Week 6: Globalization and the Flattening of the World

Globalization. Do you look at this concept as a positive (glass half-full) or negative (glass half-empty)?

The fall of Communism and the rise of global threats and globalization leveled the playing field for nations throughout the world. Nations began to expand their economic strategies, political theories, and collaborate to create new foreign policies. This new era of globalization hastened the progress of developing countries, but also provided resources for terrorist activities. Former tensions between rivals with varying religious and ethnic practices reared its ugly head leading to an increase in terrorism. This, in turn, lead nations and global governing bodies such as NATO, to react.

Last week you had the opportunity to reflect upon the information you have acquired during this course when you completed your Final Project. This week, you will be able to expand upon that reflection and review your fellow classmates’ Final Projects. You will also examine the events from 1945–2000 and assess the effects and consequences of globalization. You will have the opportunity to analyze their opinions and consider how they compare and contrast to your own beliefs. Will their thoughts affect your viewpoints in the future?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this week, you should be able to:

• Justify the choice of the most important element from your Top 3 list
• Draw inferences from assessments, both positive and negative, of globalization and the effects on local and global levels
• Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of today’s world citizen
• Identify political leaders, policies, and elements during the time of 1945–2000 that led to globalization and the flattening of the world

Learning Resources

Required Readings
Horowitz, I. L. (2006). Feuding with the past, fearing the future: Globalization as a cultural metaphor for the struggle between nation-state and world-economy. Social Philosophy & Policy, 23(1), 266.
Reilly, K. (2012). The human journey: A concise introduction to world history. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
The Human Journey: A Concise Introduction to World History, 1450 to the Present, 2nd Edition by Reilly, K. Copyright 2012​ by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.. Reprinted by permission of Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Read sections on “The United States as a Global Power,” “Achieving Independence” and “New Nations on the Global Stage.”
Axford, B., & Huggins, R. (Eds.). (2011). Cultures and/of globalization. 
Read Chapter 4 located in Part 1.
Kupchan, C. (2012). No one’s world: The west, the rising rest, and the coming global turn. 
Read Chapter 5.

Discussion 1: Twentieth Century Top Element

It is through the differences of opinions that societies have forged ahead, fought wars, and formed outside alliances throughout all of history. These differences have questioned theories, policies, and actions and have made changes occur.

In last week’s Final Project, you were asked to form and share your opinions regarding the elements of the 20th century and how they are shaping the 21st century. In this Discussion, you will continue that thought process as you rank the elements from your 20th-century Top 3 list (Final Project) that you consider to be the most important element in the list in shaping 21st century. The exercise will ask you to justify your position. You will also have the opportunity to discover and discuss your classmates’ opinions.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review your Final Project assignment.
• Review the differences of opinion about your assignment and your classmates’ assignments.
• Reflect on the considerations you took into account when you formulated your Top 3 elements for your Final Project assignment.
• Consider what your thought process was for selecting your Top 3 elements. Was it difficult to narrow it down to just three? If so, why? How did you make your final decision?

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3

Post the one most important element from your Final Project 20th-century Top 3 list.

Justify why you believe this is the most important element from your Top 3 list in shaping the 21st century.
Support your assertions by making at least 2 references, in proper APA format, to the course readings.

By Day 5

Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your evaluation criteria:
Discussion Evaluation Criteria

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5

To participate in this Discussion:
Week 6 Discussion 1

Discussion 2: The Effects of Globalization

Globalization increased as nations began to work together more closely. Nations began to change how they thought, the policies they formed, and the actions they took. Nations also began to reform their borders as well as rebuild economically. For some nations this proved to be a difficult time since adapting and rebuilding led to a lack of stability.

Not all nations were as ready to embrace changes with regards to foreign religious beliefs, or social and political ideologies. As a result, tension between old and new rivals surfaced, which led to an increase in terrorism and other military threats. However, other nations thrived as they capitalized on the new opportunities provided through globalization.

In this Discussion you will explore the positive and negative effects of globalization.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review this week’s reading materials in the Learning Resources.
• Consider how you would explain how globalization affects the following: family, friends, community, and the world in general.
• Based on this week’s reading, reflect on both the positive and negative thoughts that nations as a whole have about globalization.

With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3

Post inferences (2–3 paragraphs) drawn from assessments, both positive and negative, of globalization and the effects on local and global levels.

Be sure to support your ideas by connecting them to the week’s Learning Resources, or something you have read, heard, seen, or experienced.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
By Day 5
Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:
Ask a probing question.
Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
Offer and support an opinion.
Validate an idea with your own experience.
Make a suggestion.
Expand on your colleague’s posting.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your evaluation criteria:
Discussion Evaluation Criteria
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 6 Discussion 2