Defining Globalisation Implications on the Effects of Globalisation on the EU Bibliography

Defining Globalisation

Globalisation is a multi-faceted phenomenon and therefore very difficult to define. It has many different processes and has mainly ‘increased the interconnectedness’ of the world. Begg, Draxler and Mortesen have argued that globalisation implies “the growth in international flows of goods, services and capital; an increased propensity towards international migration; the spread of technologies and of the multinational companies that play a major role in diffusing them; and the intensification of communication exemplified by the expansion of Internet use. Geographically more dispersed subcontracting, sourcing and division of labour in production processes" (2008, pp. ii, iii).

Tomuschat has described globalisation as “a present time phenomenon, which acts as a catalyst of the existing interdependence between the actors of international society (in Moreiro Ganzález 2006, p. 2). Others such as Fatouros have added that Globalisation trans-nationalizes economic, financial and Environmental problems as well as issues relating to security and migration flows (ibid.). Orrego suggests that “Nowadays, it seems that only regionalism, which already deals to these threats both, through an institutionalized or a decentralized way, is the only means of cooperation, capable of acting efficiently for the «governing» of Globalisation”(ibid.). Orrego therefore contends that regionalism, best exemplified by the success of the EU thus far is the only and best means to face the challenges of globalisation.  

Implications on the Effects of Globalisation on the EU

Oxfam International  has argued that "rich countries and powerful corporations have captured a disproportionate share of the benefits of trade, while developing countries and poor men and women have been left behind or made worse off. World trade rules have been developed by the rich and powerful on the basis of their narrow commercial interests. Governments and companies who preach the virtues of free trade the loudest are the most guilty of practising protectionism when it suits them” (in Euractiv 2007).

Further down, the "International Labour Organisation (ILO) set up a World Commission to report into the social dimension of globalisation.” In 2004 it concluded that: “Seen through the eyes of the vast majority of men and women around the world, globalisation has not met their simple aspiration for decent jobs, livelihoods and a better future for their children"(ibid.). 

The European trade union group (ETUC) has suggested that "the effects of globalisation should be managed so that it delivers its proper benefits without eroding the rights of workers. It has urged the EU and governments to ensure that workers are assured adequate job protection, proper consultation, access to retraining and sufficient unemployment benefits" (ibid.). 

In an interview with the Times in 2005 entitled ‘We cannot hide. EU must accept globalisation or we are nothing', José Manuel Barroso said that “Europe will become “nothing” if it fails to meet the challenge of globalisation and succumbs instead to the demands for protectionism and xenophobia that are sweeping the Continent”. He also stated that “Europe was well placed to deal with globalisation.” Moreover, “We have the resources, we have the intelligence, the critical capacity, the civilisation, the history, the human, intellectual and cultural resources. We can cope with it” (Browne 2005).  

Bibliography

Begg, I., Draxler, J. and Mortensen, J. (2008), 'Is Social Europe Fit for Globalisation?: A Study of the Social Impact of Globalisation in the European Union'. The Centre for European Policy Studies, [Online] Available at: http://www.ibm.com/ibm/governmentalprograms/pdf/simglobe_fin_rep_en.pdf (Accessed: 1st May 2011) 

Browne, A. (2005), 'We cannot hide. EU must accept globalisation or we are nothing'. Available at: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article582079.ece (Accessed: 2nd May 2011)

Euractiv (2007), Is Globalisation Stealing EU Jobs?. Available at: http://www.euractiv.com/en/innovation/globalisation-stealing-eu-jobs/article-153306 (Accessed: 3rd May 2011)

Moreiro Ganzález, C. J. (2006), 'Governing Globalisation: The answer of Regionalism'. Speech at Global J. Monnet Conference, [Online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/jm/more/confglobal06/contribution-moreiro.pdf (Accessed: 1st May 2011)