Reader Response - The Double edge of Globalization (Final)

Reader response

Nayan Chanda’s work, The Double Edge of Globalization covered both the positive and negative impacts of globalization, with more emphasis on the latter. It described how this process contributes to environmental problems which in turn lead to other economic and social issues. Thus, as the world faces this major crisis, Chanda discussed the importance of global governance to tackle the negative effects incurred by globalization.

One’s effort is never enough to save the world. Thus, it is crucial to raise the awareness amongst the public in every country and unite as one to counter this crisis. Government bodies around the world play an important role as they are very influential. This also indicates greater effectiveness in information dissemination through campaigns and revision of policies.

We should use the advantages of globalization to alleviate the presenting problems; the inter-dependency which is made possible due to the process of international integration. Governments all over the world should commit and collaborate to prevent this undesirable trend. This suggestion is supported by the example of “combating ozone depletion through the Montreal Protocol” mentioned by Chanda.

It is true that governments play a vital role as they have relatively more power to initiate the change. Nonetheless, we should never underestimate the capacity of the world’s public as they are required for the actual change to happen. Besides, the knowledge possessed by them can be put to good use (such as communication technology) to relay information related to pollution reduction and environmental conservation. Unity is strength; thus, with a common goal in mind, the creation of a better world is highly possible.