Globalization and the Individual

by Susan Avar

The issue of globalization is a contested debate that penetrates into the realm of cyberspace. The term, globalization, is loosely defined as the economic, social and political interconnectedness that nations and citizens are exposed to as a result of integrated technology systems that span the globe. The evolution of Internet technology and its continued diffusion worldwide facilitates globalization, but more importantly the net allows citizens in developed and developing nations to become aware of the issues surrounding globalization.

For the sake of simplicity, the issues regarding the globalization debate are twofold. Proponents of globalization believe that technology helps "create all sorts of opportunities for developing countries, provides upward mobility, and [increases] the power of individuals." Opponents of globalization tend to regard technology in a negative light, something that promotes the welfare of the capitalist exploiter and ignores the well being of the individual citizen, especially in the developed world.

I contend that not only does globalization demote the welfare of individual citizens in developing and developed nations, but it also accelerates the erosion of state sovereignty as international market forces replace citizenship. I have located numerous websites that pertain information in support of this view.

The International Forum on Globalization (www.ifg.org/index.html <http://www.ifg.org/index.html> ) is the first website worth mentioning. It is an informative site that aims to expose the negative effects of globalization. IFG focuses on how key international institutions such as the WTO, IMF and the World Bank contribute to the weakening of democracy and the strengthening of transnational corporations. The site also lists key issues that are a growing concern as a result of globalization, such as the effects of global warming on food and agriculture. Such issues are then advocated through IFG and headed by a steering committee that draws support and awareness globally by gathering and publishing data.

  The IFG website is extremely useful in bringing awareness to the issues surrounding globalization. There is detailed information about how existing international institutions weaken democracy and hence erode state autonomy over a states‚ internal affairs. IFGs take on globalization addresses not just the lack of power regarding state and citizen participation, but takes the issue one dimension further. IFG states that international agreements should incorporate accountability into their reforms by alleviating the negative aspects of globalization. These negative aspects include major global issues like the effects of globalization on water supplies, farming and health.

In the search for websites that present the globalization debate differently but still maintain the central argument that globalization reduces state sovereignty I stumbled upon a local site called vancouver.indymedia.org <http://vancouver.indymedia.org/> . This website is not for or against globalization, but instead advocates independent thought regarding all issues, including issues such as globalization. Not surprisingly, I found many articles on the topic. The existence of such a website with its articles, pictures, news clips and sound bites is extremely important in facilitating the globalization debate. Because globalization permeates down to the core of society and affects the individual, it is important for citizens to be able to express their views freely.

I found one article particularly intriguing on this website in support of my argument. It (http://vancouver.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=10411 <http://vancouver.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=10411> ) discusses the extent to which our own municipalities are affected by the adherence to an international trade agreement like the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services). Sherry Peters‚s argument is one in favour of preserving local autonomy over matters like the duration of open store hours and the zoning of businesses. She argues that under agreements like GATS, local matters could easily be out of our hands and a decision not to abide by the international agreement can result in legal repercussions. The implications of the GATS agreement on individual and in this case, municipal autonomy are quite preposterous. An international body that is disconnected from our everyday lives has more say in how and where to erect a business building than the citizens of that community do. The article demonstrates the lack of influence citizens and even our own states have in local decision making once we sign a binding international agreement. Also, it bring light to the issue that lack of state sovereignty is not just a concern in developing nations, but developed ones as well.

The final website relevant to the discussion is that of the Pacific Institute. (http://www.pacinst.org/ ) This is a non-profit center that conducts research and policy analysis in conjunction with other NGOs to bring awareness about the condition of the global environment caused by increasing globalization and lack of agreements that protect the environment globally. The institute has developed a program focusing on Economic Globalization and the Environment. (EGE) This study aims to identify the environmental affects of international trade and it advocates policies that look after individual health and well being.

The significance of the organization advocating a program such as the EGE is twofold. It is recognized that globalization does pose a threat to the environment. More importantly, however, the existence of the EGE is proof that these environmental problems can cause harm to individuals, especially in developing nations where regulations are sparse and often are non-existent. EGE‚s goals are to bring awareness to citizens locally so that they can participate in lobbying their governments for more control over their resources. Arousing local concerns can effectively downplay the importance of the market, which would simply overlook an individual‚s well being for the sake of profit, and leave more power in the hand of citizen and state.

It is evident that the internet plays an important role in bringing awareness to citizens about the issues surrounding globalization. The assessment of the websites of IFG, Vancouver Indymedia, and the Pacific Institute demonstrate in different ways the various problems globalization poses worldwide to state and individual autonomy. As private and global citizens it is our responsibility to be aware of all the pressing concerns regarding globalization, and with just a mouse click away from all the information, nobody has an excuse to remain ignorant of globalization and its affects on eroding individual and state sovereignty.