{
  "id": "RL30955",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL30955",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 100385,
      "date": "2001-05-03",
      "retrieved": "2016-05-24T20:24:33.449941",
      "title": "The Issue of Globalization An Overview",
      "summary": "In the 1990s, globalization gained widespread usage as a term with many interpretations. \nGlobalism\nis employed in this report to describe networks of interdependence functioning at multi-continental\ndistances. Globalization is an increase in globalism and de-globalization a reduction. In providing\nan introductory view of these networks, with an emphasis on contemporary economic factors, a goal\nof this report is to illustrate how policy consequences, sometimes unintended, may be dispersed via\nglobalized networks. As networks expand and become more intricate there is an opportunity for\nfeedback along previously non-existent linkages. \n The rapid economic globalization we are witnessing influences, is influenced by and oftentimes\nbecomes inseparable from multi-continental networks that take many forms including political,\ncultural, technological, financial, national security, and environmental. Several factors play a role\nin today's rapid formation of networks. They include globalization-friendly technological\nadvancements, governmental polices, and management techniques. If government does not institute\npolicies that inhibit/prevent globalization, multi-continental networks will form within the limits of\navailable technology and management. And there is a compounding effect as enhanced competition\nencourages further advancements. Hence, globalization feeds upon itself. Today's web-based\ntechnology is tailor-made for globalization. It builds on an impressive round of politico-economic\nglobalization that began early in the 19th century and lasted until the beginning of World War I. To\nspark this globalization governments adopted polices encouraging international activity, and\nenterprising individuals took advantage of emerging transportation and communication technologies\nto build sophisticated global networks of trade, communications, and investment. To a large extent\nthese networks were dismantled between 1914 and the end of World War II. Governmental policies\nwere responsible for this de-globalization. In addition to the effects of war, nations pursued\nprotectionist policies in an attempt to avoid cyclical downturns punctuated by the Great Depression. \nAs this period indicates, governments can shield their citizens from globalization pressures in the\nshort-run, but the economic costs can be significant. Globalization allows economies to specialize\nin producing items for which they have an advantage and in trading for items others produce. \nResulting gains are lost when an economy shields itself from foreign competition. North Korea\nstands as an example of an economy sheltered for political reasons.\n While globalization gains can be substantial for the general population, some may suffer\npotentially severe economic losses. Included are owners and workers in industries pressured by\nmore efficient foreign firms and governments coping with new realities in a globalized environment. \nSome individuals also become distressed as their cultural environment changes. While many see\nglobalization as an irreversible process, those adversely impacted by globalization put pressure on\ntheir governments to slow or stop it. Resulting policies may protect some of the victims of\nglobalization, but they may also curb the potential for long-term economic growth.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Economic Policy",
    "Foreign Affairs"
  ]
}