Skip to main content

                                                                     

 

 

Research Essay:

 Globalization and Democratization

Submitted To

Dr. Ahmad Ijaz Malik

Subject

New International Economic Order

Submitted by

Imdad Hussain MPhil 2nd Semester

 School of Politics and International Relations Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Essay

Globalization and Democratization

Abstract

This article sheds light on the relationship between the process of globalization and democratization. while explaining the link between these two phenomena globalization has been briefly explained and agents of globalization have been explored to construct a deep understudying. In addition, democratization has been scrutinized to explore the relationship between the two. The first part of the paper explains how globalization is threatening the prospects of democratization. The second part accounts for how globalization provides fertile grounds for its flourishment. The essay ends by driving the conclusion that globalization has been a bane and boon for democratization.

Keywords: Globalization, Democratization, Sovereignty, Multilateralism, MNCs, NGOs, Populism, and Protectionism

1.      Introduction

There exists a connection between the process of globalization and democratization is no denying fact. However, there are diverse opinions regarding whether they go hand in hand or they both cut each other in their transition. On the one hand, some see globalization as a good thing that helps the flourishment of democratic ideals. On the other hand, globalization has been attacked by critics of the free market for perpetuating inequality in the market rather than reducing it. Hence, they are skeptical in believing the process is breeding fertile grounds for democratization. The approach that believes globalization threatens the prospects of democratization rely on grounds such as it undermines the decision power of national governments. They believe that the supranational and subnational actors assume greater power in the decision-making process and challenge the autonomy of the state.[1] Governments are dictated by these organizations while formulating economic, social, and political policies. Governments hence become more concerned about attracting foreign investment rather than serving the needs of their citizens. Such an approach is in contradiction with the ideals of democratization and the latter thus becomes undermined. Similarly, the Integration of national economies through the imposition of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPS) and free trade regimes on less advanced countries leads to economic inequality. The concept is supported and promoted by international institutions such as International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), and World Trade Organizations (WTO) to ensure the liberalization of trade. Simultaneously, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other non-state groups challenge the autonomy of states from the below.[2] These groups are increasingly involved in providing welfare services cut down by the states owing to the imposition of SAPs and financial restrictions imposed by global financial institutions. On the other hand, there is a scholarship that believes in globalization catalyzing the process of democratization. They put forth several points to substantiate their claims. The proponents of this belief underscore that global redistribution of power has given birth to new political, economic, and cultural actors and processes that are transnational in nature.[3] There is a body of literature that propounds that the spread of the free market, liberalization of trade, increases in FDI, and privatization of production offer new opportunities for encouraging political liberalization.[4] Privatization favors individuals by placing more economic power in the hands of the latter which can be later translated into political power. In the long run, such economic empowerment and economic growth contribute to sustaining democratic ideals. In addition, the deep connection beyond the borders and free flow of information helps to learn of new ideas and concepts of accountability and transparency. Such norms are consistent with democratization and inconsistent with the authoritarian outlook of the states. As consequence, authoritarian regimes tend to liberalize political values in order to incorporate economic liberalization and to make their positive image in society, thereby, consolidating their own position. In this way, regimes may end up in a democracy by default. Similarly, the era of globalization has spurred the decentralization of power at regional and international levels. Since then, the world has witnessed growth in democratic regimes. Globalization has paved the way for the organization of civil societies across the world that are deemed as beneficial for the growth of democratic values. Civil society organizations, including NGOs, contribute to political pluralism by giving voice to a myriad of different interests. They provide a counterbalance to the government, thereby preventing state monopoly of power and encouraging transparency and accountability.[5] They are considered as important agents of civil participation and play an active role in bringing empowerment to the doorstep of citizens. NGOs and Civil Societies have been champions of Human Rights, Civil Liberties, women's Rights, and poverty eradication. These organizations incorporate civic sense and democratic values in the citizens. Such a plan of action is a prerequisite for the consolidation of democratic norms in societies. The above literature reveals divergent opinions on the linkage between globalization and democratization. One camp believes that both globalization and democratization go hand in hand. While the other urges that globalization has threatened the prospects of democratization. However, the divergence between the opinions can be minimized by taming the process of globalization to make it consistent with democratic norms. For that reason, all the drivers of globalization should be channeled in such a way that would, in turn, further the values of democracy instead of fueling inequalities and imbalances in the patterns of relations between the state and citizens.

