which shows the simultaneous time–space convergence and divergence
of the world measured in terms of the cost of a minute-long phone call
from the USA in 2000. In short, rather than smothering the earth like a
blanket, globalization has cast a net across it and this has increased
spatial differentiation accordingly.
A second point is that it is tempting to run away with the idea that
technology itself is driving the processes of spatial shrinking and
that therefore globalization is technologically determined. Underpinning
technological change are social, cultural, economic and political
processes and human agendas. Globalization processes are facilitated
by technological change but are driven by much more fundamental
forces. The study of globalization has political overtones precisely
because it widens gaps, creates unevenness and creates winners and
losers. This is why globalization can inspire fear and loathing among
some, while being seen as a saviour by others. In short, globalization is
about both processes and political-economic agendas.