Terrorism: An External Shock of a Globalized Society Essay -- Globaliz

Terrorism: An External Shock of a Globalized Society For many, living in a globalized world has generated many benefits and welfare gains to their society, yet now it may be in jeopardy. Globalization is that phenomena where the world appears to be coming closer in terms of communication, services, trade, and culture. Examples of this includes the lowering of transaction costs in all these fields including the lowering of barriers to trade, reduced communication costs, (to an extent) the freer movement of people, and easier access to other countries' information. In economics, there has been a freer movement of goods, services, finance, and production between nation-states. In Europe, though on a regional scale, foreign and domestic policies are being harmonized among the member states. Thus it appears that the world has indeed been coming closer. However the events dealing with the World Trade Center have made many question whether globalization has stopped or is now in decline. Many have tried to even comprehend and question the caus es and motives of terrorism and its multiplier impacts that these terrorist acts have created. In light of this, is globalization viewed more at a discount? Many have been pessimistic, however, the events of September 11 and following may perhaps be a test to the world facing a common enemy and even make them become aware in looking at themselves as a citizen of the world, thus facilitating the increase of globalization. To begin, look at globalization mainly in light of its benefits and costs. Focusing at this idea more narrowed in terms of economics, the benefits include realizing the effects by practicing the theories of comparative advantage, and allowing greater efficiencies that produc... ...he New York terrorist attacks. It will be a long-term commitment as terrorism is complex in itself, yet humanity has progressed so far not to revert and steer into the opposite direction. Globalization pre-September 11 was never actually global, yet the world after this event may hope to aim in that direction. Works Cited Burns, Danny., and Robin Hambelton, Paul Hoggett. The Politics of Decentralization: Revitalizing Local Democracy. London: Macmillan, 1994. "Is it at risk? -Globalization." The Economist 2 Feb. 2002:65-66. "Pearl Warns That Globalization Facilitates Criminal Activities." US Department of State, International Information Programs: Washington File 13 Dec. 2000. < http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/00121300.htm > (27 Feb. 2002) "The Economy: 10 indicators." CNN Money. <http://money.cnn.com/news/economy/> (26 Mar. 2002)