2.      Globalization

The concept of globalization is inextricably linked with the process of transformation touching every aspect of economic, political, and social development around the globe.  It can be viewed as a process through which the world is increasingly transformed into a global village. Therefore, no single definition can explain the concept thoroughly. Scholars like Anthony Gidden, a British sociologist, conceive globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa.[6] Similarly, Robert Cox, an American political scientist, characterizes it as a trend that includes the internationalization of labor, states, and new migratory movements from south to North.[7] However, various scholars have tried to define the term on their own to explain the term in its entirety. A process of increasing interconnectedness between societies such that events in one part of the world increasingly have effects on people and societies far away.[8] Another scholar defines globalization as, “globalization is the product of many forces, some of which are political (no major was since 1945), some of which are technological (faster and cheaper transportation and communication), and some of which are economic (nature firms seeking growth outside their national boundaries”.[9] From the above definitions, it can be concluded that globalization has its impacts on social, economic, and political dimensions. Globalization is driven by certain forces viz. Multinational Corporations (MNCs), support of the capitalist world, and rapid development in information technology. The process is characterized by certain features mentioned below.

1.      Modernization

2.      Internationalization of national economies

3.      Deregulation of tariff barriers

4.      Liberalization

5.      Privatization

6.      Global movement of capital, ideas, technology, and political and social values.

Most importantly, globalization has signified the concept of deterritorialization, and in doing this geography is becoming less relevant to people and their interactions. The features of globalization have largely impacted national sovereignty, domestic economies, democracy, and interaction between states.

Democratization

Ideally speaking, democracy empowers people and gives them the power to shape their destinies. Hence, it is a process through which a political regime becomes democratic.[10] Democratization is, however, difficult to define because there exists a disagreement, at large, about how to understand democracy. However, most of scholars agree on various variables such as freedom of speech, rule of law, free and fair election, transparency, and protection of fundamental rights. Democracy requires certain conditions for its consolidation. Two basic norms stand out as fundamental to a functioning democracy anywhere; mutual understanding and institutional forbearance.[11] The idea is that strong institutions are responsible for the decentralization of power. Strong institutions always favor good governance and ensure the devolution of power thus serving the spirit of democracy. Hence, a group of scholars establishes that globalization fortifies these norms of democracy and thus prospects of democratization are always high. While the other school of thought that believes democratization is at odds with globalization cites reasons such as inequality, overriding of authority by MNCs and NGOs, and dictation in the decision-making process by global financial institutions. Here we need to understand that the world has gone through several changes and we need to examine their existence in light of new developments. Having said that we can not deem democracy as an ideal government and suitable for interests of all sorts. These multilateral institutions such as WHO, IMF, and UN have helped different democracies to establish strong institutions catering to the economic needs of citizens.

Milner and Mukherji assert that the past 30 years have been a period of intense global change. Many aspects of international relations have experienced rapid transformation, but two central trends stand out.

1.      Firstly, the third wave of democratization, which started slowly in the late 1970s with the transitions in Spain and Portugal, extended further to many Latin American countries in the 1980s, and then gathered momentum in the 1990s, engulfing Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and parts of Africa and Asia. Democracy has thus become a global trend, and countries all over the world have become more democratic.[12]

2.      The second central trend has been characterized by the increasingly intense interchange of people, goods, information, and money across national borders. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as economic globalization, and a number of commentators have christened the contemporary period as “the era of economic globalization.[13]

 

3.      Drivers of Globalization

Globalization is a process that is catalyzed by certain factors.  John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge in their book, Future Perfect; The Promise and Challenge of Globalization, have termed these factors as “The Three Engines of Globalization”. These include Information Technology, Capital Market, and Management.

