| dc.description.abstract | The term globalization defies definition. Whereas some see it as a social process, others see it as purely an economic process. It might be more useful to regard it as encompassing economic, political and social processes.
The origin of globalization is another area of some controversy. Some scholars argue that globalization is an old process that has been creeping upon us since about the fifteenth century. This might be true if globalization is equated to internationalization. However, globalization as we know it today, is a recent phenomenon, as recent as mid twentieth century. Since the 1970s globalization has been spurred on by the activities of IMF (International Monetary Fund), WB (World Bank) and more recently the WTO (World Trade Organization). Above all the technological advancements in transportation, travel and communication have driven globalization to unprecedented heights.
The benefits accruing to different regions and countries have not been evenly distributed. North America, Europe and Japan (the Triad) have benefited most while Africa has benefited least. Many argue this is because of the structure of the international economy.
The role of the state, in particular the African state, appears to be threatened. It appears the globalization forces are pushing the state away from the roles it traditionally performed, such roles as the provision of security and social services. And so it appeared the idea of social contract between the state and its citizens, was too, threatened. This however, has not come to pass. First of all without the state creating the necessary | en |
