Globalization – Empire Building

Colonialism & Neocolonialism

• Most less developed countries are former colonies

• In a position to take advantage of the other

Two Paradoxical Forces

• The world is being shaped by two different and seemingly contradictory forces, both of which seem to be growing. Therein is the paradox – the tension within which we must live.
• A geographer brings that special, spatial, integrative point of view to the study of these transnational forces.

Forces in the Post-Cold-War World

• Globalism – The development of political and quasi-political organizations and structures that transcend the “nation-state.”
• Devolution – The breaking down into smaller, simpler parts as in ethnic strife leading to hostility and the breaking-up of multinational states and even states formerly thought to have become “nation-states.”

Globalism: The Positive Side

• the growing realization that all countries must work within the framework of a global economy.
• Economic unions:
• NAFTA
• European Union
• Others
• International peace-keeping forces to prevent the spread of conflict.
• Russia consulting with and cooperating with NATO????????????????

Globalism: The Negative Side

• Easier spread of ideas and diseases
• Terrorism – anti-Jewish & anti-American
• Diseases – AIDS, Ebola, Mad Cow, etc.
• Multi-national or Trans-national corporations – the totality is not subject to the jurisdiction of any political unit.
• In 2001, the United States became committed to a “War on Terrorism.”
• Increased health concerns for citizens.
• Consumers seem to be having fewer real choices in the marketplace.

Devolution

• Striving of national or ethnic groups for sovereign political expression
• Parts of several multinational states may seek to unite as a separate political entity.
• Hostilities long thought dead have surfaced in the post Cold War world.
• When these threaten world security and trade, the US may become involved financially and/or militarily.