Globalization affects cultural relations in many different ways. Both positive and negative outcomes can emerge when unique cultures meet and interact for the first time.

Globalization can provide a lot of positive benefits in cultural relations. Companies travel across borders to try their business models in new and unique areas. People explore other areas to learn about their world.

The inhabitants of many cultures are interested in those of others. They may enjoy sharing the knowledge, food, products and other treasures with each other. Positive images of each other can be formed as they enjoy the new wonders of the other culture.

Businesses in different countries will form alliances with each other. They may put aside clashing cultural issues to work together to a common goal.

As globalization continues, people from one culture will get to know people from other cultures. They may become friendlier and even take on part of their cultures as their own. For instance, they may start incorporating some of their art or entertainment. Cultural relations may improve as there become more similarities between the cultures.

As globalization continues more and more people begin to think of the world as one, with problems that can affect the entire earth. This occurs with environmental issues, for instance. As concerns transcend barriers, people across cultures might try to work together to address issues. Another example is how many cultures band together to help a country that has a natural disaster such as Haiti during a tragic earthquake.

Unfortunately cultural relations do not always improve with globalization. Some cultures do not appreciate the arrival of different cultures. They may feel that they infringe upon their own culture or that their traditions get taken over. Their culture may get lost under “brand new and shiny” traditions.

Cultural relations can also be tested when the inhabitants of one country are irresponsible in the process of globalization. For instance, many businesses choose to move to a country that has lax environmental regulations and then set up unhealthy factories that pollute the land, air and water. They may take advantage if inexpensive labor and produce poor working conditions. They exploit natural resources in other countries. It is understandable that the inhabitants of a country that is treated so poorly would start to resent other cultures, and that could strain cultural relations.

As the different cultures of the world interact more and more, the individual cultures will be affected. Hopefully people will be responsible as globalization continues to produce positive relations throughout the world.