What does the term "globalization" refer to?

The term "globalization" refers to the process of increased interconnectedness among countries. This encompasses the economic, cultural, technological, and political integration of nations, which has been significantly accelerated by advances in communication and transportation technologies. Globalization allows for the free flow of goods, services, information, and ideas across borders, leading to a more interconnected global economy and society.

This concept is seen in various domains, such as trade agreements that reduce barriers to commerce, cultural exchanges through media and travel, and international collaborations in science and technology. It has major implications for how countries interact with each other and can affect everything from local economies to global environmental policy.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts that do not encapsulate the broad scope of globalization. While military alliances might increase collaboration among certain nations, they do not reflect the overall interconnectedness that globalization implies. Likewise, the rise of national independence movements focuses on self-determination and sovereignty rather than global connections. Finally, the establishment of international law involves legal frameworks governing interactions between nations, but it does not capture the broader economic and cultural dimensions of globalization.