This question refers to the following passage:

“What is the phenomenon of globalization...? Fundamentally, it is the closer integration of the countries and peoples of the world which has been brought about by the enormous reduction of costs of transportation . . . and the breaking down of artificial barriers to the flow of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and (to a lesser extent) people across borders.”

Joseph E. Stiglitz, economist, Globalization and Its Discontents, 2002

Which of the following contributed most directly to the trend described in the excerpt?

Question

This question refers to the following passage:

“What is the phenomenon of globalization...? Fundamentally, it is the closer integration of the countries and peoples of the world which has been brought about by the enormous reduction of costs of transportation . . . and the breaking down of artificial barriers to the flow of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and (to a lesser extent) people across borders.”

Joseph E. Stiglitz, economist, Globalization and Its Discontents, 2002

Which of the following contributed most directly to the trend described in the excerpt?

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The prompt asks about the phenomenon of globalization as defined in the passage, focusing on what contributed most directly to the trend described. The only enumerated option provided is: The spread of computer technology and Internet use.

To evaluate this, consider what the passage identifies as the engine of globalization: the enormous reduction of costs of transportation and the breaking down of artificial barriers to the flow of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and people across borders. While transportation costs and policy barriers are core factors, the spread of computer technology and Internet use directly amplifies the exchange of information, coordinates across borders, and enables rapid communication and digital trade, which greatly lowers transactional and coordination costs and thus accelerates global integration. In other words, information and communications technologies (ICT) reduce the friction of cross-border activities, complementing material flows and policy changes to intensify global interconnectedness.

From a reasoning standpoint, this option aligns with the idea that knowledge, services, and capital can move more freely and efficiently when digital networks are widespread. It helps explain shifts in knowledge transfer, outsourcing, global collaboration, and online commerce that accompany globalization. Therefore, this choice plausibly represents a direct driver of the globalization trend described in the excerpt.

If we were to compare alternatives (had they been provided), we would assess whether they address the reduction of transportation costs, policy barriers, or the enabling role of ICT in lowering transaction costs and enabling cross-border activities. For instance, options focusing solely on physical trade volumes without noting digital connectivity would be narrower in scope, and options emphasizing cultural exchange without economic integration mechanisms would miss key structural drivers. However, with the given single option, the spread of computer technology and Internet use stands out as a central catalyst for global integration through enhanced communication, coordination, and digital commerce.

AP US History-Oster APUSH multiple-choice practice test #2 (55 minutes)

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