by Aaron Dollhausen

Created on: July 25, 2009

Globalization may be seen as a boon to solving many of the world's problems, but the very nature of globalization depends upon the individual which is singular and prone to shifting alliances as the individual sees fit. The primary allegiance of the individual is itself; an individual must keep its focus primarily on itself in order to survive. As globalization continues, the proliferation of non-state actors will continue to multiply, but so will the likelihood of fragmentation. Competition is an integral part of human nature. Whether competition stems from nations or non-state actors, such competition will only increase as globalization continues. An unintended result of this fragmentation and competition between state and non-state actors has led to paths of havoc around the globe which may lead to backlash by the general public.

The problems of globalization are centered on migration, international crime, erosion of the nation-state, and economic and environmental disruption caused by multinational corporations.

Migration poses a unique problem for globalization because it can affect not only nations but non-state actors, as well. For countries, migration can create what is known as a "brain drain" in which people with education, specialized knowledge, expertise and skills, and unique talents are free to immigrate to whatever country they choose for whatever reason compels them. This leaves a gap in whichever country they left. In sufficient numbers, this "brain drain" can potentially adversely a country by making it less competitive with countries who gain such valuable human resources.

Additionally, immigration can fuel severe social and political reactions, as Demetrios Papademetriou points out in the article, "Migration." In large numbers, the illegal immigrants can shape the social and political landscapes of host countries adversely by creating anxiety or even xenophobia. As witnessed in the United States, large numbers of legal citizens are worried about the effect of immigrants on existing social and cultural concerns.

As far back as the 1700s, Benjamin Franklin was afraid that German immigrants would not be able to adapt to American culture. Again in the 1800s, many US citizens were afraid of being overrun by Irish Catholic immigrants. Such anxieties lead to the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924, which limited the numbers of immigrants from particular regions.

More recently, the

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