Economic globalisation definition, characteristics, causes and example

Economic globalization definition

Economic globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of economies around the world. It involves the integration of national economies into the global economy through trade, foreign direct investment, and international flows of capital, technology, and information.

Economic globalization has been facilitated by advances in transportation and communication technology, which have made it easier and cheaper for companies to trade and invest across borders. It has also been driven by the liberalization of trade and investment policies in many countries, which has reduced barriers to cross-border commerce.

While economic globalization has created many opportunities for businesses and individuals, it has also been associated with some negative effects, such as job displacement and income inequality.

Economic globalization is the integration of the different countries of the world through increased trade and investment flows. In some cases, it is also the result of greater facilities for the movement of labour.

In other words, this type of globalization refers to the expansion of trade in goods and services between nations. But it also implies greater mobility of financial capital and human capital.

It should be made clear that economic globalization covers only one aspect of globalization, a phenomenon that can also apply to the political, technological and social spheres, for example.

Another point to note is that the integration of financial markets plays a very important role in economic globalisation. This is because it expands investment alternatives for agents.

Economic globalization simple definition

Economic globalization is the process of increased economic interdependence and integration among countries, facilitated by advances in technology, transportation, and communication, as well as by policies that reduce barriers to trade and investment. This means that economies and markets around the world are becoming more connected and interlinked, which has implications for businesses, governments, and individuals.

What is meant by economic globalization?

Economic globalization refers to the integration of national economies into a global economy through the expansion of trade, investment, and capital flows. It involves the increasing interdependence and interconnectedness of national economies, which has been facilitated by advances in technology, transportation, and communication.

This integration has been characterized by the emergence of global markets, the increasing mobility of goods, services, and capital, and the growing importance of international trade and investment. It has led to the creation of multinational corporations, the growth of international finance, and the development of global production networks.

While economic globalization has brought many benefits, such as increased economic growth, job creation, and higher living standards, it has also created challenges, such as increased income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions. As a result, there is ongoing debate about the merits and drawbacks of economic globalization and how to manage its effects.

Characteristics of economic globalization

The process of economic globalization is characterized by the following factors:

  • It facilitates the marketing of products between different countries around the world.
  • It increases the consumption of goods and services.
  • It encourages specialization.
  • It strengthens international relations as they are used to close deals.
  • It entails a strengthening of the industrial fabric of developed and emerging countries.
  • It eliminates or reduces marketing barriers between different geographical areas.
  • It reduces transport costs by improving communications.
  • Globalization relies on the global financial system to ensure its viability. 

Here are some of the key characteristics of economic globalization:

  • Increased international trade: Economic globalization is characterized by an increase in international trade, with goods and services flowing more freely across national borders.
  • Foreign direct investment (FDI): Companies increasingly invest in foreign countries to take advantage of new markets, cheaper labor, and natural resources.
  • Advances in technology and communication: Advances in technology and communication have made it easier for companies to communicate and conduct business across borders.
  • Reduction in trade barriers: Countries have reduced trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas, making it easier for goods and services to be traded between countries.
  • Emergence of global financial markets: The emergence of global financial markets has made it easier for companies to raise capital from investors around the world.
  • Emergence of global institutions: The emergence of global institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank has facilitated economic globalization by promoting trade liberalization and providing financing for development projects.
  • Increased mobility of labor: Economic globalization has also led to an increase in the mobility of labor, with workers moving across borders to take advantage of employment opportunities in other countries.

Importance of economic globalization

Economic globalization has been important in shaping the world economy and has had significant impacts on economic growth, poverty reduction, and social development. Here are some of the key benefits and importance of economic globalization:

  • Increased economic growth: Globalization has led to the expansion of markets, increased competition, and the spread of technology, all of which have contributed to higher levels of economic growth and prosperity.
  • Increased trade: Economic globalization has increased international trade, which has helped to lower prices, increase consumer choice, and stimulate innovation.
  • Increased investment: The opening up of national economies to foreign investment has increased the availability of capital for investment and has helped to spur economic development.
  • Job creation: Globalization has led to the creation of new jobs in export-oriented industries and has helped to improve the quality of jobs by providing access to better technology and management practices.
  • Poverty reduction: Economic globalization has helped to reduce poverty by providing access to new markets, investment, and technology, which has improved the economic opportunities and living standards of people in many countries.
  • Improved living standards: Economic globalization has led to the diffusion of knowledge and technology, which has helped to improve living standards by increasing productivity and efficiency.

