When going through different ideas for this week’s blog post, I stumbled upon this photo which I thought related really well to last class’s discussion on Globalization, Peace, And War. A realist’s view is that trade relations can actually foster war and conflict, whereas liberals have a different view and believe trade relations can actually foster peace and prevent conflict. As we’ve discussed, we are currently at the most peaceful we have ever been. There is still war, but there is certainly less war than there used to be. At the same time, this isn’t the only time within history where we have been highly globalized overall, but this is the first time in history where our globalization has been at its highest efficiency, especially with communication. I believe this high efficiency in globalization fosters well connected relationships between countries and I believe this to be a link in why we are in less wars and conflict than we used to be.
When the stakes of having a trading partner are high, most countries will not go to war. The issues between India and Pakistan being resolved due to both not wanting to lose each other as a trading partner was a perfect example of this. Countries being interdependent on one another can be a good thing when it comes to preventing war. Then again, it could be a really bad thing if the countries do end up going to war and then affect the whole global economic system, but the countries who want to act in their own economic interests most likely won’t take that step. This idea of trade and wanting to keep trading partners also encourages countries to find other methods to resolving conflict compared to just going to war.
I thought this picture was good because it kind of related to, “The Golden Arch Theory,” which theorizes that no two countries with McDonald's will go to war with each other. Countries that are this globalized with one another don’t usually go to war because they are economically dependent on one another, not to mention the trade fosters for strong relationships and communication between countries, which also prevents war. This picture is basically trying to say that we should be encouraging strong trade relations compared to war because these trade relations will help to prevent war.
Hey Marissa!
ReplyDeleteI liked your picture of Ronald McDonald! I agree that, "economically dependent" nations are less likely to go to war. I couldn't help but think of the relationship between the United States and China. Although, these nations are culturally very different trade has prevented any significant conflict from arising.
Also liked your reference to the fact that globalization is nothing new. Your distinguishing factor, "communication", can be related to the technological revolution. I was curious to see who had access to resources like computers/cell phones. After evaluating a recent survey done by Pew global (http://www.pewglobal.org/2015/03/19/1-communications-technology-in-emerging-and-developing-nations/) I found that, "a median of 24% in emerging and developing countries own this type of device." Although, wealthier developed nations have better access to the internet it is important to note that the world has become more interconnected through technology. Do you think this increase in technological connectivity is a positive development?
Great post!
-Hattie
Hi Hattie!
DeleteThank you so much for your comment! I think the increase in technological connectivity is a positive development due to the way it can connect people who live nowhere near each other and it offers a avenue for people to learn more about people who are not like them. I do see your point though as it is also a dividing factor between developed countries and developing countries. I believe if a county doesn't have access to this type of technology this could hurt them in the realm of globalization as well as with the issues that happen between countries. The lack of interdependence through trade, connectivity, and communication could be a key issue between conflict countries.
Hey Marissa!
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. I think that the golden arch theory highlights one of the positive sides of globalization. The trade and economic dependence enhance relationships. In Conflict Analysis and Resolution with Professor Ohanyan, we spent a great deal of time talking about how these relationships actually leader to deeper rooted peace then would ever been seen with rivalries. If the Big Mac will bring relationships that are beneficial for the majority of parties involved, then I'll be the first to order another.
Ben
Hey Ben!
DeleteThank you so much for your post. I couldn't agree more with your post. While there are some downsides to globalization, I believe this to be one positive one. I think it will eventually be a key factor which can lead to peace and understanding because in order to trade you sort of do need to understand the other country's needs and wants so this drive of understanding leads to a better relationship. Thank you so much! I agree with you on the Big Mac! haha
Marissa
Hey Marissa! I really liked this post as well. I think you did a great job explaining how the Gold Arch Theory relates to different political theories we discussed in class.
ReplyDeleteAlthough improvements in technology and communication can lead to peace between networks of countries that trade together, I couldn't help but think about how widespread communication can lead to conflict and violence in other organization, such as terrorist organizations. Although there is peace between China, the United States, and other countries that trade together, the world may face other threats such as Isis. Since technology has led to a greater ability to communicate efficiently with those around the world, it can allow these threats to spread. I wonder if we are just seeing conflict in different ways/forms than before?
But I do agree that we are seeing a deep rooted peace between certain rivals who have a depend economic relationship as a result of globalization, (such as China and the U.S.) as Ben had mentioned.
Thanks,
Julia
Hi Julia!
DeleteThank you so much for your comment! I couldn't agree with you more. I think that when trying to create peace between countries trade and communication can be a great tool to use to achieve this, but at the same time if there are ideological conflicts, like ISIS, these connections can be harmful to the international community. I think the creation of communicating technology mostly provides positive interactions, but I think it also has helped to increase the threat of harmful messages being spread too. So I completely see what you're saying and how it can also create negative results.
Thank you so much!
Marissa