Can Globalisation be measured?

Globalisation is a very complex process but there have been attempts to measure it and identify which countries are the most 'global'. In Grade 12, we have looked at the KOF index, set up in 2002 by a Swiss economic think tank. 

Take a look at the link below which goes into more depth on how exactly the KOF index was measured specifically in 2013.

How was the 2013 KOF index calculated?

So is the KOF index all it is cracked up to be?

• Globalisation is an incredibly complex and many people argue it cannot be measured in a single numeric way.
• It is an outdated measure - Number of TV's, telecoms traffic and import and export of books are now less relevant measures due to the rise of devices such as tablets where you can read books online, watch TV online and make phone calls online.
• Trade is very hard to measure as many countries do not know the size of their informal/ illegal economy which is often involved in globalised trade. (E.g. Drugs, human trafficking and smuggling wild plants and animals)
• Some countries, particularly small states such as Monaco and the Vatican, rely on use of embassies in neighbouring countries (France and Italy respectively) and therefore do not have their own.
• Some countries such as Switzerland prefer to remain neutral and therefore do not join international organisation. Does this make them less globalised?

The Band Aid 30 debate

After recently watching the original Band Aid song with Grade 12 and being branded as 'old and past it', I was excited to hear that Band Aid was being re-released with a group of musicians that both I and the students had heard of so that we could enjoy the new version together. 

I was also pleased because the release of this song coincides with Grade 11 looking at the question of whether aid is a successful strategy and Grade 12 looking at Africa's perceived role as one of the 'losers' of globalisation.

So does this form of aid work or is it perpetuating Africa's image as a 'loser' of globalisation?

What the critics say

Dambiso Moyo (Zambian economist) has long criticised the work of Bob Geldof, arguing that he is perpetuating a negative image of Africa which may deter foreign investors and tourists thus not helping Africa develop in the long term.

"Saying no to Bob Geldof was hard, but when I saw how negatively the lyrics portrayed Africa, I had no choice" Fuse ODG, musician

" For the last few years, Ethiopia has been trying extremely hard to change its image as a poster child for poverty. This uphill battle is always hindered when such reminders of the past appear again on the screens of the people trying to be persuaded" Dawit Gebreselassie, Financial Analyst

What the advocates say

"The single, released 3 days ago managed to raise $1.8 million in just 5 minutes, money that West Africa otherwise would not have in the fight against Ebola." Bob Geldof

"There is no doubt the emergency is real, and it it is a choice between buying the record and doing nothing else my view is that - for all its faults - you probably should." David Nolan, University of Melbourne.

Many people argue that this is a useful form of humanitarian aid and that the proceeds will go to charities such as doctors without borders. The chancellor of the UK has announced that the single will not be taxed and therefore 100% of the profits should go directly to the intended cause - helping fight the Ebola crisis in West Africa.


What Mrs Chambers says

No comment. You need to formulate your own opinion and I don't want to influence your point of view. Remember to look at the arguments on both sides before making your decision.