Globalisation and Terrorism
(Longman Pearson)
Review Exercise
I. Answer these questions.
1. What is meant by globalisation?
= Globalisation means linking people, cultures, economies and ideas across the world.
2. What are the effects of globalisation?
= The process of globalisation started nearly fifty or sixty years ago, particularly after the Second World War. It was further encouraged after invention of computers and the Internet. The information and technological boom during the past thirty years has quickened the process of globalisation. The advancements in communication technology have made it easier for people from different regions of the globe to be connected. Globalisation has privatised and liberalised the global economy by providing free-markets for trade, making the world more interconnected.
3. Mention a few factors that pushed many nations to open up their economies to foreign investments.
= A few factors that pushed many nations to open up their economies to foreign investments are :
❐ It creates a healthy competition among the private companies that operate within a given economy, thereby creating economic growth.
❐ It also creates job opportunities for people. This factor has provided many nations - such as India - the impetus to open up their economies to foreign investments.
4. Name any two agencies of globalisation.
= Two agencies of globalisation are - International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
5. How and why has globalisation been criticised?
= The process of globalisation has also come under severe criticism.
❐ Many scholars have pointed out that the process of globalisation creates a wide gap between the rich and poor countries, whereby the rich becomes richer and the poor become poorer.
❐ Globalisation gives MNCs the scope to exploit labourers, who are available cheaply in poorer countries.
❐ It is found that the indigenous companies lose out in competition with the foreign companies, which have greater resources at their disposal.
❐ The process of globalisation damages the environment in many parts of the globe.
Despite these criticisms, it can be said that globalisation, when implemented cautiously and sensibly, can lead to greater prosperity and cooperation in this world, allowing us to fulfil our dream of living in a prosperous global village.
6. What do you understand by the term 'terrorism'?
= Terrorism can be defined as the use of violent action by group or an organisation in order to achieve political aims or to force the government to accept their demands. It is one of the chief concerns in today's world.
7. List at least four incidents of terrorist attacks in India.
= Four incidents of terrorist attacks in India are :
❐ The Kashmir valley has suffered due to terrorists activities for many years.
❐ In 2005, there was a series of blasts at various market places in Delhi.
❐ A series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai by armed gunmen from 26 to 29 November 2008 killed around 173 and injured about 308 people.
❐ In February 2010, there was a bomb blast at a German bakery in Pune.
8. Globalisation has been both harmful and beneficial. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
= Yes I agree with the fact that globalisation has been both harmful and beneficial.
Globalisation leads to a better understanding of each other's culture and society, which is very much needed in these times of terrorism and conflict.
Globalisation promoted technological advancement which helped terrorists to execute their plan and kill innocent people.
II. Write short notes.
1. Features of globalisation.
= The essence of globalisation lies in the field of economy where markets, industries and policy-making are integrated.
❐ Countries agree to liberalise their economies through reduction of tariffs and allowing foreign investments in many sectors.
❐ Globalisation breaks down the tariff barriers and permits raw materials and goods to reach other countries without any restrictions.
❐ It has led to the creation and upgrading of infrastructure to facilitate smooth operation of the economy, involving national and multinational companies (MNCs).
❐ It creates a healthy competition among the private companies that operate within a given economy, thereby creating economic growth.
❐ It also creates job opportunities for people. This factor has provided many nations - such as India - the impetus to open up their economies to foreign investments.
❐ An offshoot of globalisation is the increased social and cultural contacts among nations and its people.
❐ It leads to a better understanding of each others' culture and society, which is very much needed in this age of terrorism and conflicts.
2. Terrorism in India.
= Incidents of terrorist attacks in India are :
❐ The Kashmir valley has suffered due to terrorists activities for many years.
❐ In 2005, there was a series of blasts at various market places in Delhi.
❐ A series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai by armed gunmen from 26 to 29 November 2008 killed around 173 and injured about 308 people.
❐ In February 2010, there was a bomb blast at a German bakery in Pune.
❐ Three near-simultaneous bomb blasts occurred in Mumbai on 13 July 2011 causing damage to life and property.
3. Criticism of globalisation.
= The process of globalisation has also come under severe criticism.
❐ Many scholars have pointed out that the process of globalisation creates a wide gap between the rich and poor countries, whereby the rich becomes richer and the poor become poorer.
❐ Globalisation gives MNCs the scope to exploit labourers, who are available cheaply in poorer countries.
❐ It is found that the indigenous companies lose out in competition with the foreign companies, which have greater resources at their disposal.
❐ The process of globalisation damages the environment in many parts of the globe.
Despite these criticisms, it can be said that globalisation, when implemented cautiously and sensibly, can lead to greater prosperity and cooperation in this world, allowing us to fulfil our dream of living in a prosperous global village.
III. State whether true or false.
1. Globalisation leads to economic stagnation. [F]
2. Terrorism in today's world is an important concern of many countries. [T]
3. Globalisation is more visible in the educational sector. [F]
4. In 2008, Mumbai witnessed twenty planned attacks. [T]
5. Globalisation bridges the gap between the poor and the rich. [F]