Advantages of Globalization
average workers in developing countries are benefitting directly from economic growth and development. ( Gary Burtless, Globaphobia: Confronting Fears About Open Trade, Brookings Institution, Progressive Policy Institute, and Twentieth Century Fund, 1998. )
The World Bank Research Report States the following facts: “About three billion people live in ‘newly globalizing’ developing countries. During the 1990’s this group grew at five percent per capita compared to two percent for the rich countries. The number of extremely poor (living on less than $1 per day) in the new globalizers declined by one hundred and twenty million between 1993 and 1998”. These facts show that countries who take part in the process of globalization are benefiting and it is resulting in the reduction of poverty and an increase in the living standard of people around the world. Those who favour the process of globalization, like the former head of the International Monetary Fund, Michael Camdessusm argue that the prospects of globalization are good for “achieving more rapid poverty reduction and faster growth”.
Because more and more countries are linked, there can now be greater international co-operation to solve environmental and social problems. To address global problems a very strong majority of people support increased international cooperation. Support is strong for international institutions dealing with global problems like terrorism, the environment, and human rights issues. Only a small minority prefers to see the US tackle these problems on its own. Strong majorities believe it is necessary to create more international agreements to solve a variety of problems, such as terrorism, environmental degradation, inadequate labor standards and human rights violations.
The United Nations -which has about 191 countries as members - is an organisation where countries put their heads together to address the most difficult and substantial issues and problems affecting a majority of the world's population - “poverty eradication, fight against diseases, including HIV/AIDS, achieving universal primary education, gender equality.” (President of the UN General Assembly Statements - 7 March 2003). The UN is a source of international law and standards and a convener of global action. “Shipping, aviation, telecommunications, weather-forecasting, trademarks, patents, statistics, pharmaceutical - all these activities and many more fall within the purview of the United Nations agencies. The more we live in a single economic environment, the more we depend on such vital services, universal standards and rules. ” (President of the UN General Assembly Statements - 7 March 2003).
International treaties are eliminating ozone-destroying CFCs, have made a start at combating climate change and have limited the spread of chemical weapons, among other things. These examples of governments working together are still better than going at it alone or turning one’s back on the world.
Another Pro-globalization organisation -The World Trade Organisation (WTO) - is the only international organisation dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. “ Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.”
At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and [next page]