Globalization has increased dramatically in recent decades as evidenced by rising world trade. Trade barriers have lowered, allowing trade to increase over 10x from 1980 to 2005 and 50x from 1975 to 2014. Foreign direct investment flows also increased substantially over this period, rising over 20x from the 1950s to 2005. While globalization has connected the world in new ways through advances in technology and culture, it has also been uneven, with infrastructure and access to technology varying greatly between regions. Global institutions like the UN have also faced questions about whose interests they represent internationally. Overall, globalization has integrated the world economy and society in widespread ways but also introduced new political and geopolitical challenges.