International Business - Air France - Essay Example

France is among the countries, which consider globalization both from the political and public points. Globalization started there in the 1990s and was connected with the integration of European countries with the purpose of providing free flow of capital, goods, and free movement of people. French government started paying much attention to the issue. For example, president Jacque Chirac, as well as prime minister Lionel Jospin, always emphasized the necessity to introduce more effective methods directed at market regulation in the conditions of globalization. Jospin allowed foreign organizations to buy the parts of the French companies, which were owned by the state. Thus, the company Air France was partially sold in 1998. This testifies about many changes, which were happened to France. The government of France considers cultural diversity to be a positive phenomenon that should be supported, but in general, the politics of the country is directed at slowing down globalization. France is very much concerned about the influence globalization imposes and is looking for various ways to regulate this influence (Globalization).

The protest against globalization is so active in France that not only the government but also plain people take part in this protest. A perfect example is breaking a McDonald’s symbol by a sheep farmer Jose Bove in defense of French traditions. In the survey on the issue, 45% of respondents approved his actions and only 4% were against (Gordon & Meunier, 2001). It is essential to mention that French citizens do not see any difference in “globalization” and “Americanization”. Really the phenomenon under consideration is associated with “Americanization” because of the influence of the international English language, high economic development, liberal policies, and the influence the development of American politics, economy, technology, and values impose on other countries. It is possible to state that though France is fighting against globalization, at the same time it is adjusting to its influence and moreover, takes all possible benefits from it. The economic domain is a perfect example of it.