Economics: Today and Tomorrow © 2012Chapter 20:
The Global EconomyChapter OverviewsSection 1: Reasons for and Results of Global Integration
Global integration—the interdependency among countries—has increased over the past several decades. One important reason is improved telecommunications. The speed and power of computers telecommunications has also integrated financial markets around the world. Economic problems in one country can spread around the world. Section 2: Direct Foreign Investment-Should We Be Worried?
Foreign investment has grown considerably in the past 20 years. Direct foreign investment in the United States continues to grow, and some Americans want to restrict it, because they think too much of America is owned by other countries. However, consumers usually care more about the quality and price of a company’s product than about the extent to which foreigners control that company. Section 3: Multinationals and Economic Competition
Firms that do business and have offices or factories in many countries are known as multinationals. Economic globalization has the potential to promote greater tolerance of diversity within society.  | 
