Role of Barriers and Technology in Globalization - Essay Example

Role of Barriers and Technology in Globalization The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of barriers and technology in globalization. The format that this paper will utilize is to first provide a critical discussion as to some examples of both technology and barriers of globalization. One of the major components of globalization is the ultimate reduction of barriers. These barriers take the form of trade restrictions, quotas, tariffs and other restrictions such as reduction of heavily subsidized industries that lead to anti competitive behaviors.

The gradual reduction of these barriers has helped lead to the process of globalization by allowing for a more free flow goods & services across boundaries. However, according to Micklethwait and Wooldridge (2003) the reduction of barriers is not an easy process. Often times it requires the passing of serious legislation and laws over long periods of time. From this perspective one could argue that globalization does not occur in leaps and bounds, rather it is a slow and arduous process insofar as there is not one moment that could be pinpointed as the catalyst for globalization.

Moreover, the process requires a great deal of goodwill from nations to help ensure that nations remain in good standing with each other, such as the U.S. passing of the Mashall plan to help build Europe as a strong trading partner. Another major contributing factor of globalization is the role of technology. Much like the reduction of trade barriers there is no one single source of technological innovation that is the sole contributor of globalization. Rather it is a series of several new technologies that contribute to globalization.

One of the major new technologies is improved communication channels. By having access to telephones, fax machines, email, the internet, instant messaging, mobile telephone devices etc., there comes an increased transparency. This transparency helps improve the competitiveness of national and international firms and industries. A second major technology that has helped improve globalization is the improvement of transportation technologies. The transportation of goods a century ago was cumbersome, dangerous and inefficient.

In modern times, goods can be transported by many different channels (Air freight, rail, truck, ship) and improvements in containerization have helped speed up the process of tracking and managing goods. A final major technology that has assisted globalization comes the combination of many technologies working in harmony as exemplified by the case study of Whirlpool as exemplified by Uchitelle (2005) is the emphasizing of first-rate centers of production of design of goods. It is the case that parts and components can come from a variety of different sources and engineering services can be provided by a number of different international sources.

References Micklethwait, J. & Wooldridge, A. (April 13th 2003) Ideas & Trends; Rebuilding the Alliance to Rebuild Globalization. New York Times [online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/13/weekinreview/ideas-trends-rebuilding-the-alliance-to-rebuild-globalization.html Accessed on February 12th 2011. Uchitelle, L. (June, 17th 2005) Globalization: Its not Just Wages. [New York Times. [online] Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/17/business/worldbusiness/17whirlpool.html?pagewanted=all Accessed on February 12th 2011.