Globalization Isn’t the Enemy—It’s the Only Thing Keeping America from Economic Ruin

 

If America rejects globalization, it’s not just turning its back on the world, it’s turning its back on prosperity. Not only that, without globalization, America’s middle class would collapse under the weight of overpriced goods and an economy choking on its own inefficiency. In plain terms, only the lazy fear globalization—real entrepreneurs see it as the ultimate playing field for innovation and progress.

Globalization is a double-edged sword, but like any good knife, it cuts well when used correctly. As a proud Republican, I know my fellow conservatives often argue against globalization, but I have to break ranks here. They’re wrong. Plain and simple. When it comes to understanding the real benefits of globalization, we need to look beyond the emotional appeals and recognize the facts. The truth is, globalization has done more for businesses, consumers, and the overall economy than most Republicans would care to admit.

First off, let’s talk about the obvious: cheaper goods and services. Globalization has allowed businesses to search the globe for the most cost-effective resources and labor. By tapping into markets where labor is cheaper or resources are more abundant, companies can manufacture goods at lower prices, which benefits everyone. Take smartphones, for instance. The device in your hand is an amalgamation of parts sourced from over 10 countries. China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and even rare materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo all come together to make the technology work. Without the global supply chain, that same smartphone would cost more than ten times what it does today if it were made entirely in America. At that price, only the super-wealthy would be able to afford it.

And here’s the kicker: without globalization, we’d have fewer smartphones sold, leading to lower tax revenues from sales taxes, fewer jobs in retail and marketing, and ultimately a shrinking economy. The smartphone industry alone employs thousands in the U.S., from software developers to marketers to retail workers. If you de-globalize that industry by charging hefty tariffs, you kill the very competition that keeps prices low and quality high. Companies protected by high tariffs become lazy, much like spoiled children in rich families. They lose their drive to innovate because they don’t have to. We’ve all seen what happens when there's no competition: stagnation. That’s not the America I want.

Now, let’s talk about another hard reality—retaliatory actions. Globalization isn't a one-way street where America can just shut the door and expect no consequences. If we start throwing tariffs around like candy, other countries will do the same. American businesses that rely on exports, from tech companies to agriculture, would face steep penalties when selling their goods abroad. China, the European Union, Mexico, and Canada—all major trading partners—won’t sit idle. They’ll strike back, and American workers will feel the pain.

Some Republicans love to say we need to "bring back jobs to America." But let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that every job can or should come back. The world has changed. Some industries are more efficient overseas, and that’s a fact. Yes, it’s true that some American workers were displaced when companies moved operations abroad. But that’s the price of progress. The same argument could be made for the Internet. Did some companies fail when the Internet changed the way we do business? Absolutely. But no one is arguing that we should shut down the Internet because some businesses couldn’t adapt.

 

The problem with anti-globalization rhetoric is that it paints a distorted picture of the world. It suggests that we can rewind the clock and return to a time when America was the center of the manufacturing world, but that’s not how economies work. The U.S. economy has evolved. It’s more service-oriented and tech-driven. Manufacturing is still important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of economic growth. Protectionism will only stifle the progress we've made in other sectors.

Then there’s the issue of affordability. If we de-globalize, it’s not just luxury goods like smartphones that will become more expensive. Everyday necessities like clothing, food, and appliances will also see price hikes. When American companies can’t compete with their global counterparts, they will either raise prices or go out of business. The end result? The cost of living skyrockets for average Americans, and we create a society where only the rich can enjoy the benefits of modern life. It’s the ultimate irony—anti-globalization Republicans are, in effect, arguing for policies that will widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

And let’s not forget the economic chaos that will follow. If we retreat from globalization, we’ll face a shrinking economy, fewer job opportunities, and rising discontent. People will feel left behind and disenfranchised, and that’s a recipe for social unrest. We've already seen how economic anxiety can fuel political extremism. Imagine what will happen when people realize they can no longer afford basic goods because of misguided protectionist policies. The discontent will be palpable.

But here’s the thing—globalization isn’t perfect. Yes, some businesses have been hurt. Yes, some workers have been displaced. But the net benefit far outweighs the losses. The free flow of goods, services, and ideas across borders has lifted millions out of poverty around the world and brought prosperity to countries that were once struggling. More importantly, it has also enriched the lives of Americans by providing access to affordable goods, creating jobs in sectors like technology and retail, and driving innovation.

I will even go one step further: Republicans who oppose globalization are standing in the way of progress. They’re clinging to an outdated vision of America that no longer exists. The world is interconnected, whether we like it or not. Embracing globalization means embracing the future. It means recognizing that while some people will lose out, the majority of us will benefit in ways we can’t even fully understand yet. The greatest good for the greatest number—that’s the goal. Anything less is short-sighted.

It’s easy to demonize globalization because the benefits are often invisible. You don’t see the lower prices at the grocery store and think, “Thank globalization for that!” But they’re there. You don’t realize that the software developer down the street has a job because an American tech company can compete globally. But it’s true. The evidence is all around us.

So yes, I’m a Republican. But my fellow Republicans are wrong on globalization. And if we continue down this path of de-globalization, we’ll all be paying the price—quite literally. America should not be in the business of protecting inefficient companies. Let them sink or swim. That’s the beauty of the free market. And as the old saying goes, “You don’t fix what isn’t broken.” Globalization is far from broken. If anything, it’s the best thing that’s happened to the American economy in the last 50 years.

And for those still on the fence, remember: the only thing worse than being wrong is being wrong and stubborn about it.