SocSc 12: Kimura

rise of asia as a global force

reflects the economic and political influence of regions like the Asia-Pacific and South Asia.

politics and gloablization

Proponents of globalization argue that it promotes democracy and universal political values. The rise of democratic regimes in the region is attributed to factors like rising middle classes, global connectivity, and the end of the Cold War.

The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis contributed to the fall of the Suharto regime in Indonesia, illustrating the potential for globalization to influence political change.

regionalism

loyalty to the interests of a particular region

bulwark (defensive wall) to globalization, pushes forward the process of global economic integration

can promote learning, assuage domestic audiences to the benefits of free trade and form the institutional framework to scale

japanese colonialism

Region as a source of resistance to globalization or to global and western powers

The rising critical discourse of globalization and the idea of Asian exceptionalism have both played significant roles in shaping the region's approach to regionalism.

Japanese Colonialism in the 1930s and 1940s was constructed and argued directly in opposition to the West.

criticism of asian values

Anwar Ibrahim, a Malaysian opposition leader, critiques the use of "Asian values" to justify authoritarian governance and the violation of basic human rights.

asia disengage from globalization

The emergence of local movements in the Asia Pacific and South Asia region reflects a growing trend of disengagement from globalization.

In Thailand, the village of Santi Suk created its own currency, "bia," to facilitate local exchange, separate from the national baht.

Thailand also saw initiatives like traditional herbal associations, community rice mills, and cooperative shops, promoting local production and self-reliance.

In Japan, movements like Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and the Seikatsu Club encourage ethical, local consumption, distancing from global systems.

India features alternative movements like Lok Samiti, which focuses on village-level education and development, and activism against multinational corporations such as Coca Cola

asia

Came from the Ancient Greeks
composed of: Europe, Africa, and Asia
Defined externally
Exact boundaries of _______ have been a matter of contention

asia pacific

Refers broadly to the area of the world in or around Asia and the Pacific Ocean

Includes the states in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania

APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) includes economies of the 'Pacific Rim'

Sometimes, Asia Pacific includes South Asia and Central Asia. 'Pacific' part of Asia Pacific

generally, asia...

makes up nearly a THIRD of the World's Land Mass

TWO-THIRDS of the Global Population

Generate the largest share of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

However, there are still millions of people affected by: Poverty Hunger HIV/AIDS Gender Inequality Other socio-economic problems

asia pacific and south asia

the regions of East (or Northeast) Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South Asia

Notable for both highly developed (Japan, South Korea) and developing nations (Cambodia, Nepal).

They vary according to: Geography Political Systems Historical Experience Broad Demographic Characteristics

has emerged over the past decade as a new political force a key driver of global politics (Clinton, 2011)

Pacific Pivot by US

acceleration of globalization

increasing economic, political, social, and cultural integration.

asia as an object of globalization

externalist view

Asia-Pacific and South Asia have often been passive recipients of global forces, especially from Western powers.

Colonial history marked by Western dominance through direct and indirect rule brought economic, cultural, and political shifts, often disruptive.

Post-WWII, the Cold War intensified external influences, with the US pushing for Japan's economic integration into the global economy, supporting Japan's economic rise.

asia as an agent of globalization

generative view

Asia as an active participant and driver in the globalization process.

The success of East Asian economies (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) highlighted export-oriented growth, inspiring Southeast Asian economies.

China and India: Post-1978 and post-1991 economic reforms respectively have significantly increased their role in global markets.

Asia contributes to reshaping globalization, evidenced by robust trade networks, foreign direct investment flows, and regional economic cooperation.

asia as a counterpoint to globalization

Some movements within Asia resist aspects of Western-driven globalization, instead emphasizing regional or national autonomy.

Asia-Pacific experiences diverse political ideologies and responses to global standards, especially in cultural preservation and economic policies.

The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis fueled critiques of unfettered globalization, leading to calls for greater economic sovereignty and regionalism.

impact on japan and thailand

Japan, which was not formally colonized, was still influenced by Western powers, especially after the arrival of U.S. ships in the mid-19th century, leading to the Meiji Restoration.

Thailand (Siam) was similarly affected by Western influence, undergoing significant reforms during the reigns of Kings Rama IV and Rama V, despite never being colonized.

nationalistic and independence movements

By the 19th and 20th centuries, nationalism emerged as a response to globalization and colonialism.

Scholars argue that Western industrialization and capitalism played a role in the rise of national identity.

Nationalist leaders, such as Jose Rizal from the Philippines, were influenced by global experiences, and the idea of nationalism spread worldwide.

WWII, regional integration, and japan's economic miracle

Japan's imperial domination ended with the rise of Japan and the Pacific War.

After WWII, the region became involved in Cold War politics.

The US prioritized Japan's economic growth and global integration to ensure stability.

Japan's economic success in the 1970s and 1980s is attributed to a mix of policies, culture, and international relations.

Japan and other East Asian countries adapted their policies to the global economy, benefiting from export-oriented growth.

The state played a key role in this growth model, challenging neoliberal economic ideas

international financial instns (ifi)

The World Bank and IMF, part of the Bretton Woods system, promoted economic liberalization and globalization. They played a significant role in Southeast Asian economic development, often under Western influence.

