Globalization manifested from Communication

In order to measure the impact of globalization, it is important to recognize key technological developments, which have contributed to it (Hansen).  These technological innovations (i.e. internet, television, telephone, radio, satellite, etc.) have created global communication networks that have transcended national borders since the beginning of the 20th century.

Looking at the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) element, which has led to the continuing revolution of globalization through communication as Hansen states in The Information Revolution and World Politics, many innovative and technological developments have created new opportunities globally.  One of the first instances of the largest transnational forms of communication took place during the 1960s, with the launch of the first satellites.  Satellite technology, paved the way in establishing 'global communication networks' between developed and developing countries.  For example, arising technological advancements transmitted information and telephone services wirelessly across the globe, even to remote areas.

Creating an invisible web of connectivity, satellite technology greatly assisted in globalizing communication.  Prior to the early 1990s, ICTs were majorly used by many Western nation-states. However, in last few decades ICTs and the international distribution of cultural production (i.e. movies/ cinema studios) has grown and expanded across the globe.  Additionally, global media news today, is now broadcasted and shared, both domestically and internationally, with media outlets transmitting news and information in real-time, via internet (websites & social media sites), television, newspaper, radio, etc.

It is certainly true the world has become more interconnected within the past century.  The web of globalization and spread/ creation of new ICTs can no longer be mapped.  Manifested through the advancement of communication, globalization or transnationalism has snowballed and taken on a life of its own.  Global, national, domestic, societal, and personal connections are now more interconnected because of the development of ICTs.  In future decades, our connectivity will only further increase, which will become an important element for building a more globalized world, and society.