“Globalization and Its Paradox: The Impact of Boundaries and the Call for a Borderless World”

The advent of the internet has indeed shrunk the world, enabling people to connect across borders through various social media platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. However, this global connection has also amplified cultural taboos. While those with international exposure may find different cultures, values, attire, lifestyles, and cuisines normal, individuals from more rigid cultures may find certain aspects, such as revealing clothing, taboo. Despite social media’s role in familiarising people with these differences, there is still a long journey ahead.

In our country, many young people are glued to their mobile screens, leading to declining academic performance and mental distress. Early exposure to screens has resulted in a surge of eyesight issues among children. The games they play on these devices, designed with specific objectives, significantly impact the minds of the next generation.

People are eager to meet each other, expand their businesses, learn from others’ expertise, and experience different cultures. However, visa restrictions have limited these opportunities in the age of globalisation. It’s ironic that while there are no boundaries in virtual communication, physical interactions are heavily restricted. For instance, while I can easily meet an Indian friend on Zoom, visiting Delhi seems impossible. These unnecessary hurdles prevent us from sharing experiences and widen the divide, providing governments an opportunity to spread divisive news and hinder peace and harmony. The protests by many Jews against Israel during the Israel-Palestine conflict demonstrate the global hunger for peace, which is often suppressed by governments due to certain war-profiting lobbies.

I believe that professionals worldwide should urge their governments to adopt visa-free policies to facilitate face-to-face interactions and learning. Such interactions can reduce intolerance and provide opportunities for unemployed youth to explore new horizons for entrepreneurship. The invisible hand of Adam Smith might work well to control demand and supply in this scenario. Unnecessary restrictions on travel may create further problems and rigidify people’s mindsets. Travel changes our perceptions.

The conflict of civilisations is created and the gulf is widened through restrictions. The emerging global civilisation will grow through exchange and interactions, not through the restriction of boundaries.