Globalization: Approaches and Solutions Dr. Mohammad Reza Majidi  Introduction Despite academic and media analysis of the concept of globalization, discussions about this topic has still preoccupied the scientific and decision-making centers in Iran. Some governmental institutions have been instructed to compile the principles and intellectual fundamentals as well as approaches that prepare the grounds for appropriate decision-making and policy-making in this field. Hence it is necessary to study this topic from various viewpoints and shed light on its different angles in the light of its strong and weak points as well as opportunities and threats. The Islamic Revolution took shape on the basis of universal ideas of Islam. The message of Islam is universal and is not confined to the parochial territorial, ethnic, and racial frameworks. Simultaneous with the victory of the Islamic Revolution in the later decades of the twentieth century, rapid technological developments formed an interdependent world and there was ample talk of the concept of globalization to the extent that these decades were called the era of globalization, for during those days the issue of globalization occupied a major chunk of scientific discussions and debate in the world and a large number of books and articles were written about it and still hot discussions are going on in the scientific circles and universities of the world. In practice we observe the popular opposition, particularly by the workers and peasants, students and environmentalists. There are a number of cultural questions and ambiguities about this concept and related terms. The political and scientific elite, the academic circles and policy-making centers and officials as well as the media and even the common citizens talk about it. Regarding the nature of globalization, despite the fact that there are several works on this topic and their number is increasing everyday, there is not yet any single definition about globalization and there is no consensus about it among the scholars. Just like other theoretical subjects, this topic too faces a kind of ambiguity. In fact it is very difficult and somehow ambitious to give a clear definition of the term globalization. Anthony Giddens, the renowned British sociologist, maintains that this concept has hardly been understood. Some other writers believe that this concept has no meaning or the concept of globalization is a new term for the phenomena already known with other names.[i] There are various viewpoints about globalization, each focusing on a specific aspect. Some writers maintain that the main feature of globalization is fundamental changes in the global capitalist order in the arenas of production, distribution, trade, finance and technology which can be termed as transition from organized capitalism to unorganized capitalism on global level. In other words, they define it as a process which is creating a new social atmosphere.[ii] Paul Cook and Colin Patrick pay attention to the considerable enhancement of interdependence of the countries. They define globalization as such: Expansion of various relations and ties among the governments and societies that form the global system. Globalization is a process through which events, decisions, and activities of one part of the world can have some implications for the societies of a completely distinct part of the world.[iii] In fact globalization is defined from various angles, but most of the definitions pay attention to the communication aspect. From this angle they consider globalization as a concept that refers to the shrinking of the world in time and space. On the basis of a definition, globalization is a predictable move for commencement and correction of the information dissemination movement by new information technologies at regional and international levels.[iv] Anthony Mcgrew confirming that globalization is a multidimensional phenomena,[v] pays due attention to the issue of communication, defining globalization as the increasing mutual communication. He introduces the following items as the components of his definition: 1 – Under the conditions of globalization, social, political and economic activities influence and are influenced by the trans-national events. 2 – Globalization intensifies mutual interactions, creating a new global system. 3 – The growth of intensity and extent of communications leads to the elimination of the distance between domestic and international issues. In fact communications become so deep that the people on the side of their local lives feel a global aspect of their lives as well. 4 – Growing communications create some issues at transnational level which can be settled and handled only through global cooperation (proliferation of weapons and the problem of drug trafficking are among such issues). 5 – The volume and intensity of communications create an intertwined network between the governments and international institutions, communities, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. These networks lead to the creation of global system and this system creates systemic limitations for the activities of the actors, reducing their autonomy.