Question

Describe the shifts in the world economy over the past 30 years. What are the implications of these shifts for international businesses based in the United Kingdom

Answer 1

Answer:

In the last 30 years, national economies have shifted towards decreasing trade barriers, and the world is becoming global economic space.  Economic turbulence, especially in one of the major economies like the US, Europe, and China, tends to have ripple effects on other world economies.  For example, the subprime housing crisis in 2008, which upturned the US economy, reached global proportions with the economic and financial meltdowns  that were felt globally.

The new emergence in the economic system suggests that national boundaries are shrinking, and economies are becoming integrated and interdependent.  In the last 30 years, China emerged as a global economic superpower, challenging the dominance of the US and European economies.

For businesses based in the United Kingdom, they have wider opportunities and better playing grounds.  They can look beyond Europe and the US for investment and business opportunities.  China, especially Hong Kong, is becoming an investment haven.  Even other developing countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Dubai are becoming more attractive with increased consumer spending.

Secondly, the United Kingdom will continue to be the center of attraction for some Asian firms that will use London as a launching pad for their European businesses.  This also poses some threats, just as it generates opportunities for global expansion of UK-based businesses.

Explanation:

Globalization has caused the world economies to merge and become a global economy.  However, in the last four years, China seems to be recoiling to its shelves with the coming on board of the Trump Administration, which had exposed China's behind-the-door fiscal and monetary policies.  This started when the administration labeled China as a currency manipulator.  China is becoming alienated from the US and having its reputation tarnished internationally.  The earlier prediction that China would emerge as the dominant superpower economy in 2010 was not wholly realized.  China is re-strategizing by concentrating its investments in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and some parts of Europe.