There is strong evidence supporting the argument that the negative side effects of globalization are more severe in developing countries compared to developed ones. According to the World Bank (2025), global growth is projected to average just 2.7 percent in 2025-26, a rate that is too low to support meaningful economic catch-up for many developing economies. While advanced economies can absorb shocks due to stronger institutions and higher per-capita incomes, many emerging or low-income countries lack that stability and are more exposed to global disruptions. The slowdown is particularly significant in developing regions, where average growth in non-China emerging markets has fallen below 4 percent, making it difficult for these countries to close income gaps with wealthier nations (World Bank, 2025).

Trade data and poverty metrics further emphasize this disparity. The Central Intelligence Agency (2025) reports that many low-income countries continue to experience low real GDP levels compared to advanced economies, reflecting structural inequalities and limited access to high-value trade sectors. Countries heavily dependent on commodity exports and lacking diversified economies are especially vulnerable to market shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a clear example of how these vulnerabilities manifest. While developed nations implemented large fiscal stimulus packages and recovered more quickly, developing countries faced prolonged economic contractions, higher debt burdens, and rising poverty rates (World Bank, 2025).

Environmental security presents another example of globalization's unequal effects. Growth projections for Sub-Saharan Africa show a modest rise to about 4.1 percent in 2025, but this remains below the global average and insufficient to lift millions out of poverty (World Bank, 2025b). At the same time, these regions bear the heaviest burdens of climate change, resource depletion, and displacement, issues closely tied to globalization and global consumption patterns. As a result, globalization's second-order effect of persistent poverty and third-order effect of fragile governance and humanitarian instability remain especially visible in the Global South (CIA, 2025).

In summary, globalization does not affect all countries equally. While it brings opportunities for growth, the lack of institutional capacity and infrastructure in developing economies amplifies the negative consequences. Data from the World Bank and CIA demonstrate that slower economic growth, weaker trade linkages, and greater vulnerability combine to make globalization's challenges far more acute in developing nations. To create a more equitable global system, policymakers must address these disparities through targeted support and sustainable development initiatives. SEND PEERS RESPONSE TO THIS DISCUSSION WITH REFERENCES