 

        i.            Information Technology

The increasing number of sites on the internet has made it easier to obtain information and conduct economic activities. Various data or information is available from around the world. One example is in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The promotion of industries, goods, and services is also very complete on the internet. So, buying something in one country can be done through the internet. This has made the world seem smaller, a "world village". Each person is likened to being everywhere without having to go everywhere. This condition is called, by Micklethwait and Wooldridge, "The Death of Distance".[14]

      ii.            Capital Market

The second engine of globalization is the capital market. If we listen and pay attention at certain hours on every TV and radio station, they talk about the economic exchange, stock prices, and other related trade, then we can see how speed of the capital movement as well as the increasing number of capital with a very fatal consequence. By using one touch of a button, it is able to move trillions of dollars from one place to another. Seeing the experience of developing countries, the big influence of the world capital market is very large and it is not only on the economy but also on the political system and government, for instance, South Korea, Indonesia, and others. Therefore, it is very natural to have the pro and contrast of the desire to escape from the IMF. According to George Soros that the money markets lately have been acting like a big ball that hit one country to another, acting like a pendulum.[15]

    iii.            Management

The third engine of globalization is management. Management method which continues to grow will not only able to raise the company or organization but also able to make the organization survive the dangers of the crisis. The more progress of the company, the more tendency to make an investment as well as to open company branches in various places of region or country while the permanent headquarter company is still in the city or country of origin of the company. The current management method is very concerned with how to operate the business units as efficiently as possible.[16]

4.      How Globalization Threatens the prospects of Democracy?

There is a wide literature that believes that globalization and democracy have always been at odds. The former wipes out the ideals of democracy thereby weakening the foundation of democratic regimes. They cite several reasons to substantiate their claims. A few of them have been discussed below.

I.                    Globalization undermining the state’s autonomy in decision-making

The process of decision-making is the sole responsibility of the government which is elected through a ballot by the citizens of a country. Globalization empowers non-state actors that challenge the legitimate authority of the state. Consequently, the powerful non-state actors obliged the government to formulate economic and social policies that attract foreign investment. In lieu of such preferences, the citizens of the country are ignored. The policy-making instead of aiming at attracting foreign investment should cater to the needs of the citizens.  Importantly, in a bid to attract foreign investment governments cut welfare services that are the prime responsibility of the state. Under social contact, citizens have surrendered to the state in exchange for their well-being. Similarly, foreign investment can make a negative impact by squeezing the domestic industry and resultantly, leaving the people associated with the domestic industry jobless. Foreign direct investments (FDI) represent such a form of investment in which foreign investor keeps the ownership right, and provides control and management of the firm in which they invested the funds, in order to achieve long-term interests.[17] Thus the investors make the governments toothless. The dwindling power of the state over such entities is tantamount to the loss of autonomy by the domestic government.

II.                  Globalization breeding inequality is anti-thesis to norms of democratization

Democracy believes in the concept of equality. It promotes the notion of one man one vote. The IMF admitted in 2007 that inequality levels may have increased by the introduction of new technology and the investment of foreign capital in developing countries.[18] The menace of inequality is not confined to only developing countries but also the developed countries distrust globalization. They fear that it often allows employers to move jobs away to cheaper places in search of maximum profits. In France, for instance, globalization and delocalization have become derogatory remarks for free market policies. And a survey shows that only 22% of French people thought globalization was a good thing for their country.[19] Globalization was promoted with a belief in economic disparities around the world. On the contrary, globalization has widened the gap between the rich and the powerful. For the said reason, Marxist believe that it is a western lead capitalistic phenomenon that basically furthers the development of global capitalism rather than making the world more alike.[20] The theme of democratization, on the other hand, promotes economic equality and emphasizes on trickle-down effect.

According to Amrita sen, globalization has been for long promoting the interest of elites at the expense of poor labor. Resultantly, the rich are becoming richer and the poor are getting poorer has become a fact. The dividends of globalization as result are distributed only among the upper strata of society responsible for breeding poverty. The unjust policies are indeed against the spirit of democratization.

 

III.                NGOs, MNCs, and Global institutions challenging state sovereignty

Since the advent of globalization, non-state actors such as MNCs, financial institutions, and NGOs have assumed greater importance in global affairs. They exert their influence in the formal decision-making of states thereby challenging the state’s sovereignty. Sovereignty is the only attribute that distinguishes the state from informal organizations. A state with no sovereignty is not deemed as a state according to international law. state autonomy is challenged from below by NGOs and other non-state groups. These actors have gradually become involved in providing the welfare services that many governments are no longer able to provide because of the fiscal restraint imposed by IMF and WB SAPs.[21] These NGOs have been encouraged by the aid provided by the donors of the Global North. In addition, NGOs have been seen as a substitute for the state for it provides the services previously provided by the states. NGOs are also given grants by multilateral and bilateral donors in order to contribute to ‘good governance’ through civil society strengthening.[22] Although, good governance is a norm that comes under the responsibility of the state. Democracy advocates good governance through public service delivery and by ensuring well being of the citizens. Similarly, the critics of globalization in first place question the composition of global institutions. Their composition is undemocratic as they fail to include the smaller nation at the strategic helm. The US has a monopoly over the Bretton Wood system. The strong have the power to make the rules and the authority to implement the rules. In contrast, the weak ones can neither set nor invoke the rules.[23] The Bretton Wood system through the SAPs forced the government to cut down welfare services, and increase taxes. The accountability of governments to their people, who elect them or whom they represent, is eroded. In an ideal world, such accountability to citizens alone is a priority.[24] This is a blatant violation of the constitutional sovereignty granted to states.

