How is Globalization Affecting the State?

            Decreasing boundaries of the state control and persuade external and internal affairs due to globalization. State borders are becoming more absorbent as the global economy increases the movement of money, goods, people, and thoughts. However, states can’t control what comes in and out of their borders as easily. International nonstate associates are giving state sovereignty a hard time. World Trade Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund are examples of international financial institutions that are challenging states to use neoliberal economic policies. Free trade, free markets, free movement of goods, money, and ideas, and the use of local markets for transnational businesses and included in these plans. Lori Wallach, the Director of Global Trade Watch, talks about the misleading meaning of free “trade” that is involved in the World Trade Organization in an interesting video clip.

            The decrease in the state’s power to control what crosses borders and the increase in the state’s ability to participate in the global economy is fueled by developing countries privatizing state-owned infrastructure like water systems and transportation. State funding for health care, education, and social services is also lessened. Prospering civil society has slowed from this economic restructure. Nongovernmental organizations, or civil society organizations, prove this by protesting uneven development and social disturbance that go with neoliberal economic strategies. Local communities join forces to attain openings and assets to stop state policies.

            To access global accomplishments, civil society organizations come together through transnational networks and movements to change problems into a global projects for resources and rights. They can support women’s rights, human rights, and attack environmental concerns by working with other activists in organizations such as Africa Watch, World Vision, and Amnesty International. Transnational networks can form quickly through the spread by social media. Global information flows rapidly to observers, participants, and advisors through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Amnesty International website contains ten ways anyone can make a difference for their cause. You can join a network of activists in their campaign, donate, become a member, attend an event, or even partner with Amnesty International to improve the state of human rights.

http://www.globalissues.org/article/39/a-primer-on-neoliberalism

http://www.amnestyusa.org/get-involved