Globalization refers to the exchange, interaction, and integration occurring between companies, governments, and individuals around the world. With origins in the Age of Exploration, globalization is arguably the most significant phenomenon in the history of human civilization. And thanks to technology, the era of globalization isn't ending any time soon.
The relationship between globalization and technology goes back centuries. New and improved maritime vessels enabled nations separated by vast oceans to develop into trading partners. Improvements to communications technologies in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the telegraph and telephone, served to close these gaps even further. As we move further into the 21st century, the trend of technology driving globalization continues at a feverish pace.
Here are six areas where technology has had the greatest impact and influence on globalization:
Language
Translation apps and language-learning software have helped millions of people to communicate with each other despite a difference in their native languages. While translation apps aren't perfect, they get the job done. Meanwhile, the streamlined ability to achieve fluency in a foreign language opens doors of opportunity for millions of others. Bit by bit, businesses, governments, and people around the world are taking advantage of language-based tech to form working relationships with each other in matters such as commerce, diplomacy, education, and finance.
Taxation
When it comes to taxes, most people think about the taxes imposed upon them by their own government. But nations impose taxes on each other in the form of tariffs. In addition, citizens of one country visiting another may be subject to taxes that can be refunded at a later date, such as the value-added tax imposed in many countries. Technology helps streamline the process, whether it's sorting out tariffs for international shipping or processing a VAT UAE refund. Without the benefit of software sorting out taxes, international commerce would grind to a halt.
Information
Obvious lines can be drawn between the Information Age and globalization. The proliferation of internet access to practically every person on the planet - those with smartphones, anyways. The resulting transactions go beyond personal and include enhanced understandings of each other's cultures and preferred ways of life. The stereotypes we all have regarding those living on the other side of the globe are slowly but surely getting replaced by more accurate and thoughtful assessments. This is owed almost entirely to greater access to personal technology connected to the internet.
Production
We'd be naive to suggest globalization isn't driven by the quest for profit. The best and worst aspects of globalization are highlighted by the engine of capitalism. While the exploitation of overseas labor at the expense of job losses at home is an understandably controversial topic, there's no denying the role of technology in enabling that outcome. Let's skip the technological leap of mechanically-augmented manufacturing and jump to the age of 3D printing, which enables a startup in Sri Lanka to successfully make products sold in Europe and North America. It's a testament to the power of technology in creating an increasingly globalized economy.
Transportation
It's easy to forget the technological marvel of modern transportation. The idea that products and people could be transported to the other side of the world within a single day would have been ridiculed as a farfetched fantasy as recently as 50 years ago. Combined with the state-of-the-art design of modern ocean freighters and streamlined dynamics of international and intercontinental rail systems, the role of technologically-advanced transportation in globalization cannot be overstated.
Logistics
Developing relationships with partners around the world is one thing. Devising profitable schemes for making the most of those relationships is another. Fortunately, advancements in logistics, courtesy of technological innovations, enable entities around the world to coordinate operations in a way that benefits all parties involved.
To many, globalization is a dirty word, one that evokes feelings of depression and despair. While globalization is not a picture-perfect story of human achievement and undoubtedly includes abuses and exploitation, the bottom line is that humanity is being brought closer together. In time, the wrinkles will be ironed out, and all that will be left is a more unified world where differences are cast aside in pursuit of common goals.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.
