Global Policy Forum

The term globalization encompasses a range of social, political, and economic changes. Some disciplines including anthropology or sociology focus on cultural changes of growing interconnectedness, such as the expansion of brands like Nike and McDonalds, and the increasing ease of travel. Other disciplines such as economics track the exchange of finances, goods and services through expanding global markets. Still other disciplines such as political science examine the role of international political institutions like the United Nations and the increasing power of transnational corporations. While one can try to dissect each of these topics to measure the changes of globalization, they are woven together in a complex manner, making it difficult to summarize positive or negative effects. Globalization creates new markets and wealth, even as it causes widespread suffering, disorder, and unrest. It is both a source of repression and a catalyst for global movements of social justice and emancipation. This provides tables and charts measuring globalization in terms of technology, demographics, and culture. For detailed tables and charts on economic changes, please see our tables and charts under the Social and Economic Policy portfolio.

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