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Zuckerberg on globalization

February 17, 2017 | Expert Insights

Are we moving away from globalization?

In an interview with the BBC, the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg said that fake news, polarised views and "filter bubbles" were damaging common understanding. Mr Zuckerberg's interview comes alongside the publication of a 5,500-word letter he has written about the future of Facebook and the global economy.

Key Challenges Zuckerberg Addressed

  • Help people build supportive communities that strengthen traditional institutions in a world where membership in these institutions is declining.
  • Help people build a safe community that prevents harm, helps during crises and rebuilds afterwards.
  • Help people build an informed community that exposes us to new ideas and builds common understanding.
  • Help people build a civically-engaged community in a world where participation in voting sometimes includes less than half our population.
  • Help people build an inclusive community that reflects our collective values and common humanity from local to global levels, spanning cultures, nations and regions in a world.

Why do we Need Globalization?

The current day challenges such as fighting climate change, ending terrorism, ending pandemics, dealing with refugee crisis or dealing with cyber security all require global infrastructure. A break down of globalization will only worsen the current challenges with out an infrastructure to resolve the issues.

Assessment

The rising trend of protectionism can be seen all over the world. From Trump’s trade policies to BREXIT, all are symptoms of protectionism, a move away from globalization. But, this may be a temporary phase. It may be recollected that globalization came about because most countries were not self-reliant in technology, advanced research, food resources, raw materials, medical facilities, etc. It was this interdependency that brought about globalization. In the future, also mankind’s progress will only be strengthened by collaborations, trade and partnerships.