Those who argue for the positive aspects of globalization point out that at least for
some, the process of globalization represents a shift toward equalization of economic
opportunities and advancement, as well as providing jobs and economic develop-
ment to workers in developing countries that otherwise would not be available.
While “outsourcing” results in job losses in the economically developed coun-
tries, it rewards skilled workers in underdeveloped economies by creating well-
paying jobs, resulting in a global expansion of economic opportunity and ultimately
a more equitable distribution of wealth. Regarding the expansion and adoption of
cultural values and behaviors, defenders of globalization suggest that these pro-
cesses actually result in anincreasedappreciation among many for their tradition
values, and that the absorption of external cultural attributes need not necessarily
result in the decline or loss of existing systems and attitudes. But whether one sees
globalization as threatening or beneficial, the process appears to be accelerating
and will likely reshape the world of the future.
Global Positioning System
A global positioning system, or GPS, is a mechanism for specifying locations on
theEarthusing a cluster of satellites. Two systems are in use: one developed,
managed, and maintained by the UnitedStates Department of Defense, and the
other under the control of the Russian military called GLONASS. The European
Union has had a separate GPS system known asGalileoin development for over
a decade, but the system is not yet operational. Recent announcements (2008)
from EU administrators indicate that the EU expects the system to be ready by
- The American system utilizes morethan two dozen satellites in medium
orbit, which broadcast high-energy signals to receivers on the surface of the
planet, or in the lower atmosphere. The U.S. Department of Defense launched
satellites throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, building the capacity of the
network toward global coverage. An early form of GPS technology was used by
the U.S. military during the first Gulf War in 1990, but the system remained acces-
sible only for military use. In 1993, the system reached full operating capacity,
with 24 satellites in orbit. Three years later, the government passed legislation
allowing for the civilian use of the system. The result was an explosion of the
use of GPS technology because the applications were widespread, and relatively
inexpensive GPS receivers were available to the general public in only a few
years. By 2000 GPS-related business amounted to over$6 billion, and continued
to increase throughout the early 2000s. The advantages of GPS technology are
many. Access to the system is free, a GPS receiver will work outdoors in any
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