Technology Is the Driving Factor for Globalization

While capitalism is characterized by its relentless expansion, always trying to overcome limits of time and space, it was only in the late twentieth century that the world economy was able to become truly global on the basis of the new infrastructure provided by information and communication technologies ( Castells, 2000: 101).

It is interesting to analyze the way the rise of the new global economy came nearly at the same moment of the introduction of new communication and information technologies, such as the internet and satellite communication networks. Many of the features of capitalism rely on the usage of new technologies. Furthermore, according to Manuel Castells, this new economy emerged ‘because the information technology revolution provided the indispensable, material basis for its creation’ ( Castells, 2000:77). There are many studies that analyze the links between technology and globalization. Nevertheless, Manuel Castells’ trilogy The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture has received considerable attention and it allows us to have a great understanding of the links between technological development and the global economic and political changes.

However, Derek Hrynyshy (2002) reveals that Castells study laps into the ideology of technological determinism. In his study, Hrynyshy reveals how Castells failure takes place. In the first part of this essay, I will underline the arguments made by Castells within the context of how technology is linked to globalization. Furthermore, the second part of this essay portrays Hrynyshy’s arguments that question Castells deterministic explanation about the same topic. Castells (2000): The way a new economy emerged on a global scale

There is no doubt that knowledg...

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...ntries that were not yet developed or industrialized. Therefore, was one more factor which contributed on the process of globalization.

Overall, Castells refers to Technology as a core factor, engaged with most economical activities from the past century, which enable the development of a true global economy. Therefore, according to Castells, technology was the key factor which made globalization possible.

Works Cited

Castells, Manuel. "Communication, Power and Counter-power in the Network Society" International Journal of Communication 1 (2007), 238-266

Castells, Manuel. The Power of Identity. Wiley-Blackwell; 1st edition (August 11, 1997)

Castells, Manuel. The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. London: Blackwell Publishers, 1997

Hrynyshyn, Derek. "Technology and Globalization" Studies in Political Economy 67, Spring 2002