Terrorism

Terrorism is connected to the principles of globalization and principles of anti-globalization. Coming to grips with what those connections are and what they mean is crucial for people on both sides of the globalization debate. The terrorist network at work today uses the technological tools of globalization, and they ignore (or attempt to transcend) the normal definitions of the nation-state. Furthermore, the extreme Muslim fundamentalists and others worry that unbridled globalization can exploit workers and replace ancient cultures with McDonald's and Mickey Mouse.

Given all this, globalization cheerleaders need to answer some questions:

• How can the tools of globalization be kept out of destructive hands?
• Are you willing to accept more controls on the flow of goods and capital if it will prevent criminal acts?
• Can globalization go forward while also protecting the integrity of local cultures and communities?

The vast majority of the anti-globalizers have denounced all forms of violence, both before and after September 11. But they still have some hard questions to answer as well:

• Could the more inflammatory rhetoric of the anti-globalization movement inspire some people to violence, even terrorism?
• Since anti-globalizers themselves use the tools of globalization to organize, shouldn't they be more specific about what they dislike in globalization?
• Should anti-globalizers give up on street protests as a form of action?

The attacks of September 11 have changed many things, but globalization will continue, even if the pace or direction is altered. And when the debate over the pros and cons of globalization begins again it must be more focused, and it must take place in a more civil atmosphere.

Your Thoughts
So what do you think? Is terrorism linked to globalization? Can globalization -- and anti-globalization -- survive the war on terrorism?

Source: Globalization Issues, Keith Porter.

"...leading thinkers have begun to discuss one of the ironies laid bare by the terror attack — the same technologies that empower our lives turn into double- edged swords in the wrong hands,"

San Francisco Chronicle