Globalisation is a concept with many differing definitions. Bayliss & Smith (1998, p. 15) define globalisation as the 'intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many

Robert Reich is a strong supporter of globalisation, publishing the book entitled 'The Work of Nations'. In his book, Reich argues that it is already too late to stop globalisation. His view is supported by Joan Spero, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, who states that capital now moves around the world with startling speed. Each day over US $1 trillion is traded in a global foreign exchange market that never closes. (Spero in Strachan, 1998, p. 156). Reich (1991, p. 112) argues that there is no such thing as an American product anymore, giving the example of an ice hockey stick. It is designed in Sweden, financed in Canada, assembled in Cleveland and Denmark out of alloys patented in Delaware and fabricated in Japan and finally distributed in North America and Europe.

1. Durst, F. A. 2000, The Communication Revolution, Longman, New York.

6. Strachan, G. L. 1998, Globalisation, Applause Press, Brisbane.

So globalisation has had the greatest impact on world politics in the 20th century, mainly because of the technological advances in telecommunications and information technology. This is most likely to continue through this the 21st century. The criticisms of globalisation are that it undermines sovereignty, exploits third word countries and is undemocratic. However, there is no feasible alternative at this time and globalisation is already well-spread and embedded in economics and politics. For now, the world will just have to go with it.

This improvement of communications this century from sailing ship to satellite has contributed directly to the globalisation of the world's economies and political systems (Rimmer, 2000, p. 3). This has taken place across cultural and physical boundaries, effectively eliminating the capacity of countries to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. A prime example of this is China. For most of its existence, China has kept its doors closed to the rest of the world. No outside influences reached China and it remained unchanged and untouched. In recent times however, China has relaxed its legislation to accommodate foreign investment and trade. Its economy has improved and new information on how to do things more efficiently has been introduced. Borders no longer act as boundaries, especially with respect to the movement of information and finance. Furthermore, borders are becoming increasingly difficult for governments to define and maintain. Regional conflicts are arising everywhere; Sierra Leone, the coup in Fiji, Chechnya, Southern Lebanon and Kosovo. As a result, national governments are being forced to redefine their roles, responsibilities and policy relati

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lebanon Kosovo, Information Technology, PRI's Mexico, Edward Herman, Hitler Mussolini, Global Neighbourhood', Bayliss Smith, Furthermore Strachan, Corporations TNC's, Spero Strachan, world politics, strachan 1998, 20th century, politics 20th, politics 20th century, world politics 20th, rimmer 2000, 20th century globalisation, criticisms globalisation, trading rivals, reich 1991, herman 1999, impact world politics, capitalism socialism,
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