[vi] Of course the explanations given under the said definition are the consequences of globalization that have been referred to by -Mcgrew and that we will take up below Globalization has also been defined from other aspects. Many thinkers have defined globalization only from economic point of view. For instance, on the basis of a definition, globalization means economy, development and domination of an economic production system on the societies of the world. Although this system does not rely on a single country, or a single source of economic-political power, it is mainly under the influence of the most powerful and effective economic-political units in the world.[vii] On the basis of another definition, globalization in simple language means unity of market, labor and production market, money and capital.[viii] Cultural globalization has been defined as a process that facilitates the transformation of cultural features to a part of the global cultural order and consequently the local cultures will be either eliminated or renovated.[ix] Many thinkers maintain that globalization in its cultural aspect is unification of various cultures and formation of a single global culture. This definition has drawn lots of criticisms and many consider the formation of such a culture neither possible nor likely. From political point of view, globalization means dilution of national borders, move towards a global government and reduction of the roles of nation-states in the interest of the transnational corporations. In political aspect of globalization attention is paid to the role of governments in the new world and many maintain that globalization will weaken or even cause the disintegration of the states. On the contrary, some others maintain that this will never happen. Indeed the phenomenon of nation-state has drawn the attention of the scholars in most definitions of the globalization. Overall, the best and most comprehensive definition of globalization is the one which pays attention to all aspects and looks at the issue from different aspects in a holistic approach. Without any doubt globalization has various consequences in various fields. For instance one cannot look at the cultural globalization without paying attention to political or economic aspects of globalization. Globalization or Globalism? One of the fundamental questions about the concept of globalization is whether this phenomenon is a process stemming from the processes of development of human societies through the passage of time, or is it a project that has been designed by some Western countries for whose prosperity the great powers play a great deal? In sum, is globalization a project or a process? The opponents of globalization, particularly in the South, consider it a brainchild of the strong industrial countries through which they try to dominate and exploit the underdeveloped world. Contrary to the opponents, the advocates of globalization consider it an unavoidable process in which all countries are allowed and at the same time forced to accompany it and would enjoy its numerous advantages as well. Commenting on whether transformation of the world into a single space should be considered a Western project, B. Oxford, alluding to a statement by Giddens, says: Giddens unhappily refers to the fact that the consequences of modernism entails nothing except the expansion of Western institutions across the world along with the elimination of the local cultures. He maintains that the global processes more than expanding modernism have functioned as its accelerator.[x] Another definition put forth in this regard is: globalization is a process in which some big powers decide in the direction of their own interests to prepare a conscious plan and define some objectives for this process. In fact they overburden the project of protection of their own interests on this process. Just like mounting the project of colonialism on development and progress in the past.[xi] Probably the following definition of globalization may seem more interesting: globalization is just like a tumultuous river that the more it goes forward, the more it becomes tumultuous and those who are equipped with appropriate tools and capabilities can ride and utilize the wave better than those who lack such tools.  Without any doubt, one cannot overlook the role of the big powers in this process, for some of these powers wish to change the direction of globalization in their own interests.