Last Updated: August 22, 2008

Globalization

Cargo Containers in Port of Valparaiso, Chile. Trade is one of the main drivers of globalization. (photo: Blaine Harrington III/Corbis)

Globalization touches the lives of people everywhere. Unfortunately, recent global opinion polls reveal that many people fear globalization. While globalization can bring immense change, often the change benefits those most in need.

IMF work on globalization is multifaceted, including the impact on labor and migration, the evolution of financial globalization, and the effect of trade on economic growth.

Opinion

Dynamics of the Global Economy are Changing

May 9, 2008
The global economy is being buffeted by powerful crosswinds. Disruptive financial market turmoil is slowing growth in advanced economies. But emerging market economies have provided a measure of global resilience, although this has also set the stage for a boom in food and fuel prices.

Overview

Issues Brief: A brief overview of globalization

Financial Globalization

Africa's Aspiring Second-Generation Emerging Markets

August 18, 2008
Several African countries, with developing financial markets that are likely to attract institutional financial investors, are promising candidates to become part of a second generation of "emerging market" countries, IMF analysis shows.

Who's Driving Financial Globalization?

August 16, 2007
Financial globalization has approximately tripled since the mid-1970s, with regional differences.

Globalization of Trade

Commodity Price Boom, Better Policies Spur Globalization

March 20, 2008
Emerging and developing economies have become significantly more integrated into the global economy in recent years, against the backdrop of soaring commodity prices and steadily improving institutions and policy frameworks, according to a new IMF study.

Intra-regional Trade Key to Asia's Export Boom

Febuary 6, 2008
The export-oriented growth strategies of emerging Asian economies have been reflected in a steady increase of their share in world trade.

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Spotlight

IMF Study Tracks Which Firms Go Global

Firms that raise money from overseas capital markets tend to be from larger countries with more open economies and better policies but with worse institutional conditions, according to an IMF study.

Globalization of Labor

IMF and Labor Unions Step Up Dialogue

March 5, 2008
With the increasing globalization of labor—and the growing perception that workers' wages and job security may be adversely affected as a result—labor organizations have stepped up their dialogue with the IMF and other international financial institutions over the past five years.

Slideshow: Globalization and Inequality

October 11, 2007
An IMF Survey slideshow explains how the spread of new technology may spur rising inequalities.

Bane or Boon?

April 11, 2007
Over the past two decades, labor has become more globalized. IMF research examines whether globalization is forcing down labor income in advanced economies.

Podcast: Does Global Labor Help or Hurt?

June 14, 2007
Causes and effects of labor globalization, including the issue of outsourcing.

Research and Publications

Globalization, Commodity Prices, and Developing Countries

March 20, 2008
IMF research suggests the current world commodity boom has proven more favorable to developing countries than previous booms in several ways.