History of globalization

Summary

The historical origins of globalization are debated, with some tracing it back to ancient trade networks, while others focus on modern developments. Early forms of globalization, like archaic and proto-globalization, began with trade during the Hellenistic Age and expanded with the rise of European maritime empires. The 19th century marked a turning point with industrialization and imperialism, leading to modern globalization, shaped by multinational corporations, global trade, and advancements in technology. Post-World War II, globalization surged through international agreements and trade liberalization, though recent signs of deglobalization challenge its trajectory.

Takeaways

• 😀 The origins of globalization are debated, with some scholars tracing it to the modern era, while others argue it dates back thousands of years.
• 😀 Andre Gunder Frank, an economist associated with dependency theory, believed globalization existed since trade links between Sumer and the Indus Valley around 3000 BC.
• 😀 Thomas L. Friedman categorizes globalization into three periods: Globalization 1.0 (globalization of countries), 2.0 (globalization of companies), and 3.0 (globalization of individuals).
• 😀 Prehistoric territorial expansion and the development of agriculture were early stages of globalization, though technological limitations prevented faster growth.
• 😀 Archaic globalization emerged during the Hellenistic Age, with cities like Alexandria and Athens facilitating cosmopolitan cultures and trade between regions.
• 😀 The Silk Road, developed through trade links between the Roman, Parthian, and Han empires, played a crucial role in early globalization.
• 😀 The Islamic Golden Age expanded globalization through Jewish and Muslim traders, creating global networks for crops, trade, knowledge, and technology.
• 😀 The Pax Mongolica of the 13th century promoted global exchange, including the first international postal service and the spread of diseases like the bubonic plague.
• 😀 Proto-globalization began with the rise of European maritime empires (Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain) in the 15th to 17th centuries, facilitating cultural and material exchanges across the globe.
• 😀 Modern globalization began in the 19th century, driven by industrialization, imperialism, and the integration of vast regions like China, India, and sub-Saharan Africa into global trade.

Q & A

What is the historical debate surrounding the origins of globalization?

Scholars disagree on the origins of globalization. Some place it in the modern era, while others argue that it has a much older history, extending back thousands of years. The period from 1600 to 1800 is often referred to as proto-globalization or archaic globalization.

Who is Andre Gunder Frank and what was his view on globalization?

Andre Gunder Frank was an economist associated with dependency theory. He argued that globalization has existed since the rise of trade links between Sumer and the Indus Valley Civilization in the third millennium BC, suggesting a deep historical origin for globalization.

How does Thomas L. Friedman categorize the history of globalization?

Thomas L. Friedman divides the history of globalization into three periods: Globalization 1.0 (globalization of countries), Globalization 2.0 (globalization of companies), and Globalization 3.0 (globalization of individuals).

What role did the development of agriculture play in early globalization?

The development of agriculture contributed to early globalization by shifting the majority of the population to a settled lifestyle. However, the lack of long-distance interaction and technology slowed the acceleration of globalization during this time.

What is 'archaic globalization' and when did it occur?

Archaic globalization refers to early forms of globalized economics and culture, particularly during the Hellenistic Age, when commercialized urban centers around Greek culture spanned from India to Spain. This period marked the first emergence of a cosmopolitan culture.

How did the Silk Road contribute to globalization?

The Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the Roman Empire, Parthian Empire, and Han Dynasty. This commercial network helped connect the East and West, fostering the spread of goods, ideas, and culture across continents.

What was the Islamic Golden Age's impact on globalization?

During the Islamic Golden Age, Jewish and Muslim traders and explorers established a robust economy across the Old World, resulting in the globalization of crops, trade, knowledge, and technology. It also introduced new crops like sugar and cotton to the Muslim world.

What was the significance of the Mongol Empire for globalization?

The Mongol Empire, though destabilizing to some regions, greatly facilitated travel along the Silk Road and promoted globalization through innovations like the first international postal service. The Pax Mongolica allowed for easier movement of goods, ideas, and even diseases like the bubonic plague.

What is 'proto-globalization' and how did it manifest?

Proto-globalization occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, marked by the rise of European maritime empires (e.g., Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, British) and the establishment of multinational corporations like the British East India Company. This period also saw the Columbian Exchange, which connected the Old World with the New World.

How did industrialization in the 19th century contribute to modern globalization?

Industrialization in the 19th century enabled mass production of goods, which fueled international trade. The expansion of imperialism, particularly in China and India, created large consumer markets for European exports. This period also marked the integration of sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific Islands into the global economy.