IV.               Globalization has spurred populist politics and is a threat to democracy

In the recent epoch of globalization, it has been witnessed that economic liberalization breeds political polarization and populism, particularly in the west. Populist politics has surged as a result of widespread inequalities among the communities and the marginalization of segments of societies. Populist parties are on the rise in western democracies. Several studies provide some support for the view that economic globalization is one of the most important causes.[25] As a matter of fact, the principles of free trade are the same for nations as they are for individuals. When the systems work under a common set of rules and standards the dividends are uniformly distributed among the states, similarly, when state institutions operate uniformly benefits reach all and sundry, and contentment of the masses can be seen at all levels. International economic integration seems to have produced domestic disintegration in many countries, deepening the divide between the winners and losers of exposure to global competition.[26] The breeding contentment acts as a glue to keep people together. In case of discrimination and marginalization of minorities or particular segments of society, discontentment at large can be witnessed. But most of the benefits of this explosion in activity have gone to the developing world and, in the west, the already rich, highly educated, and talented.[27]

 

 

5.      How globalization is Increasing the Opportunities for Democratization?

The proponents of globalization do not outrightly ignore the negative repercussions of globalization. In fact, they endorse certain inequalities and insecurities associated with the phenomenon of globalization. However, they differ in their explanation from the anti-globalists and put forward a series of justifications to sustain their claims.

                    I.            Global redistribution of power strengthens democratization

The world is witnessing new political, economic, and cultural actors across the world owing to the reordering of power relations among different transnational actors. These actors operate in an environment that is transnational. There is a body of literature that argues that the spread of the free market, liberalization of trade, increases in FDI, and privatization of production that offer new opportunities for encouraging political liberalization.[28] Indeed, the growth of the private sector requires the free flow of information, transparency in financial institutions, and an end to corruption and rule of law. Similarly, privatization emphasizes on placing economic resources in individual hands. States are constrained in making interfering in individual matters and market trends are set by individuals. This ensures greater economic empowerment that can be translated into political power. In this way, the economic development spurred by economic liberalization helps sustain democratic ideals such as freedom of association and movement. In addition, the links with the ‘outside world’ through trade and cross-border investment help to introduce ideas about transparency, accountability, and other good business practices that are contrary to the closed, monopolistic power of state-led economies.[29] Furthermore, in search of economic reforms, the authoritarian states engage in economic liberalization in order to consolidate their position.  As economic links among states expand, authoritarian countries experience an increase in pressure from transnational companies for political liberalization. These authoritarian states, as a result of globalization, have fewer incentives to cling to power or proceed with their radical policies. [30] Thereby, such regimes inadvertently end up in democratization.

                  II.            Decentralization of Power from state to people is in line with democratic norms

Indeed, during the era of globalization, the world has witnessed rapid decentralization which is central to the growth of democratic ideals. The phenomenon has championed the devolution of power from the center to local governments to bring governance to the doorstep of its citizens.  Civil society and NGOs are deemed as vehicles of democratization. The globalized world advocates for the establishment of civil societies and NGOs. They are important vehicles for citizen participation in public affairs and empower individuals in exercising their civil and political rights.[31]

 

                III.            Globalization also contributes to democratization through the spread of new information and communication technologies (ICTs)

