There is no doubt that the world is getting smaller due to globalization, which has increased interconnectedness across the globe. Currently, goods and services can easily move across borders and communication across nations has been enhanced significantly (The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 2012). However, despite the many benefits of globalization, it is not easy to measure globalization and interconnectedness. Nonetheless, some parameters can be used to measure globalization and interconnectedness. Globalization and interconnectedness can be measured regarding social, economic, and political dimensions. Economically, it can be measured based on the flow of international trade and the level of foreign direct investment (FDI). For instance, a country can determine the level of globalization and interconnectedness by determining the rate of FDI within a given period such as annually. At the same time, a country with many international trading partners has a high rate of globalization compared to a nation with a few global trade partners.
Socially, globalization can be measured regarding cultural proximity, personal international contact, and the flow of information across borders. Personal contact can be measured by the number of international phone calls that people make within a certain period, including the rate of tourism. Cultural proximity, on the other hand, can be measured by the number of expatriates in a country ( Vujakovic, 2009) . Also, globalization and interconnectedness can be measured based on the level of political integration between countries across the globe. The level of political cooperation can be determined based on the number of embassies that countries host, international agreements and treaties, and membership to international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). Thus, the level of globalization and interconnectedness is high because of the many global commercial, social, and political activities that occur every single day. The level of globalization is likely to increase with the emergence of new technologies.
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How does Globalization affect International Relations?
Globalization has led to a substantial improvement in international relations. As the world becomes a global village where the exchange of commodities, ideas, and free movement of people, nations are forced to meet as frequently as possible to address various issues. Specifically, diplomats and countries’ representatives must meet and make deals. Consequently, international relations have improved. Globalization has also reduced intercultural conflict that was initially affecting international relations. Currently, with enhanced cultural diversity, people across culture can easily interact and share ideas without encountering a significant cultural conflict ( Anderson, 2006) . Many people across the globe now have high levels of cultural competence, resulting in improved international relations. Globalization has helped in linking cultures and international relations in various aspects such as economic and social. International relations has improved due to the high level of globalization.
However, globalization has also resulted in adverse effects on international relations, especially concerning the fight against terrorism, extremism, and radicalization. Globalization has made many countries, especially the US and western nations to unite against terrorism. The rate of terrorism has increased in European countries due to the free movement of people ( Glazer, 2010) . The common perception that terrorism is mainly carried out by Muslims has led to poor relations between Muslim-donated countries and the US and European nations. The US, in particular, has poor relations with many Arab countries because of the fight against terrorism. A significant number of Arab countries feel that the US and other European countries are interfering with their sovereignty. The tension between Arab countries and western nations is not likely to end soon because the fight against terrorism has gone global. Therefore, globalization has resulted in positive and negative effects on international relations ( Glazer, 2010) . Countries should take advantage of globalization to enhance international relations, especially through close interaction and collaboration.
References
Anderson, B. (2006). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism . Verso Books.
Glazer, S. (2010). Radical Islam in Europe. Issues in Terrorism and Homeland Security: Selections from CQ Researcher, ed. CQ Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications , 155-186.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. (2012). Globalization . Retrieved from https://www.dallasfed.org/educate/~/media/documents/educate/everyday/globalization.pd f
Vujakovic, P. (2009). How to measure globalization? A new globalization index (NGI) (No. 343). WIFO Working Papers.
Discussions
Discussion of David’s Post
The discussion by David is effective and useful because it clearly addresses the measurement of globalization and interconnectedness, including how globalization affects international relations. As stated by David, it is true that measuring globalization interconnectedness is not easy and scholars are yet come up with a clear framework on the same. However, globalization and interconnectedness can be measured by considering social, political, and social dimensions or indicators ( Heshmati, 2006) . For instance, social indicators like the level of communication and sharing of information can be used to measure globalization and interconnectedness. However, the major concern would be to find accurate information and data about the social, political, and economic indicators. Also, the discussion on the effect of globalization on international relations is useful and relevant. It pointed out some of the adverse effects of globalization that need to be addressed such as increased organized crimes and money laundering.
References
Heshmati, A. (2006). Measurement of a multidimensional index of globalization. Global Economy Journal , 6 (2).
Discussion of Inaz’s Post
I agree with Inaz that technologies have made it possible for financial organizations to transfer money from one country to another with a lot of ease. It is also true that international trade has enhanced the interdependence of the global market. Nevertheless, her discussion on how to measure globalization and interconnectedness is too brief and highly summarized. Besides, the discussion focused on the economic aspects of globalization. It did not exhaustively cover the political and social dimensions that should also be factored in when measuring globalization and interconnectedness. However, the information on the effects of globalization on international relations is comprehensive and useful. Inaz discussed both the negative and positive effects of globalization on international relations, indicating that she was objective in her discussion. Globalization can positively and negative affect international relations. However, according to Ilyin and Sergeevich (2013), globalization improves international relations through improved cooperation, diplomacy, and collaboration.
References
Ilyin, I., & Sergeevich, A. (2013). The impact of globalization on the formation of a global political system. Campus-Wide Information Systems , 30 (5), 340-345.