IFIs sometimes overlooked corruption and authoritarianism in the countries they supported.

ifi influence

In Indonesia, the IMF and World Bank supported Suharto's regime, despite its corruption.

In Thailand, IFIs pushed for liberalization and export-oriented growth, leading to increased foreign investment.

In the Philippines, the IMF and World Bank had a cozy relationship with Marcos, contributing to economic problems.

1997 asian financial crisis

The crisis was triggered by speculative investments and unsustainable economic models in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Investors lost confidence, withdrew investments, causing currency collapses and economic downturns.

The IMF and other institutions blamed the crisis on poor policies, weak governance, and corruption, advocating for more liberalization.

Critics argued that the crisis was caused by globalized capital flows and unregulated markets

economic globalization; liberation in india and china

Both countries began liberalizing their economies in the late 1970s and 1990s.

They experienced significant economic growth and became more integrated into the global economy.

While there are differences in their approaches, both have become members of the WTO.

impact of globalization on labor

Globalization has led to changes in labor practices, including an increase in non-standard employment, informal employment, and underemployment.

Working conditions and safety issues are often problematic, especially in factories producing goods for Western companies.

1997 financial crisis and global integration

The crisis highlighted the deep integration of Asian economies into the global financial system.

The absence of international support for Suharto, a long-time US ally, demonstrated the declining importance of the communist threat in Asia.

This contributed to his downfall and the rise of a more globalized world in the region.

globalization and cultural westernization

One of the most prevalent critiques of globalization is its impact on culture.

Critics argue that globalization leads to cultural homogenization and the destruction of cultural diversity.

The spread of Western brands and cultural trends, like fast food and entertainment, has marginalized local cultural practices.

autonomous asia

The region as an autonomous agent serving as an engine for globalization; influencing and transforming the nature of globalization itself

Examples: Europeans did not create spice trade; Asia was the central global force in the early world economy

asia influences the west

Scholars argue that colonies in the Asia Pacific and South Asia influenced the West as much as vice versa; colonialism was not a simply a practice of Western domination, but also productive of what we think of Western and modern

Example: Philippines - American scientists and physicians brought back colonial bureaucratic practices and identities to urban health departments in the US in the early 20th century

post-colonial lens

in the post-colonial era, the assertion that the Asia Pacific and South Asia are mere beneficiaries (or victims) of globalization is even less justifiable

The extent to which Japanese development in the 50s, 60s, 70s actually shaped and in many ways globalized key parts of the world economy

japan as a trend setter

Other countries modeled their practices on theirs further deepening globalized patterns of procurement and trade blazed by the Japanese

China pursuing a similar pattern of development today: now one of the largest importers of basic raw materials and has surpassed Japan, US, and Europe in steel production

India opened up and emphasized export-oriented strategy: textiles and other low wage sectors and software development - key part of economy

international migrant labor

One of the fundamental characteristics of the era of globalization

Undocumented and working conditions are poor or deadly

The region is both the source and recipient of the influences of the massive globalization of migration

rise of regional free trade arrangements

OPEN - the principle of non-discrimination, more specifically an openness in membership and openness in terms of economic flows

REGIONALISM: bulwark to globalization, pushes forward the process of global economic integration

open regionalism

aims to develop and maintain cooperation with outside actors; meant to resolve tension between the rise of regional trade agreements and the push for global trade as embodied by the WTO

Some regional institutions expanded economic globalization by promoting open markets and integration with global economies, often aligning with Western interests.

1990 ministerial declaration

"Desire to reduce barriers to trade in goods and services among participants so long as such liberalization was consistent with GATT principles and was not to the detriment of other parties"

pink globalization

Hello Kitty, Kung-fu and Bollywood films, K-Pop, Anime, Pokemon, Kawaii

east asian co prosperity sphere

asia for asians

It aimed to unify Asian countries and free them from Western colonial powers

Japan sought not only empire expansion but also Asian unity against Western imperialism.

However, Japan's actions mirrored imperial relationships in East and Southeast Asia, establishing new masters.
The Sphere prioritized Japan's interests, often at the expense of other members.

The contradiction between promoting solidarity and practicing racism, while prioritizing Japanese interests, led to the Sphere's failure

PM Mohamed Mahatir

'The Asian way is to reach consensus on national goals within the democratic framework, to take the middle path, the Confucian Chun Yung or the Islamic, awsatuha; to exercise tolerance and sensitivity towards others'

Asia operates on the basis of harmony and consensus rather than majority rule.

east asia economic caucus

a. U.S. Opposition
b. ASEAN +3

asian monetary fund

proposed by Japan in response to the 1997 financial crisis, aiming to create a financial safety net for Asian countries.

was designed to be independent from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has historically dominated financial governance.

Membership: China, Japan, South Korea, and others, but notably excluded the United States

U.S. Opposition: the U.S. opposed the AMF, leading to its eventual failure. This opposition reinforced the IMF's role in promoting a neo-liberal approach to global financial governance, which prioritizes free markets and minimal government intervention.

Jeemah Islamiyah

represents a darker and more subversive form of regionalism, with origins tied to Islamic extremism.

It is primarily active in Indonesia but has connections throughout Southeast Asia.

regional terror network