Second Session: Globalization and Development

November 23, 2004

Slightly different from the first, the second session of the series focused specifically on the effects of globalization on development issues.

Globalization is one of the hottest terms of the millennium; it may be perceived as a new innovative train of the century which brings its passengers to a better future. Almost every country on earth, including in the Global South, is preparing to get on this train, with the hope that it will carry them to better sources of capital and technology and foster their development. However, some people worry that the train of globalization does not guaranty a safety trip: this group believes that globalization worsens development and therefore claim that they are not ready for ride, which they fear will be exhausting and endless. If that's the case, who should we blame for it: the train, the driver, or the passengers? And if the train arrive safely without leaving the passengers exhausted, who should we praise - the train, the driver, or the passengers?

Because of this videoconference, participating students were able to better understand the above metaphor, and recognize the positive and negative aspects of globalization.