While economic globalization has its benefits, it has also created challenges, such as increased income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions. As a result, it is important to manage the effects of globalization to ensure that it benefits everyone and contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Causes of economic globalization

Causes and consequences of economic globalization.

One of the causes of the process of economic globalization is that most countries have established a market economy as their economic model, which allows freedom of enterprise. Subsequently, the economic agreements reached between companies or governments of the world's nations have also favored globalisation.

In addition to this, the development of technology has enabled two major advances. The first of these is the automation of a multitude of processes, causing a great reduction in the cost of production of the majority of goods and services consumed today. Secondly, the development of the internet has facilitated the process of communication between people in different geographical areas, simplifying the process necessary to reach a commercial agreement.

It should be noted that other causes of economic globalization have been war conflicts in which collaboration between countries has been necessary to overcome difficulties. In this way, certain alliances have developed that have facilitated the process of market liberalisation.

In terms of effects, it can be mentioned that economic globalization has improved people's quality of life. This is due to greater accessibility to certain goods and services that were previously very expensive or impossible to obtain in one country. In addition, it has also opened up a wide range of business opportunities.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the process of economic globalization has also given rise to giant multinationals that absorb the largest market share in the sector in which they operate. This results in the small producer or trader being suffocated by the prices at which he competes due to economies of scale.

Strategies.

As part of a process of economic globalization, countries follow various strategies. The first is the signing of trade agreements that can be signed between two parties (bilateralism) or more (multilateralism). Thus, tariffs are lowered, bureaucratic barriers to transactions are reduced, among other measures.

Another strategy, which goes further, can be to establish economic blocs, such as the European Union (EU). The countries that make up this group share a common set of rules for foreign trade (requirements for imported products, tariff rates, etc.). In addition, half of the EU members (19 out of 28) use the same currency (euro).

It should be noted that nations can also pursue economic globalization through unilateralism. This means that measures are taken on their own initiative and not on the basis of a trade agreement. This is the case, for example, when a government decides to lower its tariffs on technology imports.

The aim of this tax reduction would be to allow the import of technological products at a lower cost. This would allow consumers to find, for example, computers at a lower price on the market.

Advantages of economic globalization

The advantages of economic globalization include the following: 

  • It allows products and services to be offered in countries that did not have them before.
  • It favors the identification of new business opportunities. For example, a company may discover an attractive market niche in a neighboring country as a result of the signing of a trade agreement.
  • It facilitates the exchange of knowledge, eg technological knowledge, between companies from different countries. This, through alliances or agreements.
  • It allows for cultural exchange. A franchise not only brings its products to another country, but sometimes it also brings a lifestyle into the business model. Imagine, for example, the entry of a coffee shop into a country where coffee is not widely consumed. The company will then have to work to spread the word about the benefits of consuming the aromatic beverage. But another option is to adapt its menu, offering other infusions such as tea. In any case, it is possible to generate an exchange between the company's culture and that of its new market.
  • Investors have more alternatives for placing their money. They can move their money from one country to another in search of higher returns.

Disadvantages

At the same time, there are also disadvantages of economic globalization:

  • Not all sectors of the economy are always favoured. Suppose, for example, that a product that is also produced domestically is approved for import. Local firms may then be threatened by low-priced foreign goods.
  • Large multinationals, with ample financial resources, would have an advantage in competing with small, nationally-based firms.
  • With free capital mobility, there can be a strong outflow or inflow of foreign currency into a country. This may require intervention by the respective central bank to avoid strong exchange rate volatility.

