Reaction to Globalization: The Super Story

Globalization is a human process that has a plethora of advantages, including, yet certainly not limited to, sharing of ideals, cooperation of governmental systems, and a sense of interdependence between all those nations involved. However, along with these undeniable advantages, globalization can bring with it certain detriments to global societies that raise caution among scholars, researchers, and the general populace alike. Friedman does very well in explaining how globalization works in modern society, albeit from a Western-biased vantage point, yet his implications bring to light the true nature of globalization. Friedman blatantly states “…the United States is now the sole and dominant superpower and all other nations are subordinate to it to one degree or another” (Friedman 473), which begs the question: is this really where we want, or more importantly, need the world to be? This bold statement is neither totally biased nor inaccurate; the United States has incredible pull with regards to the global system and can theoretically run the table however it so wished. Friedman’s entire publication focused on “balance” and the “three balances” that makes up the modern globalized worldview, yet a global system run by one major nation does not seem like one that follows the definition of balanced. Yes, globalization allows certain nations and countries to fail without much consequence to the world focus knowing that the larger, more stable countries and nations will fortify and reestablish the failing or failed ones. This adds, whether we are conscious of this fact or not, additional pressure on those larger nations to maintain stability, or all groups fail. One could view heavily globalized economies as inverted pyramids, in which the many disadvantaged nations rest on the shoulders of the few seemingly well-off countries. This is an extremely dangerous situation, as the smallest stumble from the major players, aka the United States and China, would cause chaos in the rest of the world. Ironically, globalization does not seem to be following the tree-pronged balance that Friedman proposes; instead it seems to be forcing the world to revert back to a divided worldview where it’s the United States versus someone else. Yes, we are all connected globally; however this could ultimately spell doom for several economic and government systems.