Jihad versus McWorld by Benjamin Barber - Essay Example

Jihad vs. McWorld” by Benjamin Barber Globalization has led to the integration and sharing of ideologies. It has led to economic and political successes in most countries. However, there are negative impacts that have been caused by entry of other forces such as insecurity and environmental pollution. Jihad, on the other hand, has led to strong cultural and religious ties among communities. Barber in his article, “Jihad Vs McWorld” has explained the various principles of the two axes of modernizations and their effect on the politics of various nations. Introduction The article defines two of the driving forces of the modern day society. They include globalism and tribalism and their growth over time effects to the society. The author, Benjamin R. Barber, has explained the two principles based on the different fields that include political, economic, and social fields. Jihad deals with tribalism, and the manner in which different cultures have led to liberalism and nationalism. McWorld, on the other hand, deals with globalism and its effect on economies and societies. McWorld It is also known as the globalization of politics (Barber, 1992). According to the author, it is based on four principles that include market imperatives, an information-technology imperative, a resource imperative and an ecological imperative. All imperatives must work together to ensure globalization of politics where countries have the same ideologies. The market imperative consists of a world with different managing forces such as socialism and capitalism. However, capitalists have dominated the market with profit driven economies (Barber, 1992). Scholars such as Karl Marx developed economic theories that have helped in the understanding of economies. Countries with same objectives have come up with market free zones where products can move freely across borders. Organizations have been developed based on interests and geographical locations. Regions have come up with common currencies to promote market relations. The author claims that, in the near future, most countries will have joined economic blocks leading to use of similar currencies and access to markets. For example, countries in Europe have come up with their own currency (Euro) that can be used by member countries hence preventing cases of taxes and fees during currency exchanges. Common markets have facilitated the availability of products and a steady supply of labor. It has led to globalization since skilled individuals can offer their skills globally as long as there are good relations between countries. The resource imperative has dominated the modern society where political autonomy has been based on economic stability (Barber, 1992). Politics is all about resources and power. Exchange of resources is common between countries where globalization has facilitated the transfer of resources. Resources maybe in the form of raw materials or manpower and may be exchanged willingly or through the use of force. Developed countries have provided resources in the form of technological skills. The information-technology sector has had a significant contribution to globalization. It has facilitated transportation and communication that are the basic foundations of globalism (Barber, 2013). The modern day world has used science to come up with various solutions. Scientists have developed satellites that have taken global positioning services to another level. As a result, it has revolutionized air and sea travel increasing cases of social interaction. It has also facilitated bonds between countries where information can be shared easily. Invention of the internet has facilitated business transactions between states without physical movements. Computer engineers have come up with software and hardware that can be used by businesses to execute e-commerce (Perusek, 2010). Technology has also contributed to interactions between citizens from different nationalities. For example, social networks have been used to connect a higher number of individual. They can share ideas and also cause awareness during national unrest. The ecological imperative explains causes of ecological degradation that have been caused by globalization (Barber, 1992). The increasing population numbers have led to the need for more food and shelters. The author clarifies that more trees are being cut down to provide land for new settlements. He has given an example of Brazil where farmers are cutting down trees to create farming land. Modernization has led to the increase of factories and organizations that offer goods and services to the public (Barber, 2013). Most of these factories use carbon fuels that have led to environmental degradation. Globalization has also contributed to the rise in environmental hazards because it facilitates free movements leading to business investments. The McWorld has been referred to as a world that may soon sink due to its own weight because there are various consequences of modernization and globalization. For example, most of the developed countries have taken advantage of the third world countries where they have helped with hidden agendas. Aid provided to African countries is ‘tied’ leading to deprivation of sovereignty. As a result, politicians from developed countries control African leaders like puppets. Environmental pollution has also been a consequence of globalization. Lebanonization of the World (Jihad) National integration is caused by awareness of individual cultures (Barber, 1992). However, most cultures have been affected by Westernization leading to the adoption of Western lifestyles. The author has given an example of Africa and the Middle East where most cultural structures have been changed due to Americanization (Perusek, 2010). Religious cultures such as Jihad have contributed to wars with other religions. Members of the Jihad believe they have been in a struggle of good against evil. Globalization has led to an increase in its followers through interactions. The fight for civil rights has brainwashed most of the Jihad members leading to the hatred for other religions. The author stipulates that the Jihad members have caused most civil wars in the Africa and Middle East. Jihad delivers its results on an individual basis unlike the McWorld that deals with nations (Perusek, 2010). Due to its ideologies, it is anti-democratic and in most cases led by a militia. It promotes self-consciousness and solidarity among its members. To ensure solidarity, Jihad chooses war against other tribes and cultures. Members have to follow their beliefs while outsiders are highly avoided. Dictatorship ensures that rules are followed and nonbelievers are punished. Tribalism is eminent in the Jihad due to the strong cultural bonds. Leaders are from the same culture and Westernization is not acceptable. Most countries have adopted democratization from developed countries where rights and freedoms are compulsory needs. One party democracy among the Jihad makes sure that the leaders are not answerable to their actions. Conclusion Jihads tribal forces may be ethnic, religious, cultural, and regional (Barber, 1992). Members are against globalization since they find it as a threat to their tribe. He refers to the Jihads as radicals opposed to change. In the present world, most of the terrorists are from the Jihad culture where they have formed organizations that are against Americanization and Westernization. Barber has clarified the role of political organizations in globalization. He has explained how traditions and cultures have led to the development of the Jihad. Globalization campaigns for changes in the political systems while the Jihad is against change. References Barber, B. (1992, March 1). Jihad vs. McWorld. The Atlantic. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1992/03/jihad-vs-mcworld/303882/ Barber, B. (2013). Jihad vs. mcworld terrorisms challenge to democracy (Unabridged. ed.). New York: Ballantine Books. Barber, B. R. (2010). Jihad vs. McWorld. New York: Ballantine Books. Perusek, D. (2010). Between jihad and McWorld: voices of social justice: papers presented at a conference with Benjamin Barber. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars. Rashômon (Akira Kurosawa) FULL MOVIE! (1950). (2013, November 3). YouTube. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38WdmtBOo34 Read More