Economic globalization examples

Below are some representative examples of economic globalization: 

  • Liberalization of stock exchanges. Thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to participate in the stock market from virtually anywhere in the world.
  • Increase in the sale of goods and services. This is one of the most representative examples, since the process of economic globalization began, the sale of goods and services has increased remarkably.
  • International monetary transactions. International payment platforms have been developed alongside cryptocurrencies that do not depend on the central bank of any country.

Impact of globalization on economy

The impact of globalization on the economy has been significant, with both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts of globalization on the economy:

  • Increased economic growth: Globalization has led to the expansion of markets, increased competition, and the spread of technology, all of which have contributed to higher levels of economic growth and prosperity.
  • Increased trade: Globalization has led to increased international trade, which has helped to lower prices, increase consumer choice, and stimulate innovation.
  • Increased investment: Globalization has led to the opening up of national economies to foreign investment, which has increased the availability of capital for investment and has helped to spur economic development.
  • Job creation: Globalization has led to the creation of new jobs in export-oriented industries and has helped to improve the quality of jobs by providing access to better technology and management practices.
  • Increased income inequality: Globalization has also led to increased income inequality, as the benefits of economic growth have not been equally distributed, leading to a widening gap between rich and poor.
  • Environmental degradation: Globalization has led to increased environmental degradation as a result of increased production and consumption, leading to issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
  • Social tensions: Globalization has also led to increased social tensions, as the benefits of economic growth have not been equally distributed, leading to increased inequality, poverty, and social exclusion.

In summary, while globalization has brought many benefits to the economy, it has also created challenges, such as increased income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions. It is important to manage the effects of globalization to ensure that it benefits everyone and contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

What is the main purpose of economic globalization?

The main purpose of economic globalization is to increase the integration of national economies into a global economy. The goal is to create a more interconnected and interdependent world, where goods, services, and capital can flow more freely across borders, creating greater economic growth, trade, and investment.

The key objectives of economic globalization include:

  • Increasing international trade: By reducing barriers to trade and increasing competition, economic globalization aims to increase the volume and variety of international trade.
  • Attracting foreign investment: Economic globalization aims to attract foreign investment by reducing restrictions on foreign ownership and making it easier for foreign investors to do business in different countries.
  • Promoting economic growth: By promoting trade and investment, economic globalization aims to create greater economic growth and prosperity for countries and their citizens.
  • Encouraging innovation and technological advancement: Economic globalization aims to encourage innovation and technological advancement by making it easier for companies to access new markets and technologies.
  • Reducing poverty: Economic globalization aims to reduce poverty by increasing economic opportunities and access to jobs, capital, and technology.

While economic globalization has brought many benefits, it has also created challenges, such as increased income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions. As a result, it is important to manage the effects of globalization to ensure that it benefits everyone and contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

What is economic globalization in your own words essay?

Economic globalization refers to the increasing integration of national economies into a global economy through the expansion of trade, investment, and capital flows. This process has been facilitated by advances in technology, transportation, and communication, which have made it easier for goods, services, and capital to move across borders.

Economic globalization has led to the emergence of global markets, the increasing mobility of goods, services, and capital, and the growing importance of international trade and investment. It has created multinational corporations, international finance, and global production networks, which have transformed the way business is done.

While economic globalization has brought many benefits, such as increased economic growth, job creation, and higher living standards, it has also created challenges, such as increased income inequality, environmental degradation, and social tensions. This has led to ongoing debate about the merits and drawbacks of economic globalization and how to manage its effects.

To address these challenges, there is a need for policies that promote sustainable and inclusive economic development, such as investment in education and infrastructure, environmental protection, and social safety nets. It is also important to ensure that the benefits of economic globalization are shared more equitably, particularly for marginalized groups and developing countries.

In conclusion, economic globalization has transformed the world economy, creating both opportunities and challenges. As we navigate this new global landscape, it is important to find ways to manage its effects to ensure that it benefits everyone and contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development.