Unit 3.A - Globalisation

Question 1

What is globalisation?

Answer 1

Globalisation is the increasing integration between nation-states.

Question 2

What are some examples of increasing integration between nation-states?

Answer 2

• Trade
• Investment and financial flows
• Technology transfers
• Communications
• Travel
• Labour mobility
• Entertainment
• Culture

Question 3

What are some of the factors facilitating globalisation?

Answer 3

• Technology (esp. communications and social media)
• Increasing role of multinationals and transnationals
• Global and quasi-governmental bodies (EU, UN, G8)
• Benefits from previous waves of globalisation
• Global threats such as climate change
• Consumer preferences

Question 4

What are some of the factors working against globalisation?

Answer 4

• Nationalism
• Protectionism
• Significant global imbalances (trade + financial flows)
• Terrorism and fear of it
• Consumer and citizen concerns

Question 5

What are some of the real and imaged consequences of globalisation?

Answer 5

• Loss of national sovereignty (to global agreements, transnationals)
• Loss of jobs in uncompetitive areas (Aussie car manufacturers)
• Perceived loss of jobs to migrants and foreign workers
• Tax avoidance by multinationals and transnationals
• Increasing irrelevance of national government
• Localised culture changes/loss of local culture
• Terrorism
• Exploitation of developing countries
• Environmental damage and destruction