Globalisation - Topic 8

What is globalisation?

The increasing interconnectedness of societies, where events in one locality are shaped by distant events and vice versa.

What are some causes of globalisation?

The new spread of ICT, influence of global mass media, cheap air travel, deregulation of financial and other markets.

According to Held, what causes the spread of transnational organised crime?

The globalisation of crime and the increasing interconnectedness of crime across national borders.

What is the estimated value of the global criminal economy according to Castells (1998)?

£1 trillion per annum

Name six examples of global crime.

1. Trafficking arms and nuclear materials, 2. Smuggling illegal immigrants, 3. Trafficking in women and children, 4. Sex tourism, 5. Cybercrime, 6. Green crime and terrorism.

Which countries make up the demand side of the global criminal economy?

The rich countries in the West.

How is the drugs trade linked to the globalisation process?

The drugs trade is valued at an estimated $300-400 billion annually, and money laundering from organised crime is estimated at $1.5 trillion annually.

What does 'risk consciousness' mean?

Risk is perceived as global rather than tied to specific places, such as with economic migrants and asylum seekers causing rising anxiety in the West.

What role does the media play in creating fears?

The media creates moral panics about supposed ‘threats’.

What has been the result of risk consciousness regarding immigration in the UK and Europe?

The UK has tightened its borders and border control regulation.

How has globalisation changed crime patterns according to Taylor (1997)?

Globalisation has increased economic inequality, creating new opportunities for transnational corporations and exploitation.

How does globalisation affect patterns of work?

TNCs can switch manufacturing to low-wage countries for higher profits, leading to job insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.

What is the impact of marketisation on lifestyles?

Marketisation promotes consumerism, individualism, and economic competition, resulting in more materialistic and fragmented lifestyles.

How does globalisation encourage the poor to turn to crime?

Greater insecurity encourages people to engage in crimes such as the drug trade.

How does globalisation create opportunities for crime among elite groups?

It creates large-scale criminal opportunities, such as tax evasion and insider trading due to deregulation of financial markets.

What is one criticism of Taylor's perspective on globalisation and crime?

It does not explain why many poor people do not turn to crime, assuming all poor people must resort to crime.

How is crime organised according to Hobbs and Dunningham?

Crime is increasingly organised with individuals acting as a 'hub' linking legitimate and illegitimate activities.

What do Hobbs and Dunningham mean by crime being a 'glocal' system?

Crime is locally based, yet has global connections.

What is the significance of ICT in globalisation?

ICT facilitates the speed and reach of global connectivity.

How does cheap air travel contribute to globalisation?

It enables easier and more affordable movement of people and goods across borders.

What is the impact of deregulation on financial markets?

Deregulation opens opportunities for criminal activities like insider trading.

How does increased economic inequality relate to crime?

Economic inequality can lead individuals to seek illegal avenues for financial stability.

What is one example of the connection between globalisation and cybercrime?

Cybercrime thrives in a globalised world due to the interconnectedness of technology and communication.