Global economy
This module explains what global economy is, describes global production chains patterns and how and who is making the rules
Early examples of global economics
There have been worldwide trade relationships for centuries. One of the best known trade routes in the world is the Silk Road. It runs from Xi’an in China through central Asia to Venice. Spices, ceramics, fabrics and handicrafts were transported through a corridor of branching paths always subject to change, depending on war and new frontiers. Today caravans of trucks and road trains carrying raw materials travel the Silk Road.
In addition to traditional trade routes, historical events such as the Crusades or the expansion of kingdoms contributed to the exchange of goods. With the beginning of colonization the business and wealth of the conquerors grew through the shipping of raw materials and products around the world, while the producing countries were driven to dependence and poverty by exploitation.
Global trade developed through the industrial revolution to its current extent. Products could be produced with less effort and the specialization of individual countries advanced. The global economy in the modern sense had begun.
The history of global economics and trade can be understood better through concrete examples. In the following you may choose one of the two products, the origin and trade of which you will follow from the past into the present.