Sustainable Development and Globalization
The Limits of Economic Growth
Traditional economic models, both capitalist and socialist, are based on the assumption of continuous economic growth. However, since the second half of the 20th century, it has become increasingly clear that this trend is not viable indefinitely. The reason is simple: the law of diminishing returns. When economic growth depends on several factors, and some of them have already reached their ceiling of utilization, there comes a moment when global growth gradually begins to decrease.
Natural resources are limited, and it is impossible to sustain indefinite economic growth. Eventually, we will deplete and degrade these resources irreversibly. A new social movement, inspired by environmentalism, advocates for sustainable development: economic development that does not degrade the environment irreversibly and is capable of replenishing the natural resources used.
For example, instead of always using wood, we can reforest. Before depleting a source of energy like coal or oil, we can find renewable alternatives like wind or hydroelectric power. In addition to developing these alternative technologies, we must also consider the environmental costs of production. Currently, these costs are often not paid or are not paid scrupulously, as if the environment were free.
Problems of a Global Culture
Cultural Homogenization
A global superculture would not exceed the sum of all cultures. In fact, it could be even less diverse than some individual cultures. Sooner or later, it would be doomed to fragmentation, like cultural ghettos. Furthermore, in the long run, it would lead to cultural impoverishment through endogamy.
The dominant global culture is based on Western, and particularly American, ways of life. As Claude Lévi-Strauss observed in “Race and History” (1952), the adoption of this lifestyle, or certain aspects of it, is often not as spontaneous as people like to believe. It is the result of decisions made by Western powers, and it can lead to a lack of choice for other cultures.
Considering the cultures that are likely to shape the future global superculture, we can imagine a world where everyone buys things in huge hypermarkets, watches the same TV programs, listens to the same pop music, and occasionally visits libraries and attends concerts. As Vicente Verdú says in his essay “American Planet” (1996), the extension of the American way of life involves a major disruption of humanity and a cultural impoverishment of almost the entire world. Americanization is swallowing lifestyles, values, myths, ways of dressing, and even ways of eating.
Information Overload
We must also consider the saturation effect. The massive amount of information produced ends up being much higher than the potential of the receiver to assimilate it. For example, the internet, the latest wonder of the information age, is overwhelming users with an abundance of information that often lacks substance. As Claude Lévi-Strauss reminds us, a civilized world is not one with a single dominant culture, but one where the coexistence of cultures offers the maximum diversity.
Background to the Process: Globalization
Globalization is the growing interdependence of the economies, politics, and cultures of the societies and nations of the planet. It is currently a major process driven by scientific and technological development, economic expansion, and demographic growth.
Important historical precedents include 19th-century colonialism (1875-1914) and, in the longer term, the discovery and conquest of America. Colonization was a process by which European powers like Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, and Great Britain dominated the political, social, and economic life of almost all habitable territories on Earth: all of America, Africa, Oceania, and part of Asia.
At the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th, the main American states became independent. After World War II, a rapid process of decolonization began in Asia and Africa, transferring power to native elites. However, the decolonization process has had its errors and consequences. Many former colonies are countries whose borders were created artificially, leading to ethnic conflicts. For example, after independence, British India was divided into India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh for ethno-religious reasons, and conflicts between these states continue.
The decolonization process often led to the establishment of undemocratic political regimes and underdeveloped economies that cannot compete internationally. These countries are often subject to further economic colonialism. For example, much of Latin America during the 20th century was essentially a colony of the United States, with frequent US-supported coups to prevent popular uprisings.
Economic Inequality and Migration
In the second half of the 20th century, the global economy has grown and internationalized more than in any other era. However, inequality between rich countries (a few) and poor countries (the majority) has also grown. The world population has increased from 1.5 billion to 6 billion people, and this explosive demographic growth is particularly acute in the poorest countries (India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt).
The most obvious result is a growing process of immigration, both legal and illegal, from citizens of poor countries to rich countries. This migration is a symptom of the global inequalities that are exacerbated by globalization.
Sustainable Development: A Path Forward
Sustainable development offers a path forward that recognizes the limits of economic growth and the importance of environmental protection and social equity. It requires a shift away from traditional economic models that prioritize growth at all costs and towards a more holistic approach that considers the long-term well-being of both people and the planet.
By investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, we can create a more just and sustainable world for all.