Today, the term globalization is widespread and the process that means is hotly debated around the world. The public feels directly affected by it in their daily lives. The politicians repeatedly mentioned in his speeches and is one of the preferred objects of political debate. Scholars struggle to analyze and understand their implications. Companies prepare their production strategies based on the new phenomenon, supposedly unstoppable and irreversible. Some sectors of civil society opposed to it and express their position with widespread public protests by the media.
It is known for the phenomenon of globalization of economies and open borders as a result of increased trade, capital movements, the movement of people and ideas, dissemination of information, knowledge and techniques and a process of deregulation. This process, both geographically and sectorally, is not recent, but has accelerated in recent years.The globalization is a source of many opportunities, but remains one of the biggest challenges that faces today the European Union. To fully exploit the growth potential of this phenomenon and ensure a fair sharing of benefits, the European Union seeks to establish a model of sustainable development through multilateral governance in order to reconcile economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection environment.
There are many schools of thought who believe that globalization goes beyond the economic issue and covers culture, for example. As the balance of power between the more developed nations (such as Europe or the U.S.) and underdeveloped (such as Latin America or Africa) is very uneven, globalization without limits or controls promotes cultural imperialism and economic domination, and attentive against the particular identity of each people.
The origins of globalization can be traced back to 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed in America. From there, the expansive in Europe will translate into a series of empires and the intensified global trade every year. The powers were based on political-economic theory of mercantilism, which meant the competition for a finite amount of wealth and the need for strict control of trade. The tensions and confrontations led to the first ever global treaty (Treaty of Tordesillas), where Spain and Portugal agreed how to share the conquered territories.
The advancement of technology, the rise of telecommunications and the Internet and the development of transport has allowed the phenomenon of globalization is an inescapable reality in today's world.