Which term refers to the merging of economies and cultures worldwide?

The term that refers to the merging of economies and cultures worldwide is globalization. This concept encapsulates the process by which businesses, organizations, and communities develop international influence or operate on an international scale. Globalization is characterized by the free movement of goods, services, information, and people across borders, leading to increased interconnectedness and interdependence among nations.

It involves not only economic exchanges but also cultural interactions, as various aspects of societies—including ideas, values, technologies, and lifestyles—blend and influence one another. This phenomenon can lead to both positive outcomes, such as economic growth and cultural enrichment, as well as challenges, such as cultural homogenization and economic inequality.

Other terms, while related to social dynamics, reflect different concepts. Isolationism refers to a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups or countries, which is the opposite of globalization. Segregation involves separating individuals or groups from one another, often based on distinctions like race or class, and is fundamentally contrary to the idea of merging cultures. Assimilation is the process by which a person or a group's culture comes to resemble those of another group, but it does not encompass the broader economic and cultural integration implied by globalization.