Globalization has had an impact on social and economic policies across the world. Countries can now enjoy the opportunity to trade anywhere in the world and obtain higher returns. There is a general assumption that globalization has had an impact on the spread of democracy to different regions and states. This assumption could be based on the belief that as global trade grows the promotion of democratic rights will also receive a boost. In this paper, I will analyze the consequences of democracy around the world if the pace of globalization increases.
Globalization has influenced many states to be part of international bodies that promote democracy. These organizations tend to give one voice that forms a collective bargaining point to raise eyebrows whenever democracy is not respected ( Fukuyama 5) . The International Criminal Court is one such institution that is tasked with upholding democracy in all member states. The court handles crimes against humanity which are often witnessed after chaotic elections. The fear of facing trial has compelled leaders to respect election outcomes. This has fostered peace and respect for human rights. Regional trade blocks have also pushed the agenda of democracy despite being primarily formed to promote economic growth.
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Globalization has increased access to sophisticated technology which provides better communication channels. People are able to increase their understanding of global trends and what is happening in other parts of the world. As a result, countries that were largely authoritative are beginning to warm up to democracy. Citizens now have the courage to question the decisions made by their leaders and speak up against bad regimes. The thought that the world is watching has pushed governments to make policies that are not discriminative nor oppressive to the citizens.
There are various scholars and critics who believe that globalization has had some negative impacts. Countries that are traditionally authoritative are not too keen on welcoming the idea of democracy. They strongly believe that democracy is a westernized agenda and it does not serve their best interests. Such nations often question the idea of having to be controlled by global standards and policies. They prefer to maintain their ethnic and religious principles. The countries with stronger economic muscle are most likely to respect democracy and liberal rights among its citizens. This is because there is no external interference in the way decisions are made. That is not the case for countries that are not economically stable. They often have to act in ways that are attractive to investors without thinking of the effects of such decisions on the citizens (Kees 204). There is usually a tough decision regarding bowing to pressure or staying adamant and losing on global trade opportunities.
In such countries, only the rich continue to thrive while the poor sink deeper into their abyss of poverty ( Eunyoung 4) . Sometimes the international investors and owners of multinational companies may also have a say on important matters that affect the country. This often has a negative effect on the political structure in underdeveloped countries. They have to sing to the tunes of the more developed countries so that they do not miss out on economic opportunities. Whenever disputes arise the developed countries always have the final decision. Countries that have not welcomed globalization with open arms may not have the opportunity to enjoy economic growth but will enjoy the freedom to make decisions that are viable to their people without external intrusion.
In conclusion, globalization has led to economic growth as well as an agent for the spread of democracy across the world. Countries may not have the freedom to make decisions as would be witnessed if democracy did not exist. However, leaders are now more accountable and careful in policies they make because the world is watching. Citizens also have access to information and are able to exercise their democratic rights to kick out bad regimes.
References
Ha, Eunyoung, and Nicholas L. Cain. "Who governs or how they govern: Testing the impact of democracy, ideology and globalization on the well being of the poor." The Social Science Journal 54.3 (2017): 271-286.
Fukuyama, Francis. Political order and political decay: From the industrial revolution to the globalization of democracy . Macmillan, 2014.
Aarts, Kees, Jacques Thomassen, and Carolien van Ham. "Globalization, representation, and attitudes towards democracy." Elections and representative democracy: Representation and accountability (2014): 201-231.
