e role in fostering liberal neo-economic reforms and democratic institutions around the world. Such Western control of the process, as well as ideology known as globalization, is opposed by many as a destructive force on local cultures. Muslim cultures and nations are especially opposed to what they see as the enforced imposition of Western ideology in any acceptance of globalization. As Tangwa (1999) explains, such cultures views globalization with concern: ôthe danger that globalization may simply translate into westernization, give the Western worldÆs dominance and will to dominate the rest of the globeö (1).
Despite the opposition to globalization as a destructive force on the worldÆs cultures that promotes homogenization and imposes ideology in the name of consumerism, many others view globalization as having a positive impact on the worldÆs cultures. As Legrain (2003) maintains, ôGlobalization not only increases individual freedom, but also revitalizes cultural artifacts through foreign influences, technologies, and marketsö (B7). Despite such views, globalization continues to provoke strong opposition among anti-globalization organizations like the Initiative Against Economic Globalization and environmental groups to Muslim governments in the Middle-East and a number of governments of developing nations.
Two of the main arguments against globalization are its negative impact on culture due to environmental destruction and its negative impact on culture due to the imposition of Western, primarily America, values and institutions. Whether globalization is positive or negative for the worldÆs cultures continues to be a source of heated debate, including the eruption of military conflict. Despite the ongoing conflict, globalization continues to spread rapidly across the globe. As Vargas-Llosa (2003) posits:
Is this a positive phenomenon or a tragedy for mankind? I donÆt think I am exaggerating when I s...