Chapter 8

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich’s “KOF Index of Globalization”

This exercise requires you to browse data available on the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich’s “KOF Index of Globalization.”

1. On the right side of the main page, click on “Methods of Calculation,” which links to a PDF. How does this index define globalization, and what three dimensions of globalization does it examine?

2. Read over the sections discussing the three dimensions of globalization. What specific factors does the index measure? Do you think any should be added to or omitted from the list?

3. On the right side of the main page, click on “Detailed Rankings.” What states are in the top five of the index? What states are in the bottom five? How does that conform to your understanding on which states are most and least affected by globalization?

4. On the right side of the main page, click on “Press Release March 1, 2013.” What effect has the 2009-2010 economic crisis had on the rate of globalization? In which regions has the rate of globalization increased and decreased, and has it done so in a major or minor way?

5. Which states are the most economically globalized, and what type of economies do they tend to have?

6. Find the section on page 4 on the United States. How economically globalized is the United States, and how is its rating affected by the size of its economy and the economic crisis? Does its ranking surprise you – why or why not?

7. On the main page, click on the tab labeled “Maps.” On the page that links to, make sure the drop-down menu says “Animated Map,” and click “Display Map.” Watch as the map cycles through data from 1970 to 2010. Does it show the world becoming more or less globalized? Which regions become globalized earlier and to a deeper degree, and which ones become globalized later and to a lesser degree? Is there any date at which it seems the rate of change increases or decreases significantly, and how can you explain that?