Global community
The term “global community” has been defined as “people or nations of the world considered as
closely connected by modern telecommunications and as being economically, socially, and
politically interdependent.”
Characteristics of Global Community and Cross Cultural Involvement
1- The Desire of Establishing ‘One Human Family’
As a family, nations have begun treating each other like brothers and sisters. Giving monetary
aid and economic goods to nations who have suffered losses due to earthquakes, typhoons, and
other calamities has become standard practice in the community of nations. Sympathy and even
prayers are offered to the victims of these earth-shaking events by citizens of different nations.
Such practice manifests that nations “dream” of having one human family, and treat other races
as family members. Since people have started calling this planet “mother earth”, then it is not
difficult for them to call each other brothers and sisters.
2- The existence of ‘Symbiotic Relationship’
Although living in different locations, people in global community acknowledge the fact that no
one can independently exist alone without others. Nations are interdependent; the Philippines
manufacture agricultural products; Middle East countries provide oil; Japan produces machines
and pieces of equipment. The global community recognizes the contribution of every nation.
Like a life cycle, one country is important for the survival of another. This is the reason why
nations are economically interdependent; this is precisely the reason why human civilization
continues to exist.
3- The Belief in ‘Personal Responsibility’
The preservation of the environment against pollutants and other wastes and the campaign to
fight climate change manifest that nations assume responsibility for everything that happens to
“mother earth.” The passage of the universal law on the proper treatment of animals and the
observance of “earth hour” worldwide to save energy and protect the environment clearly show
that nations realize the fragility of the Earth and pledge to take part in every endeavor that will
preserve the planet. The citizens of the global community claim “collective” ownership of the
earth.
4- Use of Non-Violent means for attaining International Order
With the enactment of international law that is binding to most civilized states, the world has a
limited space for wars. The law compels member-states to maintain harmonious relationship
with other states, and that war should be the last resort. Using non-violent means in times of
conflicts prevents loss of lives and destruction of properties. International law has become the
bible of the United Nations whose objective is to promote peace and cooperation among all
member-nations in order to attain international peace and order.
5- People sharing similar values despite of living in different locations
People adhere to the principle of equality as one of the universal values. This principle forbids all
forms of discrimination by reason of race, nationality, gender, creed, age, or language. All
persons in a given society are entitled to equal access to goods and services needed in order
survive. In accepting this value, justice is attained. Under this principle, an individual and/or a
nation has the right to invoke discrimination against any entity that will attempt to deprive them
of such right. Respecting the dignity and freedom of a person is another universal value that the
global community recognizes. This is manifested by the enactment of the universal declaration of
human rights and the proper and humane treatment of prisoners of war that almost all nations
observe at present.
Other perspectives of Global Community
1- Humanitarianism/Charity Work
Humanitarian activities like peacekeeping mission, rescue and retrieval operations for victims of
calamities, and transport of needed goods for victims of calamities are undertaken by various
states.
2- Economics
This involves mutual relations among nations in relation to trade including loans that a nation
extends to another nation and the condonation of a country’s foreign dept.
3- Ecology
The efforts to conserve and protect mother earth include the ban on detrimental mining
operations, hunting of endangered species of animals, harmful use of chemicals that destroy the
ozone layer, and on all forms of pollutants.
4- Politics
When nations formed alliances, they are bound to provide military aid and protection to a
member-state especially a country under foreign aggression.