[xii] However, it does not mean that the entire globalization process has been created by the West. Evidently, the big powers and the rich have taken any opportunity in the course of history to increase their power and interests. Currently, the West, relying on its capabilities and power in various aspects (particularly with regard to production of idea and creativity), tries to manage this process towards its own interests. It does not mean that weaker countries do not utilize this process, but the level, degree and kind of interests vary from one country to another. Backgrounds of Globalization A) Information Revolution – The considerable expansion and development of information technology has turned the world into a global village and it is no more possible just like in the past to close the doors and follow policies hidden from the eyes of others. The growing power of computers, computer software and revolution in the realm of information technology in various ways has in effect helped the condensation of the world. The transportation of goods, financial and personal currents have become very rapid due to the technological progress (particularly in the field of information technology)[xiii] to the extent that information revolution has prepared the most appropriate grounds for acceleration and signification of globalization. B) Economic backgrounds – Free flow of capital and goods, considerable increase in the commercial and economic communications on global scale, rapid growth of multinational corporations, dilution of national borders, growth of the volume of financial markets, more and more internationalization of capital, dilution of the indigenous nature and color of the goods, reduction of expenses, and finally integration of industrial and economic markets of the world,[xiv] all and all have played an important role in signification of this process. The formation of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) in October 1947 (Ottawa Conference) was a great stride towards globalization (particularly from economic point of view). But the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) after the Uruguay Round of Talks was a turning point in the signification of globalization. The activities and role of this organization increased during the 1990s. Hence, many thinkers call the 1990s the decade of globalization. GATT had 102 members in 1990 while the numbers of the WTO exceeded 134 in 1999[xv] and consequently the trade of goods and services increased quickly. C) Intellectual-political background – The disintegration of Soviet Union, the decline of communism, and introduction of liberal democracy as the dominant ideology of the world prepared a suitable ground for globalization. With the decline of communism - the rival model of capitalism - liberal democracy came to the fore as the only model that claims to be able to fulfill all demands of man and tries to expand its domain across the globe. The claim of liberal democracy of being globalized is based on objective as well as subjective foundations: 1) The Subjective or theoretical foundation: The reliance of liberalism on modern rationality and its triumph over the intellectual rivals during the past two-three centuries has spread the idea that liberal democracy is the only model that through reliance on modern rationality can dominate the world. This idea has not only dominated the ideas and thoughts of the peoples of the world but also the ideas or thoughts of researchers and thinkers in various parts of the world (even the Third World) who have confirmed it.[xvi]  2) Objective foundation: Some palpable moves in the world are underway towards free economy and integration in the international capital market. The WTO, the acceleration of democratic movements and expansion of Western models in various societies,[xvii] and overall the international intellectual-political backgrounds during the past one, two decades have prepared the grounds for the spread of the idea of globalization. Perhaps one of the main backgrounds for the signification of globalization is man's need to offer models and follow models in the world and bridge cultural gaps and lacunas, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union (Communism) that has pushed globalization towards an irreversible stage. 3) Major problems of the global society: The major universal general problems and threats the global society has been entangled with during the past decades and which gradually are growing and expanding, including global warming, destruction of the Ozone Layer, the threat of the spread of Mass Destruction Weapons (MDW), etc. have obligated all the societies to face these menaces unitedly. Hence international measures are necessary to face these problems. Evidently in a globalized world these global measures will be more effective and coordinated in facing these threats. During the past few decades all conditions have been ripe for condensation of the world in time and space and widespread connection of the societies to shrink the world. Information technology has played a crucial role in condensation of the world. In a globalized world, people in far away parts of the world can easily contact each other particularly through information technology such as computer and Internet to garner information about various affairs. The essence of the modern world is enhancement of people's information. Overall, the enhancement of information and awareness plays an important role in the progress and development of every society. Of course in some countries (mainly with undemocratic political systems) it will create several problems for their governments and their legitimacy. The effects of globalization will be discussed below. 