globalisation, regionalism and localisation aka. big countries rule

This is a very broad look at globalisation, regionalism and localisation, it only scratches at the surface of these three concepts and movements.

Personally although I agree that globalisation can act as an inspiration for change, I feel that small nations such as Samoa stand to lose much economically, environmentally and socially if they are not fully aware of the implications of such agreements as WTO and the Pacific Plan.

Although noble in aim, I feel this is just one way for developed countries to take advantage of the little man, so to speak.

This is indeed a very interesting time to be a Journalist in the Pacific region, it is a defining moment in the history of the world, we are indeed living in a neoliberal era, yet in the Pacific we are also fighting remnants of the colonial era masked as ‘development’ delivered through sexy terminologies such as transparency, accountability and good governance.Is globalisation then just a form of neocolonialism?If you think about it globalization is in a sense colonialism with consent.

Regionalism itself although self motivated has become obligatory.

It makes me wonder, not just as a Journalist but as a citizen of the world, are we becoming closer through the implementation of globalisation or is it further pushing nations apart as the competition becomes fierce and ugly?

Who loses out in the end?

I do find it ironic that globalisation a development tool and one that encourages interdependence attacks the just value that has guaranteed progress, democracy.
Globalisation compromises democracy by distorting autonomy and the sovereignty of a nation as they are bulked into regionalism and later globalization.

Is this progress?Is it development if we achieve global success at the expense of our national identities?

I personally do not think so, as a proud Samoan I feel that our culture, our society and the way we do things separate us from the rest of the world.

Economic progress should never be declared at the regress of society or culture.But is this not the inevitable?

Is this a fate that we must accept in order to be part of the world?Perhaps, but as long as we are true to ourselves, maintain our values and tamper only with the periphery we can somehow find a balance, embrace regionalism and globalisation yet still be unique.

In the words of The Alchemist author Paolo Coelho: “It we fulfil our personal legends we are contributing to the soul of the world.” [extracted from a paper i wrote for the fellowship]