The Covid-19 pandemic has been a turning point in the modern era, with global leaders agreeing that it provides an opportunity to redefine globalisation into a more human-centric concept. This article delves into the role of globalisation in the fast spread of the virus and offers insights on how to use this crisis as an opportunity to create a new definition of globalisation.
The Covid-19 Pandemic: Spotlight on Globalisation
The outbreak of Covid-19 globally is closely tied to the impacts of globalisation, which include travel, tourism, and neoliberal attacks on universal healthcare. These impacts are demonstrated clearly through the experiences of countries like South Korea, Iran, and Sri Lanka.
In South Korea, the Shincheonji Church played a significant role in transmitting the virus due to frequent travels among its followers. Meanwhile, Iran saw the virus introduced through international alignment driven by globalisation, and incubated via political and religious processes. Economic sanctions forced Iran to develop ties with China, leading to traders inadvertently becoming carriers of the virus.
Both Sri Lanka and India attribute the onset of the virus to globalised processes like tourism and labour migration. The first cases in these countries were reported among foreign tourists, and the local transmissions were triggered by tour guides exposed to the disease. The vast portions of their workforce employed overseas also contributed to the rise in cases when they returned home.
The Challenges
Issues arise when quarantine and social distancing measures clash with the realities faced by migrant workers and their families, who often navigate difficult circumstances in multiple locations. Discrimination against individuals in these roles has increased due to the perceived risks and the imposed quarantine measures.
The Way Forward
It’s crucial to think beyond just quarantining and social distancing. Deeper issues resulting from globalisation need to be analysed and addressed. As stated by the Indian Prime Minister in a recent G20 video conference, the world leaders should consider the humanitarian aspects of global challenges like pandemics, climate change, and terrorism, rather than just the economic factors. The definition of globalisation needs to shift from market and profit-oriented to a more human-centric approach, paying particular attention to the needs of less developed countries.
Understanding Globalisation
Globalisation encompasses the economic, social, and political integration of nations, including the spread of products, technology, information, and jobs across national borders and cultures. Economically speaking, it fosters interdependence among nations through free trade.
Globalisation has evolved over time and can be divided into four distinct phases:
Globalization 1.0
This initial phase preceded World War I and was driven solely by a reduction in trade costs, with little governmental support or governance.
Globalization 2.0
Post-World War II, this phase combined trade in goods with complementary domestic policies. It saw the establishment of rule-based international governance, including organizations like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organisation, and International Labor Organization.
Globalization 3.0
This phase saw the evolution of manufacturing, combining high-tech with low wages through the establishment of global supply chains as factories crossed international borders.
Globalization 4.0
The latest phase involves cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence that drive the explosion of information technology, shrinking distances, and bringing people across the globe closer together.
