GEC 3.
The Contemporary World
Assignment/Activity 3.
A World of Regions
Name: _____Shaira H. Jose. ________ Course/Yr. Section _BSCE-1D____
Globalization refers to the process by which nations, economies, cultures, and societies
become interconnected and interdependent through the exchange of goods, services, information,
technology, and capital across international borders. It encompasses the increasing integration of
economies through trade, investment, and the movement of people and ideas, leading to greater
interaction and collaboration on a global scale. Globalization is driven by advances in communication,
transportation, and technology, and it has both positive and negative impacts on economic
development, cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and social inequalities.
Three waves of Globalization
The history of globalization can be understood through three major waves. The first wave
(circa 15th –18th centuries) began with European exploration and colonization, where trade routes
were established between the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This period saw the spread of goods, ideas,
and cultures, but it also involved exploitation and the rise of colonial empires. The second wave (late
19th century to early 20th century) was marked by the industrial revolution, increased international
trade, and technological advances such as the steam engine and telegraph. This era saw the rapid
growth of global markets and the rise of global empires. The third wave (post-World War II to the
present) accelerated with advancements in communication, transportation, and the liberalization of
trade. Global institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) emerged, leading to an interconnected global economy. This latest phase has seen the rise
of multinational corporations, the digital revolution, and increased global interdependence, though it
also brought new challenges like inequality and environmental concerns.
Major Areas of Globalization:
1. Economic Globalization
Financial Globalization: Integration of international financial markets, cross-border investments, and
capital flows, including foreign direct investment (FDI) and the operations of multinational
corporations.
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
Global Markets: Trade liberalization, global supply chains, and reduced trade barriers allow goods,
services, and labor to move more freely across borders, increasing interdependence among
economies.
2. Political Globalization
Military Alliances and Cooperation: International military collaborations, peacekeeping missions, and
global defense treaties (e.g., NATO) that address global security challenges.
Legal Globalization: International legal frameworks, such as treaties and organizations (e.g., the
United Nations, the International Criminal Court), that govern human rights, trade regulations, and
conflict resolution.
International Relations: Diplomacy, global governance, and international organizations that foster
cooperation between nations on issues like trade, climate change, and conflict.
3. Ecological Globalization
Global Environmental Issues: Worldwide concerns such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity
loss, and pollution, which require international cooperation to address.
Sustainability and Conservation: Global initiatives to promote sustainability, such as the Paris
Agreement on climate change, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy
solutions.
4. Socio-cultural Globalization
Cultural Exchange: The spread of cultural values, ideas, traditions, and practices across the globe
through media, travel, and migration, leading to a more interconnected and diverse global culture.
Global Migration: Movement of people across borders, driven by factors such as work, education, and
asylum, contributing to multicultural societies.
Globalization of Education and Communication: The influence of global education systems,
international universities, and advancements in communication technologies like the internet, leading
to widespread knowledge and information sharing across borders.
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These major areas reflect the complex interactions that define globalization today, influencing
societies, economies, and environments on a global scale.
Three World System
The Three World System is a classification that emerged during the Cold War to categorize
countries based on their political, economic, and development status. The system classified nations
into three groups:
1. First World Countries (Global North/Core Countries):
These are highly developed, industrialized nations, with stable economies and high standards
of living.
Historically, these were aligned with the Western bloc (e.g., the United States, Western
Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan).
Today, they include advanced capitalist democracies with high Human Development Index
(HDI) scores.
2. Second World Countries (Semi-Core/Semi-Periphery):
This category originally referred to communist or socialist countries, primarily those aligned
with the Soviet Union during the Cold War (e.g., Eastern Europe, the USSR, China).
In modern usage, the term sometimes refers to industrializing nations that are more
developed than the “Third World” but less than the “First World.”
Semi-periphery countries are often in transition between developing and developed, with
rising industrial capabilities and economic growth (e.g., BRICS nations like Russia, China,
Brazil).
3. Third World Countries (Global South/Periphery):
These nations were typically underdeveloped or developing countries, often formerly
colonized, with lower levels of industrialization, weaker economies, and lower standards of
living.
During the Cold War, they were mostly non-aligned countries, and in modern usage, the term
broadly includes nations from Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
“Global South” and “Periphery” reflect contemporary discussions of economic and geopolitical
marginalization.
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
This model has evolved, and many now prefer terms like “Global North” and “Global South” to
emphasize the economic and social disparities without the Cold War connotations.
G7, G10, and G20
The G7, G10, and G20 are international forums that bring together some of the world’s major
economies to discuss and coordinate global economic policy, each varying in size, focus, and
membership.
G7 (Group of Seven):
The G7 consists of seven advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the
United Kingdom, and the United States, with the European Union also represented. Originally formed
in the 1970s as the G6 to address global economic crises, it expanded when Canada joined and
became the G7. The G7 meets annually to discuss issues such as economic growth, trade, security,
climate change, and international crises. Although it doesn’t have a formal decision-making authority
or permanent secretariat, its members influence global governance due to their significant economic
and political clout.
G10 (Group of Ten):
The G10 is a group of 11 (despite its name) industrialized nations that consult and cooperate
on financial matters, primarily under the auspices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The
original members included Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden,
the United Kingdom, and the United States, later joined by Switzerland. The G10 was formed in the
1960s to facilitate discussions on financial stability and monetary policy, particularly focusing on
providing funds to support the IMF in times of economic distress.
G20 (Group of Twenty):
The G20 is a broader international forum established in 1999 that includes 19 countries plus
the European Union. Its membership spans both advanced economies and emerging markets, making
it more inclusive than the G7. Members include countries such as the United States, China, India,
Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, among others. The G20 represents about 85% of global GDP and two-
thirds of the world’s population. It addresses a wide range of global economic and financial issues,
including trade, investment, development, and climate policy. The G20’s role became particularly
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
crucial during the 2008 financial crisis when coordinated efforts were needed to stabilize the global
economy.
