Globalization, Inequalities, and Geopolitics: A World Overview
World System and Globalization
Economic globalization does not mean all countries participate equally, leading to global imbalances. The world economy is structured around decision centers in the USA, EU, and Japan, concentrating power in major companies, banks, stock exchanges, and capital flows. Producers in less developed countries often sell goods at prices fixed by developed nations’ exchanges (New York, Tokyo, Frankfurt).
Social and Cultural Impacts
- Family Life: Women’s workforce integration, new family models (single-parent), delayed motherhood.
- Consumption: Increased and standardized consumption globally; uniform products, media influence, and cultural stereotypes.
- Labor Market: Globalization drives migratory movements.
- Global Awareness: Growing concern for sustainability, human rights, and inequality.
Global Inequalities
Unequal Trade
Globalization, dominated by capitalism, creates a division of labor. Developed countries (North America, EU, Japan) control high-tech production and prices, while developing countries sell raw materials with limited influence on market prices. This unequal exchange is worsened by protectionist measures in rich countries.
Foreign Debt
Poor countries borrow from rich nations, accumulating debt with high interest. This debt, combined with corruption and failed economic policies, hinders development, often exceeding aid received. Debt forgiveness for poorer countries is a current topic.
Fair Trade
Fair trade is an alternative trade system ensuring fair compensation for producers in poor countries. It involves direct trade between consumers and agricultural/artisan cooperatives, eliminating intermediaries (multinationals) that control production, distribution, and pricing. Profits are reinvested to increase producer income, respecting the environment and human rights, including combating child exploitation, while acknowledging the complexities of child labor and family income.
Geopolitics
Definition
Geopolitics studies power actions and strategies of states, international organizations, and other power forms within geographical areas.
Geographical Areas
The end of the Cold War (US-Soviet Union confrontation) in the 1990s led to a diverse, complex, and unstable world.
- USA: The primary global economic and military power, with interventionist policies, especially in oil-rich Middle East and the Pacific (economic allies).
- EU and Japan-South Korea: Significant economic powers but limited political/military influence. They maintain alliances with the US and focus on economic relations, including energy-producing countries.
- China and India: Growing importance as large states with increasing economic and political influence.