Today
over half of the world lives in extreme poverty, mostly in the developing
world. Raising the quality of life for this portion of humanity is a primary
goal of economic, political, and social development. However, there are many
obstacles to development ranging from problems with imperialism and
post-colonialism, to failed economic strategies and corruption. Imbalances in the relationship between developed
and developing countries may hinder the development attempts of poor
countries. Studying these issues leads
to understanding global inequality and the causes of, and possible solutions
to, the chronic, global problem of poverty.
Trade
and political alliances have linked countries and cultures for centuries. In
today’s increasingly integrated world understanding the interplay of culture,
politics, and economics is vital for business, governments, and
organizations. Within the vast and
complex global marketplace, companies from international corporations to small
businesses must respond to issues of changing cultural values and meaning in
trade and the interplay of political and economic systems. Studying these issues leads to an
understanding of the problems with cultural homogenization and shifting social
pressures that arise as a result of globalization, as well as technical aspects
of the international economic system and international business practices.
Global
health issues have provided recent headlines for newspapers throughout the
globe. As AIDS, Bird Flu, West Nile virus and many other exotic diseases have
spread around the world, people have become increasingly aware of the now
global threat of previously isolated diseases. Beyond the fear, the reality
that the spread of these diseases is a result of complex economic, political,
social, biological, technological, and environmental factors needs to be
understood. Studying the interplay of these factors and how they affect the
health of people around the globe leads to an understanding of global health
problems such as disease, famine, malnutrition, and inequality in health and
health care.
War,
terrorism, and other conflicts between nations, cultures, and religious groups
have caused chaos in human societies for centuries. The seeds of conflict are
often rooted in history, as well as complex ideological, social, and political
differences. Often these conflicts
arise from resistance to authoritarian regimes or imperial power. Attempts to achieve peace often require
communication that creates common goals between the groups embroiled in
conflict. Studying these issues leads to a greater understanding of the roots
and consequences of war-like situations, and of attempts to reach peaceful
outcomes through the efforts of global organizations.
Many
immigrants in the world today are fleeing from conflict and repression, or
moving to take advantage of opportunities.
The resulting movement of people across political and traditional
cultural boundaries is reshaping many societies as cultures are redistributed
around the globe. Close contact between
cultures can emphasize cultural differences, and can enrich or homogenize
cultures. It may also lead to conflict
on a variety of levels. Studying these
issues leads to understanding the problems of inequality and conflict that
result from the movement of peoples into different cultural communities.