Nay, a huge role. People who were far outside major economic activity can now participate in global markets, improving their ability to sell goods &amp; services (and obtain tools &amp; connections).<p>A few days ago I ordered &amp; received a cheap scarf via mail. US$0.95 - delivered! from <i>China</i>! obviously whoever was involved didn&#x27;t make much off the transaction, yet they WERE able to make &amp; sell &amp; deliver something to an idiot on the other side of the planet. Where there was no market before, Amazon &amp; USPS &amp; other businesses have pursued &quot;globalization&quot; to the point that a manufacturer &amp; buyer a world apart could engage in profitable transactions.<p>The way out of poverty is capitalism, sellers &amp; buyers making mutually profitable agreements, and globalization eliminating barriers of distance &amp; borders.