1. SukYoung Cho
Modern World History
Globalization in Ladakh and Bhutan
The countries of Ladakh and Bhutan have started to adopt more modernized lifestyles that are
less physically demanding than their traditional lifestyles, but crime rates and drug and
alcohol use increase as a result of modernization, children are receiving a poor education, and
the environment is declining . The two countries, located in the Himalayan Mountains,
thrived on the traditional ways of life that most countries of the world have left behind, are
now starting to become more globalized in an attempt to progress.
Globalization has allowed more schools to open up for children of Ladakh and Bhutan.
Although they become more educated, the schools train for useless jobs and the fail rate for
students is about 90-95%. (Ancient Futures) When the students fail their exams, they realize
they cannot go back to their traditional life style because they had not learned how to work
properly, but they cannot get a proper job either. As a result of this stress, and the pressure to
fit in with the rest of the world, some of the people turn to drugs and alcohol hoping to find
happiness and feel good. (Knaster) Moreover, more violence occurs from this stress, and
crime rates increase. Most of the tension is over the two main religions although people used
to be peaceful and acceptant of other religions.
Finally, because of globalization, the environment is dwindling and cannot support
the people like formally could. The people have no place to dispose of waste, and this waste
contaminates the water systems that people drink from, which causes outbreaks of disease.
(Ancient Futures) Although globalization has had some positive impacts on Ladakh and
Bhutan, overall, globalization is hurting these countries.