4 –Approaches to Globalization In the field of consequences and implications of globalization, like its conceptual background and history, there are a number of intellectual currents and circles, which encompass positive and negative aspects of globalization. The advocates of globalization through their arguments try to demonstrate the positive aspects of globalization. They consider globalization a completely positive and useful trend while the opponents consider it dangerous and negative. Whether globalization is a threat or an opportunity will be discussed below. 4 – 1 – Globalization as an Opportunity This approach encompasses various viewpoints including the neo-liberalist, neo-functionalist etc. The neo-liberalist approach considers globalization the liberation of various fields in the interdependent world which expands the communications and exchanges of human societies. The neo-functionalists consider the era of globalization that of enhancement of regional interactions which in turn prepare the grounds for upgrading international cooperation and convergence, a step towards globalization. The advocates consider the globalization in the said manner as a utopia due to which convergence, economic advantages, liberation from undemocratic systems, and establishment of international civil society and democracy will be materialized.[xviii] The advocates of globalization basically consider this process as an inevitable, useful key to the future growth of the global economy.[xix]  In sum the ideas of the advocates may be summarized in the following three points: a)  Economic-commercial field: Expansion of free trade across the globe (since the 1980s with the Reagan and Tacher's liberalization policies and collapse of communism),[xx] more interdependence of the world economies compared to the past and ever expansion of financial and commercial deals,[xxi] expansion of technology beyond the limit of the developed countries, considerable growth of transportation, communication and tourism (it has had 12 percent growth in the last decade and the global income accruing from it touched the figure 400 billion dollars – more than the figure for the world's oil exports).[xxii]  The advocates of globalization consider the outcomes of this process positive and constructive and in the interest of the entire mankind. Of course, there will be some short-term and long-term problems in this way, but the final outcome will be bright and positive. B) Cultural – Today more than ever there exists a global culture; to the extent that most of the urban areas in the world seem similar. The world enjoys a common culture most of which stem from Hollywood. The world is becoming more and more homogenous and the differences are vanishing away.[xxiii] The enhancement of global awareness, international interdependence due to international contacts,[xxiv] expansion of a cosmopolitan culture, etc. are all the outcomes of globalization. Human beings think globally and act locally and this is why the world is moving towards peace and stability. C) Political – An international civil society with transnational social and political movements is taking shape and the allegiance of individuals to the governments is being transferred to subsidiary governmental, transnational and international institutions.[xxv] In fact, the role of governments is paling away everyday. In the process of globalization, most pressures are exerted on the undemocratic, rigid governments[xxvi] and such governments will be weakened and will perish away due to globalization. Globalization facilities international measures and coordination to face off international threats (AIDS, environmental pollution, terrorism, etc.), for the governments are not able to thwarts such threats individually.[xxvii] In effect the international measures will be more useful in a globalized world due to coordination among the international players. In sum, the advocates of globalization maintain that the world is moving towards peace and tranquility, for the globalization movement is a move towards convergence. In the end of this part, it is pertinent to allude to some of the consequences of globalization as mentioned by thinkers and scholars. 1 – Expansion of communication, reduction of time and spatial distances and removal of hurdles in the way of free flow of information. 2 – Enhancement of collective consciousness towards common fate of mankind. 3 – Feeling of belongingness of human beings to the great family of nations and international society will be more comprehensive than the national communities. 4 – More inclination of authoritarian governments towards democracy. 5 – Closeness and more coordination between international players. 6 – Possibility of exchange of views and mutual understanding among cultures. 7 – Expansion of man's choice from national to international level. 8 – Preparation of media opportunities for the spread of Islam and imparting its message to the truth-seekers across the world in case the time and information technology are used properly as well as preparation of the grounds for the constant contact of the Muslim immigrants with the base country in order to preserve their religious values and identity. 