Understanding Globalization Dynamics

Globalization Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Globalization: Current stage of worldwide integration driven by technological and informational systems.
• Milton Santos: Defines globalization as world-wide integration via technical-informational networks.
• Networks: Comprise fixed infrastructures (roads, ports, satellites) and flows (information, goods, capital, people).
• Phases:
  • First phase (15th-20th century): Capital expansion, colonization, imperialism.
  • Second phase (post-1970): Digital, real-time, financial globalization.
• Main aspects: Economic fragmentation, technological advances, political interdependence, cultural flows, social inequalities, environmental challenges, ideological shifts.
• Space-time compression: Reduced distances via instant communication and logistics.
• Global inequalities: Reinforced by system hierarchies and selective flows.
• Trade blocs: EU, USMCA, Mercosur, ASEAN promote regional integration.
• Neoliberalism: Promotes deregulation, privatization, free markets.
• Resistance: Anti-globalization, protectionism, sovereignty advocates.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components