Advancement in information technology and new modes of communication has turned the world into a global village. The reduction in information and traveling costs mean that people have access to a lot more information not only from their government but from all over the world. This means democracies can now promote their values and ideals to autocratic countries a lot more freely, as autocracies have diminishing control over information. [32] These inventions act strongly to strengthen regional, national and local entities by bringing them together. The strong affinities between people have blurred the distinction between communities and nations. This sort of new pattern has led to a universal culture where democracy and democratic institutions are advocated. As a result, global movements have given birth to resolving global problems. Daniel Bell, in this regard, states that the national government is too small to respond to the big question, such as the influence of global economic competition or the destruction of the world’s environment, reduction of carbon emissions, and global refugee crisis.[33] This sort of interdependence has given birth to deep interaction which is being used by people to resolve many global problems. Many contemporary problems, such as ecological degradation, crime, the regulation of capital, and the removal of national boundaries. In addition, the global reach of power relations means that issues such as women’s rights, labor rights, and human rights have a global dimension.[34] This has forced local governments to cooperate with each other regarding global issues or through multilateral regimes to find out solutions to collective problems. The notion of collectivism is a central concept of democracy and globalization encourages collectivism.

 

               IV.            Economic, political and cultural integration fuels coexistence is the ideal of democracy

Coexistence has been a hallmark of democracy in all civilized societies. It may come through the economic, social, and political integration of societies. Politics of exclusion is harmful to a peaceful social order and all sort of exclusion breeds alienation of all kinds. The social manifestations of exclusion can be powerful. At the same time, economic exclusion accentuates social exclusion, while social exclusion accentuates political exclusion. Similarly, cultural exclusion such as that of immigrant groups, minority communities or ethnic groups interacts with economic exclusion from the market and political exclusion from democracy.[35] Democratic principles are inconsistent with policies of exclusion. In fact, new markets and greater wealth promote greater cultural and social integration by eliminating the national borders. A borderless world in terms of economics, social and political relations leads to coexistence and discourages the ethnocentrism that is largely responsible for conflicts. Democracies survive in a peaceful and stable conditions that can only be achieved through peaceful coexistence. Globalization through multilateral settings strives for peace and democracy. After World War II, the United States helped build a global economic order governed by mutually accepted rules and overseen by multilateral institutions. The idea was to create a better world with countries seeking to cooperate with one another to promote prosperity and peace.[36]

6.      Conclusion

Two approaches were underscored while examining the link between globalization and democratization. The first approach perceives globalization as a threat to the process of democratization. The first approach is more similar to the realist perspective that considers the state as only important actor in the global affairs. The state is above all other actors for the state is empowered through democracy to act on behalf of its citizens. The nation-state is an entity that caters to the need of a group of people living in a defined territory with the same values. Essentially, globalization threatens national autonomy, patriotism and the identity. Globalization promotes values that challenge the predominance of the state by intervening in the affairs of the state through various regimes and financial institutions. Globalization is promoting such a set of new patterns where governments are surrendering to transnational groups in search of foreign direct investments. States have been forced to endorse that economic openness is need of the hour and without a free market and integration of economies states cannot thrive. In doing so states ignore their own citizens to attract foreign direct investment. Small companies who are unable to compete with multi nationals on an international scale lose from more economic openness. The results of this loss cause a weakening of democracy. On the other hand, a group of scholars contends that globalization through its various dimensions and features paves the way for the growth of democracies. They put forward cogent reasons to believe in their assumptions of democracy and globalization go hand in hand. They believe that globalization has promoted economic development. This has, in turn, resulted in the economic empowerment of individuals and these individuals have translated their economic power into political power. This trend is consistent with the democratic ideals. Similarly, the integration of economies and cultures has led to peace and stability in various regions. Peace and stability are essential conditions for sustaining democratic ideals. In addition, the advancement in information technology and communication has facilitated the process of democracy by brining people close together. The inflow of ideas and unrestricted traveling has broken the shackles of authoritarianism and multinational regimes have been supporting the voices of plurality across the world. All these abovementioned factors are drivers of democratization. Hence, it can be said that globalization has posed a significant challenge to the sovereignty of nation-states and on the other hand, it has expanded democracy.



[1] Nicola Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back in: Examining the Link between Globalization and Democratization,” Review of International Political Economy 11, no. 2 (April 2004): 311–36, https://doi.org/10.1080/0969229042000249831.

[2] Nicola Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back in: Examining the Link between Globalization and Democratization,” Review of International Political Economy 11, no. 2 (April 1, 2004): 311–36.

[3] Pratt.

[4] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 2004.

[5] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 1, 2004.

[6] Ghosh, Peu, International Relations, Third, n.d.

[7] Ghosh, Peu.