9 – By certain observations and preservations, the international information network has provided a unique opportunity for the scientific progress of the developing and Islamic countries on the one hand and for identifying the interested people in Islamic thought and ideas and its proper introduction to them on the other. 4 -2- The Approach Focusing on Threats (Opponents) This approach contains such approaches as neo-Marxism and neo-realism. The first through a center-periphery attitude considers globalization a factor for the enhancement of the power and wealth of the metropolitan countries and marginalization and gradual death of the weak countries. The second approach is power-based in which a few great powers at the cost of the destruction, bankruptcy, disintegration and dismemberment of national sovereignty of most of the countries concentrates on the consolidation, demonstration and exertion of power in the post-Westphalian system. According to a verse: "might is right, if you want to have peace, you have to become strong." The opponents of globalization consider it a hostile act and even horrible and maintain that globalization will exacerbate inequality among nations, threatens employment and standards of life and prevents social progress.[xxviii]  Overall, in viewpoint of the opponents, globalization is a project and a major social-political engineering in the world which will lead to the impoverishment of the poor and enrichment of the rich.[xxix] The opponents of globalization forward the following arguments to support their viewpoints: A) Economic-commercial – In reply to the argument of the advocates of globalization in the field of commerce and economy, the opponents maintain that although the spread of free market economy across the world is superficially correct, the global economy is in effect the economy of a limited number of rich countries in the world and in a more precise assessment the global economy belongs to the countries that are the members of OECD.[xxx] The technologies accompanying globalization function in the interest of rich economies of the world and prefer their interests to that of the developing countries. Therefore, globalization not only has an imperialistic nature but exploitative one as well. Overall, globalization has unequal effects and its advantages will go only to small section of the human society (the Western developed world).[xxxi] Under the circumstances, global convergence too will be distributed in a very unequal manner in the world (for instance, in the international purchase market in 1998, the total transaction of the world was about 24 trillion (US) dollars, major chunk of which was spent by 20 percent of the world's population.[xxxii] The main reason for the opposition of the opponents of globalization is their fear of the widening of hiatus between the countries of the North and South. B) Cultural – The opponents have various answers to the argument of the advocates who maintain that globalization will remove the cultural differences and create a single, common culture. First of all, most of the opponents maintain that such a common culture will never be created, for globalization has two meanings: first convergence and second pluralism. Globalization fosters both the social movements that struggle for respect to human rights and social movements that continue racism and ethnic schism or the fundamentalist ones. Although a kind of social integration of the CNN type is created, in fact, globalization is mainly a collection of local villages rather than a single global village.[xxxiii] Secondly, the danger of decline of indigenous cultures and cultural diversity in the world has worried a number of societies. Hence, they strongly oppose and resist such a prospect. Many discussions in this regard aim to rescue the cultural diversity of human society and distinct cultural identities from the threat of this global whirlpool.[xxxiv] The preservation of cultural heritage of regions and areas is the concern of many human beings and this fear has pushed them towards protesting against this process and resisting this process in line with preservation of their local-indigenous cultures. C) Political – The opponents of globalizations have their arguments regarding the effect of this process on the governments. Although the role of governments has undergone a change in the process of globalization, it does not mean that the governments will vanish away. The governments will continue to play a role in the international arena and indeed their function will undergo a change. Also the main concern is that the newly-emerging strong transnational players are not accountable in this globalized world.[xxxv] Hence, if globalization means disintegration or dilution of the role of governments, the lack of an alternative to this ever-strong player will pose more dangers to the world. Also all globalizing forces are not good forces. Criminalization facilitates the measures of drug cartels, those of the international terrorists and the offence unions. In fact, the facilitation and expansion of communication technologies have prepared a suitable ground for the activities of terrorist groups.