What Is Globalization?

What are the effects of globalization?

We live in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. The growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures and populations—or "globalization"—touches every part of our lives, from the products we buy to the food we eat to the ways we communicate with one another. Globalization is also tied to some of the other biggest issues we face in the modern era, including climate change, trade, terrorism, and the spread of deadly diseases.

The intertwining of countries and markets all over the world has both benefits and downsides, so policies that support integration have both proponents and detractors. No matter which side you’re on, globalization is simply a reality of modern life; therefore, it’s important to understand how it affects us and the choices we make.