In the early 20th century, several developments defined the shape of globalization.
Arabian Peninsula's liberation from Ottoman Empire led to formation of loose federation of small Arab states which were organized based on tribal affiliation although sectarian religious undercurrent was present. The Russian revolution, on the other hand, created an opportunity for Stalin and Eastern European leaders to create tightly controlled state monopolies on all aspects of life which was in full swing by the end of WWII.
As WWII was ended, Western Europe, standing as a surrogate power for the US, stood in opposition to the Eastern European alliances. Before the end of 1940s, Mao consolidated its control of the vast Chinese territories. Soon, India led to by Gandhi’s peaceful movement began its decolonization process which turned into final separation of its territories as to what we know today as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
During 1950s a host of movements led to many African and Asian independence movements ending an era of colonization. In 1960s with the US involvement in the S.E. Asia, the political geography was redefined and new political alliances were shaped.
During 1970s, Cold War was in full swing when many third world countries (little economic means and without any technology, social, or political infrastructure comparable to those of the Soviet Union or the US and its allies) aligned themselves to the Soviet bloc in many cases but were just pawns played in a well-crafted game between the Soviets and the US.
During 1980s, as the Soviet bloc fell and the Berlin Wall came down, the ideological battlegrounds of political differences gave way to economic rivalries. These changes gave rise to new economic opportunities to be exploited by international companies and shape the new face of globalization in the 21st century.
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