[xxxvi] The opponents criticize the statement of the advocates who maintain that the world is moving towards peace and tranquility, because the globalization movement moves towards convergence. They maintain that the forces that push this process ahead may lead to divergence as much. The opponents surprise as to why the advocates ignore the fact that the world has faced disintegration in many grounds. The opponents refer to the widening gap and heterogeneity between the North and South and between various social groups in many countries.[xxxvii] The hiatus between the undeveloped and Northern countries and between the poor and rich countries is worrisome. Thabo Embeki the President of South Africa, at the Davoos Summit in Switzerland, stated: when there is talk of globalization, what we see is a world which is divided into two sections is: on the one hand we see the rich and the powerful and on the other the weak and poor.[xxxviii] Will peace and tranquility be meaningful in such a world? The wave of protests against globalization is still expanding. In Seattle, Davoos, etc., some violent protests have taken place. The diversity of the incentive of the protestors and demonstrators against globalization has encouraged some thinkers to call these protests multigenerational or multi-class or multi-problem. Among the protestors and demonstrators participating in the anti-globalization rallies, there are people from various groups such as the advocates of the workers' interests (labor unions), environmentalists, advocates of human rights, supporters of animal rights, peasants, etc.[xxxix] In fact, the oppositions and protests are not confined to the undeveloped countries, but on the contrary the protests are more vigorous in the developed countries. Commenting on the protests, Noam Chamsky states: right now protests against it [globalization] have spread in the rich countries. They have organized huge demonstrations in Seattle, Washington and London. In other words, the villagers started roaring and the king has become conscious.[xl] Despite the protests and demonstrations, globalization is not a completely destructive or negative process rather it has a number of positive and constructive effects as well. In other words, globalization offers both opportunities and threats; both positive and negative effects – it is a double-edge sword. What follows is some of the negative consequences of the globalization which have been put forth by various thinkers. 1 – Creation of gap in the local identities and creation of crisis of identity. 2 – Disintegration of the countries' sovereignty and undermining their political identity. 3 – Balkanization of the countries and intensification of ethnic crises and separationist movements. 4 – Weakening of the national cultures by cultural invasion and creation of ethical crises. 5 – Destruction of the environment. 6 – Imposition of cultural monologue and elimination of all cultures and domination of a single culture – which enjoys more instruments and facilities – over other cultures and marginalization of weak nations due to cultural integration. 7 – Imposition of values and strategies of the power-wielders. 8 – Threatening the international peace and stability due to expansionist stances of the big powers. 9 – Widening of the gap between the rich and the poor on national level and widening of the hiatus between the developed and undeveloped countries on international level. 10 – Globalization of organized crimes. 11 – Shaking the cultural, spiritual, social and economic foundations of societies.  4 -3 – Differential, Eclectic Approach The literature of globalization bewilders in between the struggle between the experimental and ideological approaches. We have not yet witnessed an effective measure in the field of production of an indigenous theory for the elaboration of this significant, fundamental and sensitive issue. On the one hand, some thinkers mainly on the basis of modern values elaborate the functional, objective aspects of globalization, considering it a natural historical process; on the other, a group emphasizing and highlighting the ideological elements, without paying attention to its natural process consider it an imposed, clandestine and planned project by the great powers. While some sort of organic and logical relations can be considered between these two approaches, they should be also taken into account together. 41 [ In other words, there should be some combination between the positive and negative (opportunities and threats) approaches. The differential-eclectic approach considers both positive and negative consequences for globalization (opportunities and threats) on the one hand and on the other hand calls for differentiation of various arenas and aspects of this phenomenon and an appropriate decision concomitant with each aspect. This approach contains the important and positive aspects of other approaches. Hence, it may be also called humanitarian approach to globalization, looking at this phenomenon like other phenomena as a tool in the service of man. This approach is based on faith, justice and spirituality, and meets the demands of contemporary man to offer the man of the age of internet and satellite just like the man of any other era. Particularly today's man