Globalization and international trade. Is more international trade Essay

Globalization and international trade. Is more international trade socially beneficialWould it be possible to agree, unanimously, that globalization is a bad i - Essay Example f computer technology, who represent the â€Å"Electronic Hurd† led by Wall Street and (c) the policy of â€Å"globulation† whereby dictatorial states are forced to democratize through pressure applied by the international community. According to Curran and Park, the increased networking due to globalization makes it â€Å"a process that is increasing international dialogue, empowering minorities and building progressive solidarity.† (Curran and Park, 2000:10). In the countries of east Europe where deregulation and the introduction of capitalistic modes of private enterprise through introduction of free trade have eroded the traditional socialistic framework that has existed in these countries.(Richards and French, 1996: 41). According to Thomas Friedman, globalization is the â€Å"inexorable integration of markets, nation states and technologies†¦..the spread of free market capitalism to virtually every country in the world.† (Friedman, 2000: 7-8). Waters views it as a â€Å"social process† in which the limitations imposed by geography are receding (Waters, 1995:3). He sees a social transformation taking place, whereby the economic and class inequalities that existed between countries and created material and power exchanges is now steadily being replaced by relationships that are based upon common symbols and values, shared tastes and preferences – a cultural transformation of social life. (Waters 1995:124). In reference to international trade facilitated by globalization and the opening up of borders, Mittelman refers to globalization as a historical transformation - â€Å"a political response to the expansion of market power† resulting in a transformation â€Å"in the economy, of livelihoods and modes of existence† (Mittelman, 2000: 6) and McMichael corroborates this view, seeing the process of global integration taking place on the basis of â€Å"market rule on a global scale†(McMichael, 2000:149). Friedman (2000) has highlighted some of the advantages of

In what ways can Australia, as a middle power, use multilateralism to Essay

In what ways can Australia, as a middle power, use multilateralism to effectively pursue its foreign policy objectives - Essay Example In the international system, it is as well the prerogative of each nation to fight for their space on the decision making table. Multilateralism as an effort to coordinate the policies of two or more nations together can hence be used by Australia (Beeson 2011). This is supported by the fact that the hierarchy places Australia at a point where it is able to bring together the lower power and the top power as an intermediary. Australia’s diplomatic practice has a strong foundation and has existed for a very long time; it is possible to discern Australian diplomatic elements, which could be said to emphasize on idealism an even legalism (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). Using the available advantage of multilateralism, Australia attempts to achieve its pursuit of foreign policy objectives in the international arena competing with not only other middle power states but also the great power states (Ball 1997). In its quest, Australia faces quite a number of possibilities as well as limit s and constraining factors. Through multilateral corporation of Australia as a middle power, the country is able to direct its efforts of whatever manner in trying to maintain international peace and security. This is one way of penetrating it policies in the international platform (2013). It is prudent to note at this point that middle power status has always defined quality of Australian foreign policy a fact that has always made Australia be a very strong negotiator and protector of its rights without simply obeying the great and mighty (Ball 1997). Such capability also makes Australia a force and to the countries advantage, they are able to bring in their policies onto the international platform. Another way in which Australia is able to use multilateralism to further its foreign policy objectives is through the application of the principle of creative middle power diplomacy. This has an extended impact of aiding the country to enhance its interests (Sampson & Woolcock 2003). Au stralia, as a middle power state, should be strategic in its alliances, as this will affect its pursuit of foreign policies. With other grater layers in the field, Australia must strive to keep up with these powers, as they are the main influential factors in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives. This has been the case with Australia as seen in various instances where Australia allied with other great powers (Ball 1997); including the USA, the super power in a strategic attempt to promote its foreign policy objectives; one notable instance is the support of Bush’s presidency in the USA by Howard’s government (Beeson 2011). The system of interdependence is an important factor that sustains interaction between states in the international syste