The popular word "globalization" refers to the latest form of enlarging the current global context, politically, economically, socially and culturally. It is significantly different from earlier efforts to globalize, such as colonialism, because of the rapid pace at which changes are taken place due to new technologies.

Economics is the primary engine driving modern globalization, giving the wealthy advanced industrial nations a distinct advantage in reaping its benefits. The process is creating "winners and losers" among nation states and within nation states. It is characterized by increasing poverty, inequality, job insecurity and environmental degradation. A growing chorus of voices, including economists, social movements, developing countries and global institution are challenging this model of globalization and calling for alternatives.

The following resources expand on the understanding of globalization and key challenges emerging in the globalized world.

• Another World is Possible (Maria Riley, OP - 2007)
  This power point presentation references Catholic Social Teaching and critiques globalization through three lens: globalization as a new perception of space relations, as global economic integration and as an economic doctrine. It concludes with alternative directions to pursue to bring about a more just future.
• MDG Goal 8: Developing a Global Partnership for Development (Maria Riley, OP - July, 2006)
  The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a popular and much supported set of goals to cut poverty in half by 2015. But will they achieve these goals. This power point presentation takes a hard look at the goals, both their positive and negative dimensions and focuses on Goal 8 as the key for success or failure.