As I reach the end of my time at CSUSM, I’ve become aware of a common theme in the majority of the courses I’ve taken. This theme is currently being explored in a course I’m taking called “Perspectives in Globalization,” and it can be stated quite simply: the world is changing faster, and in newer ways, than ever before.

This phenomenon goes by many names, but it’s commonly referred to as globalization, which is the ways in which the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, largely due to incredible advances in technology.

Across the planet, areas like business, politics, media, international relations and the environment are experiencing monumental shifts that are positive and negative, all due to globalization. While it has led to labor outsourcing and huge job losses in America, at the same time globalization allowed for profound innovations, like the iPhone and Amazon.com. Today, because of these developments, competition in free markets is higher than ever because we are now competing with people and companies from all over the world.

The ripple effects of globalization are practically countless, and almost impossible to predict. Economies around the world adapted to globalization, yet many individuals have not. These people have consequently been left behind without jobs or skill sets that are applicable to new industries. As a response to this, we witnessed the unprecedented election of Donald Trump in 2016, who campaigned heavily upon bringing jobs back to America. In turn we also saw the groundbreaking #MeToo movement of 2017, a Twitter-led revolution against sexual harassment and assault of women in all areas of society.

However, one predictable effect is the growing social consciousness around the world of a “global village.” Today, because of globalization, we have closer relationships to people around the world than humans have ever had in history. This is often referred to as the “shrinking” of the world. In many ways this “shrinking” will cause conflicts, but I believe that it will also lead to the improvement of our common understanding of each other and our compassion for one another on a global scale.

As millennial’s, we will face challenges in our future that no generation before us ever has. While globalization will be the cause of many of these challenges, it will also be a solution to many of them.

Regardless of your opinions and politics, understanding globalization will allow you to have a better understanding of how the world operates. Our world is changing at a breakneck pace, and a competent understanding of these changes is vital for us to be effective leaders, policy drivers and change-makers of the future.

If you are a student at CSUSM and have an opportunity to enroll in global studies, political science, mass media or any course related to globalization I would highly recommend it. Learning more about globalization will open your eyes to the new dynamic nature of the world, from politics and business to science and technology, as well as prepare you for the uncertain future that lies ahead.