Summary of "Globalización en la crisis - Ganadores y perdedores en el comercio mundial (1/2) | DW Documental"

The documentary "Globalización en la crisis - Ganadores y perdedores en el comercio mundial (1/2)" explores the complex realities and contradictions of globalization amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and social inequalities.

Key Points:

Globalization’s Promise vs. Reality Globalization was once seen as a path to global prosperity and peace. However, increasing competition among economic powers like China and the United States has eroded the ideals of free and fair trade. While globalization has lifted about a billion people out of poverty, it has only benefited roughly 30% of the global population, leaving many behind, especially in poorer countries.
China’s New Silk Road and Global Influence China’s ambitious infrastructure project, the New Silk Road, aims to consolidate its position as a global power by connecting Asia with Europe through trade routes. The German city of Duisburg, which hosts Europe’s largest inland port, has become a critical hub for Chinese goods entering Europe. Duisburg benefits from this alliance but remains cautious about overdependence on China, especially given geopolitical risks like the Ukraine war and supply chain vulnerabilities. The city is exploring alternative supply routes to maintain flexibility.
Impact on Traditional Industries: The Steel Sector The steel industry exemplifies the winners and losers of globalization. In Germany, the Ruhr Basin’s steel sector suffered when China dismantled and relocated steel production, causing massive job losses. Yet, Chinese cheap steel also helped Duisburg’s port thrive as a logistics hub. In contrast, the U.S. steel industry has struggled for decades against cheap Chinese imports, leading to plant closures and job losses, especially in Pittsburgh and Wilton. American steelworkers and unions feel betrayed by the government’s free trade policies and demand protection through tariffs and subsidies. Political responses have fluctuated, with Bush and Trump imposing tariffs, while Biden promises more openness to European steel. The “America First” approach focuses on national self-sufficiency but is criticized for fostering protectionism and risking long-term competitiveness.
Agricultural Subsidies and Market Distortions U.S. farmers receive significant subsidies, which distort global competition and harm farmers in developing countries. These subsidies, especially under Trump, were used strategically to secure political support and compensate for trade losses. The subsidies have contributed to food surpluses in the U.S. that undermine agricultural markets in poorer nations, such as those in Central and South America.
Peru: A Developing Country Marginalized by Globalization Peru illustrates the challenges faced by developing countries in benefiting from globalization. Despite rich natural resources, political instability, corruption, and weak governance have hampered economic progress. A large informal economy persists, with 75% of Peruvians lacking social protections. Chinese investments in mining and infrastructure, including a controversial megaport in Chancay, highlight concerns over foreign control of resources and environmental damage. Chinese fishing fleets have been accused of illegally exploiting Peruvian marine resources, exacerbating local conflicts. Microcredit initiatives have offered some relief by empowering small entrepreneurs and women, enabling modest economic integration and poverty reduction, but these are only partial solutions.
The Crisis of the Global Trading System and the Future of Globalization The World Trade Organization (WTO), once the guarantor of fair trade, is increasingly questioned amid rising protectionism and nationalism. The documentary argues that globalization cannot be stopped, but its benefits are unevenly distributed. Globalization fosters interdependence and cooperation beyond nationalism and religion, which is positive, but geopolitical rivalries and economic inequalities create many losers. The film stresses the importance of investing in multilateralism and global cooperation to maintain a functioning global trading system, which is a global public good.

Contributors/Presenters:

Luis Burgos (Duisburg port logistics expert)
Karen Gurrera Thompson (steelworker’s family member, U.S.)
John Fitz (retired U.S. farmer, agricultural subsidies commentator)
Hernando de Soto (Peruvian economist and presidential candidate)
Miriam Arce (Peruvian fishing activist)
Juan Carlos Sueyro (economist and fishing expert, Oceana)
Julio Solís (Peruvian gas stove manufacturer, microcredit beneficiary, deceased)
Marleny Aparicio (family member of Julio Solís)

The documentary provides a nuanced analysis of globalization’s winners and losers, highlighting the need for balanced policies that protect vulnerable sectors and populations while embracing global cooperation.