Last Updated: April 16, 2008
Globalization
Cargo Containers in Port of Valparaiso, Chile. Trade is one of the main drivers of globalization. (photo: Blaine Harrington III/Corbis)
Globalization touches the lives of people everywhere. Unfortunately, recent global opinion polls reveal that many people fear globalization. While globalization can bring immense change, often the change benefits those most in need.
IMF work on globalization is multifaceted, including the impact on labor and migration, the evolution of financial globalization, and the effect of trade on economic growth.
Opinion
Globalization as Threat?
April 9, 2007
According to a BBC poll, globalization and the power of the United States pose a more serious threat to the world than war and terrorism.
Another recent global opinion poll 
Globalization as Opportunity
November 29, 2007
Countries that grow and reduce poverty do so by following eclectic policies tailored to their own realities.
Dani Rodrik, Harvard University
Skills Key to Adapt to Globalization
October 10, 2007
While strong economic growth has made most people better off in absolute terms, globalization is often blamed for the widening gap between rich and poor.
Putting Financial Globalization to Work
August 16, 2007
Financial globalization is here to stay and all countries, essentially, are affected by it to varying degrees.
F&D: The Two Faces of Financial Globalization
Financial Globalization: Latest Research Findings
April 26-27, 2007
Prominent researchers discuss their latest work on the macroeconomic implications of financial globalization.
Overview and Strategy
Challenges and Opportunities from Financial Globalization
December 12, 2007
Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region—having experienced a financial crisis only 10 years ago—are well aware of the risks and vulnerabilities that stem from potentially volatile global capital flows.
Issues brief: Globalization—Threat or Opportunity?
Financial Globalization
Globalization and Systemic Risk
September 27-28, 2007
How could systemic risk be enhanced or contained by globalization?
Who's Driving Financial Globalization?
August 16, 2007
Financial globalization has approximately tripled since the mid-1970s, with regional differences.
Tracking Financial Globalization
July 2, 2007
Should the surge in capital flowing around the world be cause for joy or for alarm?
Globalization of Trade
Commodity Price Moves and the Global Economic Slowdown
March 20, 2008
Commodity prices have continued their rapid ascent this year.
Intra-regional Trade Key to Asia's Export Boom
Febuary 6, 2008
The export-oriented growth strategies of emerging Asian economies have been reflected in a steady increase of their share in world trade.
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Spotlight
Globalization, Commodity Prices, and Developing Countries
April 3, 2008
Recent IMF research suggests the current world commodity boom has proven more favorable to developing countries than previous booms in several ways.
Globalization of Labor
Slideshow: Globalization and Inequality
October 11, 2007
An IMF Survey slideshow explains how the spread of new technology may spur rising inequalities.
Bane or Boon?
Podcast: Does Global Labor Help or Hurt?
June 14, 2007
Causes and effects of labor globalization, including the issue of outsourcing.
Research and Publications
Regionalism or Multilateralism?
March 20, 2008
Foreign Direct Investments and Structural Reform
February 26, 2008
How Does Financial Globalization Affect Risk Sharing? Patterns and Channels
October 2007
How Does Globalization Affect Developing Countries?
September 2007
Globalization, Gluts, Innovation or Irrationality: What Explains the Easy Financing of the U.S. Current Account Deficit?
July 2007
More publications on globalization