"U.S. policymakers -- as politicians have through the centuries-- may be tempted to enact protectionist measures that would seek to slow globalization. But that would be unwise," Bernanke said in prepared remarks for an economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Such protectionist feelings had cropped up throughout history when people felt that increased global competition threatened their jobs and their livelihoods, he said.

"The scale and pace of the current episode (of globalization) is unprecedented," said the new Fed helmsman in his first public speech to the high-profile economic conference, meanwhile noting that the progress of global integration could improve living standards and cut global poverty.

"Further progress in global economic integration should not be taken for granted," Bernanke said. "Geopolitical concerns, including international tensions and the risks of terrorism, already constrain the pace of worldwide economic integration and may do so even more in the future."

"The challenge for policymakers is to ensure that the benefits of global economic integration are sufficiently widely shared -- for example, by helping displaced workers get the necessary training to take advantage of new opportunities," he added.