In depth analysis about article - Essay Example

The article ‘Globalization and its Discontent’ by Herman Daly has raised pertinent and very relevant issue of internationalization. It affirms thatthe globalization has been used a major plank by big business corporations and developed nations to expand their business across global boundaries. The author has supported his claim through some practical and some highly non realistic paradigms which could very well be against the very concept of developing societies. Indeed, there is need for more comprehensive debate for the pros and con of the increasing globalization across the world.

But at the same time, author’s view on internationalization is also pertinent because it helps the nations to maintain their autonomy vis-a-vis their fiscal policies and economic welfare and equitable distribution of wealth for the wider welfare of their people. The article emphasizes that globalization promotes economic integration across the globe through free trade and liberalization. It has resulted in diminishing national boundaries and brought in influx of foreign trade, both in term of goods and human capital.

Daly believes that it undermines the national interests of the individual nations. But it nevertheless greatly facilitates the development process in the developing and under developed countries which need to be exposed to the opportunities for improving their standard of living. The developing world has indeed gained through globalization! Daly also asserts that internationalization would be more relevant because it helps to maintain national identity but promotes international relation through trade, treaties, alliances and protocols etc.

The author has unconsciously supported the process of globalization in his emphasis for internationalization! When trade and business alliances are encouraged across nations, inter-dependency of economic units become vital ingredients of the developing relationship. Thus, trade negotiation and compromise between nations across the globe result in liberalization of economic policies which promote equity amongst nations. This becomes the important long term ramifications of internationalization which is closely linked to globalization.

The process of globalization also offsets democratic process within the nations that facilitates decisions based on informed choices. Thus, globalization not only empowers the nations but also its people. Daly’s concern that globalization adversely impacts national interests is not correct. While free trade and liberalization makes countries attractive for foreign investments, it also gives great impetus for domestic business to become more competitive through innovative inputs and strategies for better outcome.

Most importantly, globalization promotes inter-cultural competencies and integration of ideas across race, culture and nations. But the article has raised one very basic stricture of human philosophy: knowledge is common property of mankind. Indeed, the contemporary advancement in science and technology has all been founded on the invention and discovery of scientific knowledge of Mendel, Watson, Charles Darwin etc. Thus, increasing use of intellectual property rights for monopolizing knowledge has been greatly stressing for the author.

I do share Daly’s concern in this regard and agree that ‘We need a social and ethical filter to select out the beneficial knowledge. Motivating the search for knowledge by the purpose of benefiting mankind rather than by securing monopoly profit, provides a better filter’. (words: 506) Reference Daly, Herman E. Globalization and its Discontent. August, 2000. 9 March, 2011.