【History General】Globalization and Us: Hints for Understanding the Modern Era
Hello everyone! Welcome to the final major theme of History General: "Globalization and Us." You hear the term "globalization" all the time in the news, right? But you might be wondering, "Why do we need to study this in history class?" Actually, the daily life we lead—using smartphones, listening to music from around the world, and wearing clothes made overseas—is the result of everything that has happened in history leading up to now.
It might feel a bit difficult at first, but don't worry! Let’s break it down step-by-step by relating it to our own lives.
1. What exactly is globalization?
Globalization refers to "the process by which people, goods, money, and information cross borders freely, leading to the integration of the world."
■ Why did globalization progress? There are two major catalysts:
- The end of the Cold War: In 1989, the walls between East and West collapsed, connecting a world that had previously been divided.
- Technological progress: This includes the spread of the internet (the IT revolution) and advancements in transportation (container ships and airplanes).
【Key Point!】
Keep an eye on the activities of multinational corporations. For instance, it has become common for a US company to design a product, use parts from Japan, assemble it in a factory in China, and sell it all over the world. This is the shape of the modern economy.
2. Neoliberalism and Widening Inequality
Since the 1980s, an idea called neoliberalism, led primarily by the UK and the US, has spread. The rule here is: "Governments should keep their hands off and let free competition take the lead!"
■ The Good and the Bad: ・Good: Competition leads to new services and lower prices for goods. ・Bad: The gap between those who win and those who lose has widened significantly, leading to increased economic inequality.
【Fun Fact: Can you see the world through the price of a hamburger?】
Have you ever noticed that you can eat a "Big Mac" with the exact same taste all over the world? Did you know the price varies from country to country? There is something called the "Big Mac Index" that compares these prices to measure a country's economic situation and currency value. This is proof that the world is connected!
3. Global Issues
Because the world has become so interconnected, more problems have emerged that cannot be solved by one country alone. We call these "Global Issues."
- Environmental Issues: Global warming and the plastic waste problem. Cooperation across the globe is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
- Population Issues: Population explosions in developing countries and the aging populations with declining birthrates in developed countries.
- Conflicts and Refugees: Disputes based on religious or ethnic differences, and the increase in refugees who are forced to flee their countries as a result.
- Infectious Diseases: Viruses can also cross borders instantly and spread (the COVID-19 pandemic is a classic example).
【Common Misconception!】
People often think that "as globalization advances, everyone will adopt the same culture and there will be peace," but there is actually a flip side. Demands for "cultural identity"—the desire to value one’s own culture and religion—are intensifying, which can sometimes lead to clashes.
4. Aiming for a Sustainable Society
What can we do to solve these issues?
■ New forms of cooperation: Now, cooperation is not limited to countries (governments); cooperation at the citizen level through NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and NPOs (Non-Profit Organizations) has become vital. Additionally, the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), adopted by the UN in 2015, are common goals for building a world that "leaves no one behind."
【This will be on the test!】
Make sure you don't confuse NGOs and NPOs: ・NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): Private organizations that primarily work on international issues. ・NPO (Non-Profit Organization): Non-profit organizations that work on issues within the country or local community. ※Both share the common principle of "working for the benefit of society rather than for profit."
5. Summary: Why study history?
The most important part of the "Globalization and Us" section is realizing that "all current problems are connected to history."
・The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century was the beginning of today's global warming.
・20th-century colonial rule is the spark for many of today's regional conflicts.
By understanding the past in this way, you can see how we should choose our future.
★Key Takeaways for this section★ 1. Globalization accelerated rapidly due to the end of the Cold War and the IT revolution. 2. Free economic activity is convenient, but it also created negative aspects like inequality and environmental destruction. 3. Solving global issues requires cooperation at the citizen level (NGOs, etc.) that transcends national borders!
Congratulations on finishing your "History General" studies! If you can now feel how the events of the past—which once seemed so disconnected—are linked to your life today, you are all set for the Common Test. Take it with confidence!