How flat is our world

By Hussein Shobokshi
 

There is a new notion that occupies the psyche of people, which is basically the more the world shares the same values and goals the flatter the world becomes.

There have been many adherents of this concept, those who have been waving the ‘Viva Globalization’ banners left, right and center for the longest time.

In the midst of this hoopla and fanfare the reality is not as joyous and pleasant. As a matter of fact the world is far from being flat; it is very much full of curves.
 

Globalization has managed to a great deal to emphasize the idea that the Third World is the sweat shop of industrial nations. The monetary gap between the rich nations and the poor ones has never been wider.

Globalization was not translated into right privileges for citizens around the world. Quality of life still remains an enormous challenge for the majority of people around the world making them feel used and abused by governments and corporate powers. This anger is automatically translated into political instability and security challenges as many examples have proven.

The current globalization phenomenon is not translated into tangible measures that are felt by individuals, families, communities, societies and countries in every possible index. It will turn the whole experience into an ugly episode and a very sad one at that. Expect more protectional policies (something Latin American countries like Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina have been doing).

Countries will be very skeptical about global organizations that ‘force’ countries to give up certain advantages that they traditionally have enjoyed without any serious gains in exchange. The emerging markets are slowly rebelling, slowly showing signs of anger, slowly telling the world that they will not accept the ‘unfair’ rules of the game and that the playing field needs to be truly leveled so it can be just and equal.

The globalization era is folding its wings it seems. I believe we are entering a new phase as far as global economic relations between nations are concerned. Emerging markets are growing in confidence and monetary might. All of this will be translated into stronger demands that must be met and honored somehow.

The demographics of the globe are changing. This will translate into a new paradigm. Time will tell. The world is very curved far from being flat.