Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

How is globalization best defined?

1. The isolation of countries from each other

2. The increasing interconnection of all regions in the world through various processes

3. The decline of international trade

4. The complete dominance of one country over others

The correct answer is: The increasing interconnection of all regions in the world through various processes

Globalization is best defined as the increasing interconnection of all regions in the world through various processes. This definition encompasses the multiple dimensions through which globalization manifests, including economic, cultural, technological, and political aspects. It highlights how advancements in communication and transportation have facilitated the flow of goods, services, information, and people across borders, fostering a more integrated global economy and society. This interconnectedness leads to cultural exchanges, the spread of ideas, and the establishment of global networks that link people and places in unprecedented ways. Understanding globalization in this manner is essential to grasping its complex implications for local and global dynamics. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of globalization. The isolation of countries from each other contradicts the fundamental premise of globalization, which is based on connectivity. Similarly, the decline of international trade would suggest a move away from globalization rather than a key feature of it. Finally, the concept of complete dominance of one country over others reflects an aspect of geopolitical power rather than the multifaceted interactions that define globalization as a process involving many actors and regions.