Public Opinion Brief No. 13: Global Views on Globalization

Global Perspectives on Globalization: Globalization is Beneficial, but Concerns Grow Over Environment and Jobs



□ Globalization and international trade benefit national economies and individual lives.

□ When international norms conflict with sovereignty, South Korea prioritizes sovereignty.

□ Globalization aligns with national and individual interests; it poses threats to the environment and jobs.

[Figure 1] Assessment of Globalization in 18 Countries

Amidst the rapid advancement of globalization, global public opinion on the phenomenon is largely positive. This is according to a public opinion survey conducted by the East Asia Institute (EAI, President Kim Byong-kook, Professor at Korea University) and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) across 17 countries from 2006 to 2007.

In most of the 14 countries surveyed, a majority believes that globalization plays a positive role in their national interests. South Korea is classified as the second most positive country towards globalization, following China (87%). Generally, countries where the proportion of foreign trade in their national economy is larger tend to have a more positive assessment of globalization.

Considering that in the Philippines (49%), Mexico (41%), and Russia (41%), favorable assessments of globalization did not exceed a majority but still outnumbered negative responses, it is difficult to characterize public opinion as outright negative.

Opinions are divided regarding the sector-specific impacts of globalization. Examining the sector-specific impacts of globalization as perceived by the world, based on the average of 18 countries, reveals that a majority believes globalization has a positive impact on the national economy (71.8%), corporations (66.6%), consumers (63.5%), job creation (59.9%), and individual living standards (57.4%). However, in the eyes of the global public, globalization does not appear particularly positive for employment stability and the environment within a country. Favorable opinions on employment and environmental issues fall short of a majority.

Note) Blank spaces indicate 'Don't know/No response'.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the assessment of sectors positively impacted by globalization and those that are not differs little from that of other countries. However, the perception that the benefits of globalization primarily accrue to the national economy, corporations, and consumers exceeded the global average. For the remaining sectors, the perception was nearly on par with the global average. Considering the domestic socio-political conflicts surrounding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade liberalization, the positive perception of globalization is considerable.

[Figure 2] Percentage of "Positive" Responses on Sector-Specific Impacts of Globalization (%)

Note) Figures represent the percentage of respondents who answered "positive" among the choices of "positive" and "negative."

□ Conflicts over Globalization in South Korea

Is it compliance with global norms? Or sovereignty?

Despite high expectations for globalization, why do debates surrounding trade liberalization and openness persist in South Korea? The analysis of this survey suggests that the reason for intensifying political conflict, even with a high level of consensus on globalization among South Koreans, lies in the particular concern that globalization could potentially infringe upon national sovereignty.

In this survey, when asked, "When dealing with international issues, should decisions be made within the UN even if they sometimes conflict with a country's own choices?", 49% of South Koreans responded "disagree," making it the most negative response among the 16 countries surveyed. Furthermore, when asked, "If a specific country files a complaint against our country in the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding an international trade dispute, and the WTO makes a decision unfavorable to our country's position, should we comply?", 52% of South Koreans responded "should not comply," indicating that South Korea is a nation with a very strong sense of sovereignty.

Examining a few country cases, the Philippines, following South Korea, also showed a high proportion of respondents who believe that international organizations' decisions should be rejected if they conflict with national interests or sovereignty. In contrast, China, which is experiencing rapid growth with its strategy to build a fully prosperous society by 2020 through an open economy, had only about 10% of respondents who believe decisions of international organizations should not be complied with. This demonstrates a compliant attitude towards international norms.

Ultimately, in the case of South Korea, while there is consensus that globalization aligns with national and individual interests, it is evident that different values are clashing over how to make choices when faced with situations where international norms and national sovereignty inevitably conflict during the globalization process.

When different values clash over a single issue in this manner, the space for compromise and adjustment rapidly shrinks, and the cost of social conflict escalates. Resolving such issues is precisely the role of the political sphere. Coincidentally, debates surrounding potential presidential candidates are intensifying in South Korea. It would be meaningful to consider who can propose solutions to the dilemma of value conflicts surrounding globalization as a criterion for selecting candidates and participating in the upcoming presidential election.

[Figure 3] Percentage of "Non-Compliance" when UN and WTO Decisions Conflict with National Interests (%)

Note 1) Percentage of respondents who answered "disagree" to the statement: "When dealing with international issues, should decisions be made within the UN even if they sometimes conflict with a country's own choices?"

Note 2) Percentage of respondents who answered "should not comply" to the question: "If a specific country files a complaint against our country in the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding an international trade dispute, and the WTO makes a decision unfavorable to our country's position, should we comply or not comply?"