Impact of Global Media on Local Cultures and Identities in the Middle East - Research Proposal Example

Although it would be very difficult to believe that any of these views are absolutely right, but globalization and its relationship with the media should not be ignored outright. Media plays a vital role in creating the link between the different cultures and works as the fastest mode of spreading the aspects of the world cultures. This may create good or bad impacts on the local values and culture, grasped or adopted by the local people.
Globalization is the process of integration and interaction of people, organizations, and governments of different nations. It is the increased transnational movement of individuals and resources driven by global investment and trade, enhanced by information technology. Globalization affects people’s culture, economic development, and political systems of different societies across the world. Although globalization is not a new phenomenon, policy and development in technology over the past few decades have enhanced globalization through an increase in cross-border trade and investments. Globalization has further resulted in deep changes in the very fabric of society let alone the economy only. The globalization of culture, as well as communication, has further widened the gap between the local as well as international culture.
Rojecki (2005) attributes the current wave of globalization to national and international policies that have opened economies especially those countries which are willing to open for trade, i.e. UAE being one of the global hubs for free trade. Today, many governments including UAE, Qatar, Sharjah, and other countries continue to adopt free-market economic systems aimed at increasing their potential for productivity and creating new opportunities for global trade and investment. Moreover, governments continue to negotiate reductions in trade barriers as they forge international trade agreements that promote trade and international integration. One of the main features that define globalization is the emergence of an international business structure that continues to gain dominance with increasing technology and international relations.