Globalization - Essential Resources For Entrepreneurs

A good starting point to learn more about globalization is at www.unctad.org - the United Nations Conference on Trade And Development. Here you'll find all the latest statistics, reports, summaries and findings presented in an unbiased format with realistic assessments of all strengths and weaknesses of world globalization. An especially interesting section is the "Programmes" area, which outlines some of the current concerns and initiatives of the UN. Read about the development of Africa, an Economy Report, Debt Management programs or Climate Change initiatives here.

To read some shrewd criticism about globalization, you may want to check out a more activist-oriented site like www.GlobalIssues.org or the Global Trade Watch organization at www.citizen.org/trade. Here they discuss globalization issues such as: the dangers of offshoring, imported food and product safety, international versus local governance, the FTAA, NAFTA, the WTO, as well as congressional voting records regarding globalization.

When you're reading about globalization, you'll undoubtedly encounter heated debates regarding NAFTA. The North American Free Trade Agreement, created under the Clinton presidency, promised to create new jobs and markets for US exports, as well as raise living standards for Mexico and Canada. Some say NAFTA has opened many doors, while other argue that it has exploited Mexican workers and created "fake jobs" in the US, in addition to exporting high-paying manufacturing jobs. Like any of the globalization issues, there are two sides to every story, so it's important that you pay attention to all arguments before forming your own conclusion.