Globalisation of a World

GLOBALISATION OF A WORLD

Globalisation is, in simple terms, a process which has occurred throughout many years, involving the breaking down of barriers between nation states or countries to allow movement of goods (such as trade), capital, people (travel) and information (such as letters). These traditional barriers being broken down are as a result of the advancement of the ever-changing technology, including the invention and development of computers, mobile phones and air travel. Globalisation brings people of the world together, whether it be through electronic means, such as e-mail and social networking, though currencies, such as the euro (€) or through the growing need for transportation.

Globalisation is indicated in many ways in the world today. Some of these may include production of goods overseas, increased travel and companies investing overseas etc. But what exactly causes globalisation?

Globalisation is caused by many factors. These may be:

-The advancement of technology, allowing communication between people easier and much faster. Before the invention of mobile phones, computers and the internet, the only means of communication was by letter. In 1800, sending a letter to another country took many months. The Industrial Revolution made sending letters much faster, with the invention of the steam boat. Now, e-mail, mobile phones and the internet have made communication from one side of the world to another an instant action.

-The increased number of TNCs (Trans-National Corporation, see 7.3) brings countries and nation states together through a similar trade and culture of that trade.

THE DEATH OF DISTANCE AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Globalisation is often referred with "the death of distance". The death of distance is an overcoming of distance with the assistance of technology such as mobile phones and most importantly; the internet. This overcoming of distance is caused by two main factors; the widespread use of technology throughout the world and an expanding global communications system, such as more low orbit satellites, undersea telephone cables and growing production and manufacture of modern technology.

Although there is widespread use of this modern technology, some countries still do not have this access to the internet. This uneven spread of technology throughout the world is often referred to as the "digital divide". Globalisation means that developing countries can have access to internet and phones and overcome the digital divide, through internet cafes and telecentres.

OUR CONNECTION TO THE WORLD

Australia, like almost all other nations, is connected to the rest of the world through globalisation. It is so through three major factors; agreements and organisations (such as the UN), communications