In spite of global geopolitical conflict, the world is more connected than ever before, and it’s unlikely to change any time soon. According to the DHL Global Connectedness Index (GCI), a report issued by international courier giants DHL, in conjunction with NYU Stern School of Business, trade markets remained resilient despite shrinking international capital flows and ongoing trade conflict.
Commenting on the findings, John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, said the recent report pointed to the world getting closer and more connected rather than attempting to reverse globalisation.
“While current geopolitical tensions could seriously disrupt global connectedness, this 2019 update finds that most international flows have remained surprisingly resilient so far. Ultimately, what we’re seeing today is the evolution of globalisation, not its decline,” said Pearson.
Additionally, Steven Altman, senior researcher at NYU Stern School of Business and lead author of the report, said although international conflicts could disrupt global connectedness, this had yet to happen.
“While fraying relations between major economies could lead to a fracturing along regional lines, such a shift has not yet conclusively taken place,” said Altman.
The DHL Global Connectedness Index (GCI), which was calculated based on more than 3.5 million data points on country-to-country-flows, highlights key developments in international flows of capital, trade, information, and people. – Bjorn Vorster
