more choice to pick quality items at right
price, and with no boundary restrictions on flow of goods &
services, the markets have turned from ‘Sellers Market’ to ‘Buyers
Market’. This has helped in raising the standard of living for vast
populations across the world. It has also raised aspirations among
billions of people to upgrade their lifestyles.
Globalization Demands and Respects Excellence:
With global level opportunities available to all the countries, the
field is wide open for the excellent companies, products and people from
any remote part of the world to showcase their excellence and win over
markets and contracts. There is pressure on everyone to continuously
improve to meet the raised bar of expectations.
Conclusion:
Thus, it is amply clear that, if taken in the right spirit, the
concept & practices of Globalization will help us in improving our
lives and productivity. We can still keep our nation back by harping
upon the outdated ideologies that have become obsolete even in the
regions where invented. Or, we can equip ourselves to take maximum
advantage of opportunities thrown open by Globalization and help our
country to realize its true potential. The choice is ours.