who, despite progress in various fields, is inflicted with crisis of identity, vacuum of spirituality, discrimination and bewilderment. This is the approach based on the monotheistic worldview and anthropology of the seal of religions. Emphasizing on the third approach, the author maintains that neither the integration or isolation approaches to globalization nor surrender to it will be useful nor rigid resistance or inflexibility nor rejection will be helpful. Rather, the model of management of change and development can be an appropriate model or at least should be studied in confronting this phenomenon to consolidate power of choice and selection. Moreover, while utilizing its positive aspects and advantages it will prepare the grounds for avoiding its negative consequences or reducing their negative consequences. In this regard allusion is made to some of the solutions for reducing the negative aspects of globalization for the developing countries, particularly the Islamic ones. 5 – Strategies to Confront Negative Aspects of Globalization The solutions to reduce the negative aspects of globalization and reduction of its threats and challenges may be studied at three levels: A) scientific and cultural elite; B) National governments and units and government officials and politicians; C) the developing world, particularly the great family of Islamic world and regional and interregional conferences and organization. Some of the strategies are mentioned below without specifying the said levels.  1 – Cautious approach to the issue of globalization due to its ambiguity and complexity. It is also necessary to achieve a theoretical consensus and practical coordination to attain a common understanding of this phenomenon at various aspects, particularly at the level of the elite and thinkers of the Islamic world and even a wider level of the developing world. Also it is necessary to increase the individual and collective capabilities of the Islamic countries and prepare the grounds for their active participation in the international arena in order to reduce the threats of globalization. 2 – Production of new ideas on the basis of religious teachings in order to take the theoretical initiative through offering up-to-date, attractive, practical and effective theories to meet the demands and prepare the grounds for theoretical self-reliance and refraining from imitation of Western theories in the field of globalization and other fields. 3 – Besides the above measures, attempts should be made to offer a practical, successful, and effective model of religious government to the world. It is necessary in this regard to consolidate the theoretical foundations of religious democracy and theorization in order to make it more effective. In this regard the management of change and development through reliance on the principle of continuation for change, abidance by religious principles, preservation of clear and unambiguous principles and consideration of the elements of time and space, some comprehensive, indigenous, coordinated, sustainable, long-term, institutionalized, planned, controlled, organized, constructive, and moderate reforms should be carried out. 4 – It is necessary to restudy the realities of the contemporary world, particularly the attractive claims of the West in the field of democracy, human rights, right to self-determination for nations, campaign against violence, terrorism, etc. Nevertheless the recent developments at the regional and international levels to a great extent have shed light on the intentions of the claimants and illuminated the real face of the utopia depicted by the liberal democracy. Oppression and discrimination, numerous limitations imposed on the way of the choice of the nations in international level, instrumentalization of international institutions and law, racism, suppression of the weak, imposition of political and cultural monologue, while claiming to advocate a pluralism, are some of realities that the developing countries, particularly the citizens of the Western societies and the Muslims, have become aware of. 5 – More attention should be paid to the software aspects of power in the light of technological developments and information revolution or explosion and utilization of culture as a tool for international status in interaction with the governments and non-governmental organizations. In this field, it is necessary to plan for a coordinated media system for the Islamic world on the basis of cultural communalities and common identity as well as through joint ventures to utilize modern technology. 