History's_Greatest_Conduits_Shaping_Globalization

Argumentative Essay The World before the Internet: History’s Greatest Conduits Shaping Globalization Globalization is the new catchphrase commonly used by government, business and the media outlet to describe the increased speed in which the “world connects markets, finance, technology and telecommunications” [ (Friedman 2000) ]. Theorists describe globalization as a living and breathing entity with sovereign power over the world’s cultural, economic and political state. Its ability to connect individuals instantaneously through popular social mediums as Facebook, email, and smart phones, add to the public’s “rock star “infatuation. This complex “super power” continually shapes the financial and economic markets by allowing smaller countries, new businesses and individuals get a piece of the pie. On the downside, this phenomenon opens the door to new threats such as super viruses, complex terrorist organizations and negative social ideals. Thomas Friedman, New York Times columnist and prize winning author, identifies integration as the main characteristic of the globalization system. He further states, “Now all your threats and opportunities tend to flow from who you’re connected to and it is symbolized by a single word, The Web” [ (Friedman 2000) ]. Although the internet is the conduit that defines globalization in today’s modern world, history shows the impact of influential conduits that defined globalization in previous centuries. The Web is not as unique as Friedman made it out to be. Many theorists and historians claim the Silk Road or Silk Route as the first world enabler of globalization. This ancient route “connected vast lands into a trade network that spread goods, beliefs, and technologies far from their areas of origin. Trade along the Silk Road began around 200 BCE and continued on a significant scale until the sixteenth century CE”. [ (University n.d.) ]. These trading routes connected East Asia to the Mediterranean, linking China to the Roman Empire. Today’s governments, agencies and individuals attempt to protect the Internet’s travel of information as the Silk Road travelers reshaped alliances between countries, and military forces to protect their economic, cultural and technological interests. In addition, Soldiers lost their lives to defend this conduit to maintain the prosperity and power of Chinese dynasties. Mongolian leader Kublai Khan established diplomacy with the west when he appointed Venetian merchant traveler, Marco Polo to his court for 17 years. Marco Polo’s documentaries of Chinese Culture opened a new door to the west, whose inhabitants had minimal knowledge of this intriguing civilization. The Chinese empires experienced significant growth due to increased trade with worlds that now included an expanded economic system. The Romans paid high prices for the purchase of silk resulting in huge profits for the Chinese. The Globalization of culture via the Silk Road constructed a bridge of enlightenment integrating Asia with Europe. Missionary expeditions resulted in the development of newly established religious groups containing elements of several disciplines including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Manichaeism and ancient Greek. Buddhism traveled through the Silk Road from India and is now one of the top 3 religions in China. The last point of discussion on globalization through the Silk Road is the technology impact. As I previously pointed out, the Romans were obsessed with Silk. They were enamored by this delicate fabric and could not get enough of it. The Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), in a showing of early capitalism, implemented one of today’s supply and demand business strategies: they monopolized the market by keeping the silk production technology a secret. Notably, the Chinese provided revolutionary inventions to the west: paper making, printing, compass, gun powder and ultimately silk making [ (Chinese Travel Guide.com n.d.) ] By the end of the 14th century, the Silk Road fell to its demise as a road less traveled. A new conduit took over the role of shaping globalization. Maritime travel enabled globalization from the 14th -19th centuries. For the purpose of this paper I define Maritime travel in the scope of sea exploration, economics and trade. Like the Silk Road, Maritime travel expanded globalization from Europe to the other continents. Ships traveled farther, faster and interconnected more culture, economics and political societies. The exploration, discovery and colonization of America continue to display the effects of multi-cultural exchange. We have one of the most diverse countries in the world. Other notable conduits enhancing globalization include telecommunications enabling people all over the world to connect without traveling. Modern day globalization is characterized by the Internet and advanced technologies enabling people to connect faster, and reach farther than ever before. It clearly has the “it” factor that has the world’s attention. It is typical for Societies to focus on the now when they haven’t studied the past. History shows innovative or “super star” conduits that shaped and influenced the world since the beginning of the Silk Road. The Silk Road is arguably the world’s first integrator of globalization. One can only imagine the travelers on the Silk Road, many of whom were of the same groups that travel the Web: traders, businessmen, military, state leaders and individuals searching for excitement, adventure and opportunity in a new land. The experiences on the road traveled opened doors to economic increase, exchange in beliefs, social division, inclusion, and conflict of interests and ultimately an exposure and reality that the world is greater that the space in which we live. When we understand where we’ve been, we can appreciate where we are and ultimately dream about where we will be in the future. Envision space as the next conduit of globalization in the future. Imagine a platform to integrate culture, economies and information to unknown civilizations. I wonder if these descendents will acknowledge and the Internet’s role in shaping globalization. Works Cited Chinese Travel Guide.com. www.chinesetravelguide.com. Friedman, Thomas. "National Strategies and Capabilities for a Changing World: Globilization and National Security." 31st Annual IFPA–Fletcher Conference on National Security and Policy. Washington, D.C., : Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, November 15, 2000. University, Stanford. Along the Silk Road-Spice. (accessed June 9, 2012).