One of the most fascinating and interesting innate characteristics of the human species is the need to maintain control or power over another. Obviously, this is an evolutionary issue, which probably has its seeds within the alpha male pre-programmed behavior. It is amazing to see the inherent mistrust in globalization and the fact that everyone goes along with free trade, World Trade Organizations and globalization as long as they feel they are getting more out of it and they are putting in. In other words most nations in theory in enjoy the benefits of globalization, but at the first turn of a negative sector rotation, industry change, trade route difference or even a little competition in the world marketplace and all of a sudden they no longer like globalization and start making noise. It is interesting that even a little bit of change or adjustment can cause a nation to go into hyper-protectionism and he immediately raise tariffs and start a tit-for-tat mini-trade war. It is also human nature to try to get more for doing less. When you put these two innate characteristics together; that is to say that need to maintain control and wanting to get more for less you can see the problems you have with non-Western world thinking of win-win negotiations. When trying to convince other nations to participate in free trade or globalization initiatives we must understand these facts and study the history behind the cultures of the different participants and how they affect their decision-making. Forcing globalization on a nation whose leadership does not understand the overall picture can lead to disaster and even war. Please consider this philosophical thought in 2006. |