[8] Bayllis, John, Smith, Steve, and Owens, Patricia, The Globalization of World Politics, 6th Edition, n.d.

[9] Ida Farida, “GLOBALIZATION AND ITS EFFECT ON DEMOCRACY,” 2013, 6.

[10] Craig M. Kauffman, “Democratization | Definition, Theories, & Facts,” Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed June 26, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/democratization.

[11] Ziblatt, Daniel and Levitsky, Steven, How Democracies Die?, n.d.

[12] Helen V. Milner and Bumba Mukherjee, “Democratization and Economic Globalization,” Annual Review of Political Science 12, no. 1 (2009): 163–81.

[13] Milner and Mukherjee.

[14] Wooldridge, Adrian and Micklethwait, John, Future Perfect; The Challenge and Promise of Globalization (Random House Publishing Group, n.d.).

[15] Wooldridge, Adrian and Micklethwait, John.

[16] Wooldridge, Adrian and Micklethwait, John.

[17] I Susic, M Stojanovic-Trivanovic, and M Susic, “Foreign Direct Investments and Their Impact on the Economic Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 200 (May 2017): 012019, https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/200/1/012019.

[18] “When Did Globalisation Start?,” The Economist, September 23, 2013, https://www.economist.com/free-exchange/2013/09/23/when-did-globalisation-start.

[19] “When Did Globalisation Start?”

[20] Bayllis, John, Smith, Steve, and Owens, Patricia, The Globalization of World Politics.

[21] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 1, 2004.

[22] Pratt.

[23] Deepak Nayyar, “Globalization and Democracy,” Brazilian Journal of Political Economy 35 (July 2015): 388–402, https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-31572015v35n03a01.

[24] Nayyar.

[25] Andreas Bergh and Anders Kärnä, “Globalization and Populism in Europe,” Public Choice, November 19, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11127-020-00857-8.

[26] Dani Rodrik, “Why Does Globalization Fuel Populism? Economics, Culture, and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism,” n.d., 49.

[27] “Globalisation Has Turned on Its Western Creators,” accessed June 26, 2021, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/8940701/Globalisation-has-turned-on-its-Western-creators.html.

[28] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 1, 2004.

[29] Pratt.

[30] “Has Globalization Spread Democracy around the World?,” accessed June 26, 2021, https://www.e-ir.info/2011/08/27/has-globalization-spread-democracy-around-the-world/.

[31] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 1, 2004.

[32] “Has Globalization Spread Democracy around the World?”

[33] “Globalization: Effects of Democracy on Globalization,” accessed June 26, 2021, https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/globalization-effects-of-democracy-on-globalization/31364.

[34] Pratt, “Bringing Politics Back In,” April 1, 2004.

[35] Nayyar, “Globalization and Democracy.”

[36] “What Is Globalization?,” accessed June 26, 2021, https://www.piie.com/microsites/globalization/what-is-globalization.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Recalcitrant Clergy Obstructing Containment of COVID-19

Pakistan like other countries has banned any sort of congregations.  On the contrary our religious scholars are exhibiting a rigid behavior in this crucial time.  All  the  religions  across the globe  including Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity have postpone d  all religious ceremonies. The  U nited Christian Churches of South Korea, which mainly comprises of Protestants , delayed Easter parade scheduled on April 12, for two months. Similarly, South-East Asian Buddhist community announced delaying of Buddha’s birthday celebration. The association announced, “ The  ritual to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, which was to be held on April 30 th , will  be put off to May 30.  Other festivals faced a similar fate owing to the  spread of the  contagious disease. This type of situation has emerged for the first  time  in the history of south Asia.  Banning of these rituals, as precautionary  measures ,  ...
 Winter of economic recession is coming Almost two weeks ago the United Nations (UN) secretary general warned that a global recession, perhaps of a record dimension was a near certainty. Needless to say, global economy is facing a worst crisis in the recent times. As the epicenter of corona virus leaves China, from where it originated, it starts to cause lockdown and panic across the Europe and has reached to the American landscape in a short span of time. Now, the pandemic has stretched its tentacles across the world; and certainly, many states have surrendered to the scourge. Subsequently, the global economy has experienced a new recession; global domestic product has shrunken implicating other economic indicators around the globe. Industries have been locked down in order to contain the contagion: consequently, production has hit a new low.The contraction of domestic product and disruption of financial activities around the world is setting in a new winter of economic re...