Globalization: history, trends and technologies Globalization is textually defined as the development of an increasingly integrated global economy, characterized above all by free trade and the free flow of capital, and by exploitation of foreign resources cheaper labor markets (Webster's Dictionary). Within this definition we can see many vital pieces that must coexist for this world to be a truly globalized environment. Globalization is the term most frequently used today, but that does not mean that its early forms were not already in motion. From the beginning of the 2nd century BC the "silk roads" were formed which exchanged goods from one part of the country to another. Early empires thrived by globalizing their countries by creating routes and paths to communicate and transport goods. Globalization has expanded boundaries for third world nations that were underdeveloped to become more civilized in their governance. To better understand where globalization has its roots, we must delve into the fundamentals of free trade, the free flow of capital, and the benefits gained from foreign labor markets. First, free trade presents mutual barriers at different levels. personal business, virtually all of us exploit the advantages of free trade and comparative advantage without thinking twice (Blinder). Free trade essentially introduces new technologies to third world countries and helps them develop a stronger economy and find a new quality of life. The benefits of free trade are described by the theory of comparative advantage, which by definition means a lower relative cost of production compared to someone else's. With this, as long as each country specializes in products in which it has a comparative advantage, ... middle of paper ... globalization shortens borders. While many imperfections continue to manifest themselves in the overwhelming change that is globalization, there has been one strong positive development that the world has gone through. Through the means of free trade and using foreign markets, globalization spreads to new corners of the world in search of new countries in which to innovate and grow. Reference: (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/globalization(2006, 02). Free trade. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 2002, 2006, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Free-Trade-78394.htmlSchroy, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.capital-flow-analysis.com/investment-essays/globalization.html(nd). Retrieved from http://www.globalexchange.org/fairtrade/sweatfree/faqThe Levin Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globalization101.org/information-technology/