It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR  due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies  in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.

Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review  (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.

Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.

The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.

The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.

The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.

The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:

•           Political Globalisation

•           Social Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Technological Globalisation

•           Financial Globalisation

•           Cultural Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Geographical Globalisation

My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.

Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.

Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering  marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long,  built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.

On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.

The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance  of mankind.

A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.

The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the All Country HT 4S, marking the brand's entry into the all-weather highway terrain segment. Engineered for daily drivers, this new model delivers reliable traction throughout the year, improved ride comfort and consistent performance in diverse conditions. It represents an expansion of the established All Country family, now offering a highway-focused option that integrates sophisticated tread architecture and advanced material science.

A key distinction of the All Country HT 4S is its Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, achieved through a specialised all-weather compound without sacrificing longevity or value. The tyre’s intricate tread pattern, developed using advanced modelling, enhances wet road handling and braking while contributing to a smoother ride. Its construction is tuned to sharpen steering response and minimise road noise thanks to a carefully arranged tread block design and simulated pitch sequencing that reduces vibration at higher speeds.

The tyre's capability is supported by four wide circumferential grooves and 3D siping, which work together to expel water and provide grip on snow and ice. Built for both daily commutes and long-distance travel, the HT 4S aims to balance comfort with all-season security. Initially launching in 27 sizes, with a total of 46 planned, it carries a 600 UTQG rating, indicating a focus on treadwear. Ironman backs the model with a comprehensive protection plan that includes a 60-month policy against defects, road hazard coverage and a 55,000-mile (approximately 88,513 km) warranty, reinforcing its commitment to dependable and affordable products.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The All Country HT 4S brings all-weather confidence to the highway terrain segment. These tyres are designed for drivers who want a quiet, comfortable ride with dependable traction in rain and snow – all at a value they can trust.”

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Firestone AG, a division of Bridgestone Americas, has broadened its Maxi Traction and Radial Deep Tread 23° tyre portfolios with new sizes engineered specifically for the latest generation of John Deere tractors. The expanded lineup was introduced at the Commodity Classic 2026 show, reflecting a parallel development process with John Deere’s recent machinery innovations, which assures growers of reliable performance from a trusted tyre brand. Now included in the RCI Group 50, the range features the flagship VF480/95R54 size, a 90-inch-tall tyre with a load capacity of 16,100 pounds (approximately 7,302 kg).

Engineered for superior ground contact, the Radial Deep Tread 23° ensures steady traction through optimised lug-to-soil interaction. In contrast, the Maxi Traction tyre, frequently used on front axles, delivers extended tread life and increased load potential. For certain sizes, Very High Flexion technology is offered, enabling farmers to operate at lower inflation pressures. This expands the tyre's footprint, boosts traction and plays a vital role in reducing harmful soil compaction. Availability for these new sizes is scheduled to begin 1 May 2026.

Bill Durivage, Senior Agricultural Product Strategy Manager, Firestone Ag, said, “This expansion takes our most established row crop fitment and carries it forward. By strengthening load capacity and incorporating our VF technology, we’re ensuring the tyres continue to support the performance, efficiency and soil management expectations of today’s tractors.”

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Superteam Wheels, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of carbon fibre bicycle wheelsets, has entered into a significant three-year strategic alliance with GCN Italia, the Italian arm of the internationally acclaimed cycling media outlet, Global Cycling Network (GCN). This initiative follows the brand's successful partnerships with GCN's French and Spanish channels established in 2025. By now collaborating with all three major GCN platforms serving France, Spain and Italy, Superteam Wheels is strategically reinforcing its presence within core European markets. This concerted effort represents a vital step in the company's broader plan to deepen its global footprint, particularly across Southern Europe.

Under the terms of this new partnership, Superteam Wheels intends to capitalise on GCN Italia's substantial regional influence across leading global social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The collaboration will drive comprehensive brand promotion and the development of co-created content tailored specifically for these platforms. The joint initiatives will focus on producing a diverse array of original material, which is set to include professional assessments of carbon fibre wheelsets designed for road and gravel cycling, authentic local riding experiences and thorough explorations of fundamental carbon fibre technologies.

The content strategy is designed to resonate with the unique perspectives and interests of Italian cycling enthusiasts, effectively demonstrating the technological expertise and intrinsic value of Superteam products. Ultimately, the partnership aims to not only bolster the brand's connection with this key audience but also to further ignite the passion for cycling among enthusiasts both within Southern Europe and across the global community.

Chris Zeng, Overseas Business Manager, Superteam Wheels, said, "Italy is the heart of global cycling, with profound heritage and discerning enthusiasts. GCN Italia is our key bridge to connect Superteam's Chinese carbon fibre expertise with local riders. Building on our 2025 partnerships with GCN France and Spain, this collaboration further strengthens our presence across Europe. We are committed to delivering high-performance, cost-effective wheelsets, enabling more cyclists to experience the exceptional performance of our carbon fibre technology and become part of the European cycling story.”

Dario Esposito, Business Director International, GCN Italia, said, "I hope this solution is appreciated by both parties and that we can expand our valuable partnership to GCN Italia.”

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Kumho Tire USA is set to intensify its commitment to the SUV and truck market by taking a prominent role in a series of off-road events throughout 2026. Following its successful appearances in 2024 and 2025, the company plans to use these gatherings as a platform to boost brand visibility, demonstrate the capabilities of its specialised Road Venture tyre line and forge stronger connections with off-road enthusiasts.

This strategy reflects a focused effort to engage with the growing community of SUV and truck owners. By participating directly in these enthusiast-driven events, the company creates a valuable opportunity to present its products firsthand. This approach allows Kumho to reinforce its standing as a premium alternative that balances exceptional quality and performance with affordability.

The 2026 tour is scheduled to commence at the Overland Expo SoCal in March. A newly designed 80-foot marketing truck and trailer will be the centrepiece of Kumho’s presence at various stops along the tour. This mobile exhibit will offer interactive displays, distribute branded merchandise and prominently feature the Road Venture lineup, which includes the RT, AT52 and MT71 models. Engineered for challenging terrain, this tyre series is recognised for its robustness, reliable performance and comprehensive warranty. Attendees will also have the chance to speak with company ambassadors on-site, who can provide personalised guidance to help drivers select the most suitable Road Venture tyre for their specific vehicle and driving needs.

Kumho Tire’s full 2026 off-road event schedule is listed below:

• Overland Expo SoCal: 14–15 March, Costa Mesa, Calif.
• Jeep Beach: 17–26 April, Daytona Beach, Fla.
• Overland Expo West: 15–17 May, Flagstaff, Ariz.
• Overland Expo PNW: 26–28 June, Redmond, Ore.
• New Jersey Jeep Invasion: 10–12 July, Wildwood, N.J.
• New Jersey Bronco Invasion: 17–19 July, Wildwood, N.J.
• The Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede: 14–16 August, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
• The Smoky Mountain Invasion: 20–22 August, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
• Off-Road Expo: 3–4 October, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "We are incredibly excited to bring our dedicated Road Venture product line directly to off-road enthusiasts at major events like Overland Expo and Jeep Beach in 2026. Building on our initial involvement since 2024, this year's expanded presence demonstrates our commitment to the segment and marks a significant milestone in Kumho Tire's strategy to strengthen connections with SUV and truck consumers."

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