Final answer:
The essential characteristic of the global economy is communication using technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essential characteristic of the global economy is communication using technology. Advances in transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, including the rise of the internet, have played a major role in globalization and the interdependence of economic and cultural activities. These technologies have made it easier and cheaper to manage long-distance economic connections, leading to greater trade and the dissemination of knowledge.