"The world has always been globalized, but the definition of globalization is constantly changing," he said. "For the first time in all of mankind, the control of the world and all forms of communication revolve around the United States." Western associate English professor Christopher Wise, a longtime friend of Fatunde, introduced him. "Tunde has always had an enduring interest in communicating with the everyday people," Wise said. Fatunde is a journalist, playwright, poet and radio personality in West Africa, as well as the chair of the language department at the University of Lagos in Nigeria.

Fatunde addressed his audience with a brief message about the effects of globalization in West Africa and listened and responded to the comments of Bellingham community members and Western students. The primary topic of discussion was the changes West Africa may face due to President George W. Bush's re-election.

Fatunde said the United States will become increasingly interested in the resources of West Africa. The United States will want access to the region's crude oil, and it sees the potential of economic growth, he said. This is because the Islamic culture is fundamentally different in West Africa compared to that of the Middle East because of location and cultural influences, he said. "West Africa has a brand of Islam that is very African," Fatunde said. "Before the introduction of Islam, there were many flourishing African cultures. Dealing with those cultures made significant changes in Islam."

Fallou Ngom, a Western assistant professor of French and linguistics, said he agreed with Fatunde's view of fundamentalism. "Islamic fundamentalism cannot take root in West Africa because who would you fight? Your uncle or your brother?" Ngom said. "The people are African first, but it is amazing the mix of religions with not many problems to speak of."

Fatunde said the increasing difficulty of accessing crude oil from the Middle East would lead to further involvement in Africa. "The United States is interested in having oil in West Africa," Fatunde said. "They will look at how conflicts are resolved, and less conflict will lead to stability and increased productivity." Fatunde said the political, economic and military involvement of globalization could lead to a loss of West Africa's identity. "Globalization has destroyed the notion of nations and the idea of local economies," Fatunde said.