6 – Attention should be paid to the regional groupings that play a dynamic, constructive role for regional convergence, assigning an intermediary role to the regional organizations between the national and international levels, and division of the imposed load on national units in the form of coordination, cooperation and convergence models. Making the Organization of Islamic Conference more active as an interregional organization and the conjunction between regional networks to play an effective role in theoretical consensus and joint action by the family of Islamic countries. Of course, this issue first and foremost requires political will of the member-states to create the necessary self-conscience to materialize this wish. 7 – Increasing the power of diplomatic maneuver in international arena for changing the challenges to opportunities and controlling the threats, improving the utilization of the existing opportunities, creating new opportunities, upgrading the power of decision-making, predicting the future through envisaging various scenarios, and offering role models and benchmarking. In fact it will be wise to increase the pace of action in utilizing the time factor in making policies and taking measures. 8 – Active and effective participation in international organizations in order to influence the public opinion at world level and consolidate the international platforms of the developing countries, particularly those of the Islamic world in these organizations. 9 – Special attention should be paid to the role and status of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in consolidating cooperation among nations and increasing the number of audience. 10 – Regional tensions and conflicts as well as bilateral conflicts and tensions should be reduced and instead attentions should be drawn towards the international challenges and problems the Muslims face. 11 – Attempts should be made to increase the share of the Muslim countries in the international market of cultural goods and products on the side of other aspects of trade. 12 – More attentions should be paid to the institution of family and civil institutions in cultural and social plans. Moreover besides the official, governmental efforts, attempts should be made unofficially to fight the negative effects of globalization on this institution NOTES [i] S.R. Ameli, "Cultural Globalization and Muslim Identity," in M.S. Bahmanpour and H.Bashir, Muslim Identity in the 21st Century, Challenges of Modernity, (London: Book Extra, 2000), PP. 155-158. [ii] Hossein Qarib, "Globalization and Security Challenges of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Economic and Political Ettela'at, Vol. 15, No. 168, (August-September, 2001), P. 58. [iii] Paul Cook and Colin Patrick, "Globalization, Regionalization and Third World Development," Regional Studies, Vol. 31, 1, 1997, PP. 55-66. [iv] Seyed Vahid Aqili, "Conscious Interaction, Best Strategy with Regard to Globalization," Aftab Yazd, January 24, 2000. [v] Qarib, Op. Cit. [vi] Fardin Qoreishi, "Globalization, An Analysis of Various Interpretations," Part I, Ettela'at, September 25, 2000. [vii] Said Taleb, "A Prospect of Multinational Corporations in the Process of Globalization, Ettela'at, October 22, 2000. [viii] "Global Challenges in Twentieth Century," Interview with Parviz Piran, Hayat Nou, November 7, 2000. [ix] Mayam Kazemi, "Globalization in Viewpoints of Opponents and Advocates," Hamshahri, August 28, 2001. [x] Barry, Oxford, Ibid, PP. 33-34. [xi] Ahmad Jalie, "Cultural Impacts of Globalization of Economy," Ettela'at, December 19, 2000. [xii] Aqili, Op. Cit. [xiii] Barry, Op. Cit. P. 147. [xiv] "Globalization, Integration, and Unification," Aftab Yazd, Dec. 2, 2000. [xv] Shahid Yousuf, "Globalization or Localization?" Tr. By F. M. Hashemi, Hayat Nou, September 25, 2000. [xvi] Hossein Bashiriyeh, "Globalization, National Sovereignty, and Press, Communications and Media," Iran, October 29, 2000. [xvii] Fardin Qoreishi, "Globalization, An Analysis of Various Interpretations," Part II, Ettela'at, September 27, 2000. [xviii]"Globalization, Integration, and Unification," Aftab Yazd, Dec. 2, 2000. [xix] "Globalization: Threat or Opportunity," by IMF Staff, (April 12, 2000). [xx] "Volatile Concept of Globalization," Keyhan, February 18, 2001. [xxi] Ismail Mardan Givi, "Globalization: Theories and Approaches," Political and Economic Ettela'at, Vol. 15, Nos. 167-168 (August-September 2001), P. 52. [xxii] Ahmad Al-Yasin, "Double Edge Sword called Globalization of Economy," Gozaresh, No. 115, September 2000. [xxiii] Givi, Op. Cit. [xxiv] "Volatile Concept of Globalization," Keyhan, February 18, 2001. [xxv] Givi, Op. Cit. [xxvi]" Globalization, Integration, and Unification," Aftab Yazd, Dec. 2, 2000. [xxvii] Givi, Op. Cit. [xxviii] "Globalization: Threat or Opportunity?", Op. Cit. [xxix]" Globalization, Integration, and Unification," Aftab Yazd, Dec. 2, 2000. [xxx] "Volatile Concept of Globalization," Keyhan, February 18, 2001. [xxxi]   Givi, Op. Cit., PP. 52-53. [xxxii] "Volatile Concept of Globalization," Keyhan, February 18, 2001. [xxxiii]   Ibid. [xxxiv] Hillari Mackenizies, "US Seen as Cultural Imperialist," Lazette, (March 16, 1999). [xxxv] Givi, Op. Cit., P. 53. [xxxvi] Ibid. [xxxvii]  "Volatile Concept of Globalization," Keyhan, February 18, 2001. [xxxviii] Globalization, Integration, and Unification," Aftab Yazd, Dec. 2, 2000. [xxxix] Ali Sabaghiyan, "Anti-Globalization," Hamshahri, February 22, 2001. [xl] "Iran and the Process of Globalization," Interview with Noam Chamsky, Translated by Arshiya Kayani, Part II. ACTIONS: >> email this article to a friend  >> react to this article  >> more articles Note: Please email your opinion to op-ed@majalla.org; Op-Ed articles are not peer-reviewed.