Each group serves as a platform for dialogue, but the G20 has become increasingly important due to
its more diverse and representative membership.
The Global Community and The Philippines
The Philippines has played an active role in both international and regional organizations,
contributing to global diplomacy, economic cooperation, and peacekeeping efforts. Here’s an
overview of its involvement in key international and regional organizations:
1. United Nations (UN)
Membership: The Philippines was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945.
Contributions: The Philippines has been an advocate for international peace and security, human
rights, and sustainable development. It has sent peacekeeping troops to various UN missions, such as
in East Timor and the Golan Heights. The country is also an active participant in UN bodies like the UN
Human Rights Council and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Key Role: The Philippines championed the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, helping define maritime law, particularly for archipelagic states.
2. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Membership: The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN, established in 1967.
Role in Regional Integration: The Philippines actively promotes regional cooperation in areas such as
political security, economic integration, and socio-cultural ties. The country hosted the ASEAN Summit
multiple times, including during the ASEAN’s 50th anniversary in 2017.
ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA): The Philippines is part of ASEAN’s efforts to create a regional
free trade area, strengthening economic ties with neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
3. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Membership: The Philippines is a member of APEC, which aims to promote free trade and economic
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
Economic Cooperation: As part of APEC, the Philippines has pursued policies on economic
liberalization, business facilitation, and sustainable development, especially through initiatives that
help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Host: The Philippines hosted the APEC summit twice, in 1996 and 2015.
4. World Trade Organization (WTO)
Membership: The Philippines has been a member of the WTO since its creation in 1995.
Trade Policies: Through the WTO, the Philippines has been part of global negotiations to open
markets, reduce tariffs, and engage in trade disputes. The country benefits from the global trading
system through access to international markets and trade facilitation.
5. International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank
Membership: The Philippines has been a member of both the IMF and the World Bank since 1945.
Economic Development: The Philippines regularly receives financial and technical support from both
institutions to address economic challenges, fund development projects, and implement economic
reforms. These projects are aimed at infrastructure, poverty reduction, and disaster resilience.
6. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Headquarters: The ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
Role: The ADB provides the country with significant financial assistance for infrastructure projects,
education, healthcare, and sustainable development. It also supports regional integration and
development initiatives across Asia.
7. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Membership: The Philippines is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which promotes the rights
of countries to remain independent from superpower rivalry.
Advocacy: Through the NAM, the Philippines advocates for global peace, economic development, and
cooperation among developing countries.
8. East Asia Summit (EAS)
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
Membership: The Philippines is a member of the EAS, which consists of ASEAN countries and key
partners such as the United States, China, Japan, India, and Australia.
Regional Security: The Philippines participates in EAS dialogues, particularly on security, economics,
and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
9. International Labour Organization (ILO)
Membership: The Philippines is an active member of the ILO, promoting labor rights, fair wages, and
improved working conditions.
Workers’ Rights: The Philippines has ratified many ILO conventions, including those on the elimination
of forced labor and child labor, reflecting its commitment to protecting workers.
10. World Health Organization (WHO)
Membership: The Philippines is a long-standing member of WHO.
Health Initiatives: The country collaborates with WHO on various health programs, such as
immunization, disease prevention, and healthcare system strengthening. The Philippines played a
critical role in the fight against COVID-19 within the regional context.
11. Bilateral and Multilateral Defense Alliances
The Philippines has strong defense ties through organizations like the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)
with the United States. It also participates in regional defense dialogues such as the ASEAN Defense
Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, involving key partners such as China, Japan, and the US.
12. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
Membership: The Philippines is a signatory of the RCEP, the world’s largest free trade agreement
involving ASEAN members and their trading partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia,
and New Zealand.
Economic Impact: RCEP provides opportunities for expanded trade and investment, boosting the
Philippine economy through regional trade networks.
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Through its active engagement in these international and regional organizations, the Philippines
continues to shape its foreign policy to promote economic growth, peace, and security, while
addressing global challenges like climate change and human rights.
Issues and Challenges of Globalization
1. Migration
Globalization has made migration more accessible, especially for Filipinos who seek better job
opportunities abroad. This has led to a significant brain drain, where skilled workers leave the
country, causing a shortage of professionals like doctors, nurses, and engineers. While remittances
from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) boost the economy, the long-term impact of this migration on
local industries, labor, and family structures is a concern.
2. Pollution
The Philippines faces severe pollution challenges, which have worsened with increased
industrialization and urbanization linked to globalization. Air, water, and land pollution have
escalated, particularly in urban areas like Metro Manila. The influx of industries, often lacking proper
environmental regulations, contributes to waste, harmful emissions, and plastic pollution,
exacerbated by the global flow of goods and the adoption of unsustainable consumption patterns.
3. Overpopulation
The rapid population growth in the Philippines puts immense pressure on the country’s resources,
infrastructure, and services. Globalization has contributed to urban migration, where people move to
cities for work opportunities. This has resulted in overcrowded cities, strained public services (e.g.,
healthcare, education), and insufficient housing, leading to informal settlements and increased
poverty levels in urban areas.
4. Cultural Changes
Globalization has led to the increasing influence of Western culture, which has had a profound impact
on Filipino traditions and social values. Younger generations are more exposed to foreign lifestyles,
media, and consumerism through global communication channels, leading to the erosion of
indigenous cultural practices, languages, and traditional values. Balancing modernity and preserving
cultural identity remains a challenge in a globalized world.
GEC 3. The Contemporary World
In summary, while globalization has brought economic benefits, it also presents several issues that the
Philippines must navigate, particularly in terms of social, environmental, and cultural sustainability.
