Final answer:
New units associated with globalization include advancements in shipping and air cargo, computing and telecommunications, and an international division of labor. Information-based products are easily distributed globally. International agreements facilitate increased trade, affecting even medium and low-income countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
New Units of Globalization
With the advent of globalization, several new kinds of units have emerged that reflect the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world economy. Improvements in shipping and air cargo have reduced transportation costs, making the movement of goods across the globe more efficient. The advancements in computing and telecommunications facilitate the management of long-distance economic relationships in production and sales. As globalization progresses, information-based products such as computer software, financial advice, and entertainment media like music and movies can now be distributed widely via digital networks. Additionally, international agreements and treaties have been instrumental in reducing barriers to trade, thus increasing economic transactions on a global scale.
Fueled by technological progress and international cooperation, the international division of labor has become more pronounced, with affluent countries leveraging the workforce of nations with lower wages to maximize profitability. Despite the socioeconomic advantages, globalization can sometimes lead to xenophobia as markets and labor compete on a worldwide scale. Still, globalization is not a new phenomenon; it has historical roots that date back to ancient civilizations and has evolved significantly with technological advances post-World War II and the Cold War.
Medium and low income countries, including nations like Mexico and China, have seen a significant increase in globalization in recent years. The metaphor of an astronaut viewing economic transactions as bright lines crisscrossing the Earth illustrates the extensive and vibrant connections formed by global trade and commerce.