Globalisation

Some are arguing that the impact of population growth, overexploitation of natural resources, the extinction of many biological species, the worsening of environmental problems, the production of new forms of uneven development, the persistence of poverty, the instability of the global economy, and persistent geopolitical crisis in different parts of the globe, are some of the most crucial and global contemporary problems that we face today. But some might dispute this view and argue that in the second half of the 20th century we have been witnessing a massive scientific-technological development that has triggered an enormous extension of the infrastructure of social communication throughout the world and, most importantly, it has improved the conditions of life for some important part of the world population.

“The growing economic interdependence of countries worldwide through increasing volume and variety of cross-border transactions in goods and services, free international capital flows, and more rapid and widespread diffusion of technology” (IMF)

So behind all of the numbers and hierarchy of exchanged goods and services, what does this mean for individuals? Is quality of life increased, decreased, or equal? What effect is the world economy putting on the environment? These are the questions I have begun to ask in my mind for a few years now, and they have resounded even more after just a few weeks in this class. So far Diamond raises some great concepts. By categorizing the rise and fall of civilizations by 5 key aspects we can set a precedent to follow, so that future mistakes will at least be informed mistakes.

Globalization while not western in concept, is run by capitalist / western societies and has forced all countries and industries to become involved at some level. Many goods today consumed by Americans, maybe produced by Chinese of South American raw materials and passed through a Dutch port system before being sold in a super market. It has recently (1970) become disconnected from governmental control through the neoliberal movement that pushes for free trade at the domestic level. It has enabled multinational corporations to operate where borders may once have restricted access.

As our readings have addressed the globalised approach in my personal opinion does not enable the world a chance at an enriched life, only those at certain cores or within a reasonable periphery. Africa as a focal point, will not in my lifetime be capable of playing a role in any of these cores. Perhaps they can benefit in certain sectors as a peripheral influence.

Methods of mass production and industry outweigh the cost of human labor and sustaining individual life, and this infrastructure is proportionally(to the people) lacking in the African continent. However countries such as Malaysia or Australia are enabled to utilize industry to provide for their citizens at a rate capable of surpassing the defined level of poverty.

The environment has suffered due to increased reliance on natural resources to power machines to generate the goods required to participate in the global economy, but in my mind this over use, will best occur with a highly refined economic model in place as Globalization attempts to accomplish (The most efficient network) However this is not as simple as saying water runs to the lowest point. By having a set system in place to monitor resources and control their supply and demand, this can better enable its own protection. While this sounds utopian, this is the eventual goal of the system to develop a sustainable society by importing goods that might not be easily produced for something that is over produced. The EU is an example of where corporations have access to many differing resources that transgress borders, yet are attempting to be mindful of their resource.

In terms of design (Policy) globalization is a project of sorts, but it is an organic project that CAN NOT be micro with that intention. It is a project that has no defined goals and no defined beginning or end, but this is no different from the idea of building a city. It is an organic system that has a goal of growth, but may also not follow its set parameters.