The United States (US) has benefited greatly from the globalization process since the end
of World War II. The most significant benefits for the US have been economic in nature and
have enhanced the overall standard of living for the average American during the continuous
period of advancement. Globalization process has essentially changed the job markets, the
manufacturing capacity, and following thereon – the very fabric of US culture and political
outlook. Globalization has been transformative for the US and as with any changes while there
are “winners” and “losers”, the overall benefits of globalization have vastly surpassed the
accompanying detriments.
At the conclusion of WWII, the US stood unsurpassed on the world stage in terms of
economic, military and political dominance (Lerman & Schmidt, n.d.). The US position of
authority set the stage for its meteoric economic growth and world-wide political proselytization
for the second half of the 20th century. Capital, innovation, influence, manufacturing and
markets in need of US goods to rebuild were readily available and largely ready-made venues for
the manufacturing might of the US. In the subsequent years as the US’s influence grew around
the world so did opportunities to break into new markets. The argument in favor of globalization,
especially in the US, has been that the rising tide of economic growth for US businesses and
consumers has and will continue to raise all boats. Globalization opened new markets, created
jobs and formed the economic underpinnings upon which the US has sustained itself as an
economic and military superpower and are still reaping the attendant benefits from that.
Globalization has resulted in innovation, higher productivity, allowed unfettered communication,
the growth and influence of US multinationals worldwide and has allowed Americans more
products and consumer choices at ever lower prices (Parry, 2004).
