A readily measurable aspect of globalization is the increasing exchange of capital, products and services across national boundaries, spurred by expanded use of container shipping and other technological improvements as well as falling barrier. The interdependence is most apparent with global supply chains, as manufactured goods like vehicles and electronics are assembled with components produced around the world, and it’s increasingly rare for any country to be the sole source of any one complex product. Countries aim to increase exports but worry about too many imports and trade imbalances, even as their consumers pursue low prices. Disagreements on subsidies, tariffs, quotas or unfair practices are debated by the World Trade Organization.

Panama Hopes to Sail into “First World” by Enlarging Its Waterway

Panama hopes to widen canal – and attract more global shipping traffic
Duncan Campbell
June 21, 2006

When Germans Join Migrant Field Hands, the Harvest Suffers

New regulations in Germany are making the employment outlook for Polish migrant workers bleak
Andreas Tzortzis
June 1, 2006

The Corner Office in Bangalore

The next logical step for globalization is outsourcing the CEO jobs
Lawrence Orlowski
June 19, 2006

Greek Fleet Swells

Greek shipping magnates invest for global growth, but worry about obstacles in the US and China
Robert MacDonald
June 16, 2006

Growing in India: Food for the World

Multinational corporations see agribusiness as the future boom for India
Anand Giridharadas
June 14, 2006