The Rise of Globalization (late 20th Century) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
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The Rise of Globalization (Late 20th Century): A multifaceted phenomenon, globalization in its late 20th-century iteration represents the unprecedented acceleration and intensification of cross-border flows – of capital, goods, information, and people. Often conflated with mere international trade or dismissed as a wholly modern invention, this period of globalization distinguished itself through its sheer velocity, scale, and transformative impact on global economies and societies. Defining features included the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of neoliberal economic policies, and rapid technological advancements, notably in computing and telecommunications.
While antecedents like the Silk Road and earlier waves of international integration existed, the late 20th century witnessed something qualitatively different. Though the term gained wider currency later, its conceptual roots can be traced back to post-World War II discussions on international cooperation and economic interdependence, particularly in documents related to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established in 1948. The period witnessed a renewed push for reduced trade barriers, driven by a growing consensus among Western powers favoring open markets. The Cold War’s ideological battleground inadvertently spurred innovation and competition, laying the groundwork for future interconnectedness.
The subsequent decades saw the acceleration of globalization fueled by figures such as Milton Friedman and institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO). Their influence helped enshrine free market principles as central tenets of global economic policy. This era prompted debates regarding national sovereignty, cultural homogenization, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Less explored are the nuances of resistance movements which surfaced in response, questioning the presumed universality of globalization’s benefits and advocating for alternative models of development.
The legacy of the late 20th-century rise of globalization is indelible. Its successes and failures continue to shape contemporary debates on trade, inequality, and international relations. From anti-globalization protests to debates about reshoring manufacturing, the echoes of this transformative period reverberate today. Has globalization genuinely fostered shared prosperity, or has it primarily benefited a select few? This question continues to provoke and challenge our understanding of the complex forces shaping the world.