LEC. 1: Introduction to Globalization

[Introduction] What is globalization in general vs. specific terms?

• General: spans many disciplines & worldviews.

• Specific: defines distinctive features of global processes.

[Introduction] Why is globalization an “essentially contested concept”?

Because no single accepted definition exists; meanings differ across societies and contexts.

[Introduction] Velho’s (1997) three framings of globalization?

• Object – a process studied externally.

• Perspective – a global lens to view the world.

• Horizon – direction the world is moving.

[Introduction] When did globalization gain academic/political prominence?

Late 1980s–1990s, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989).

[Introduction] Two main debates on globalization?

• Economic lens: capitalism, markets, neoliberalism.

• Multidimensional view: includes culture, politics, society.

[Introduction] What is “globalization from below” vs. “from above”?

• From below: anti-globalization movements (e.g., protests vs. WTO, IMF).

• From above: elite-driven processes led by global institutions & corporations.

[Parameters of the Process] Common definition of globalization?

Increasing connectivity/interconnectedness.

[Parameters of the Process] Why is global consciousness important?

It develops alongside connectivity, shaping awareness of the world as a single place.

[Parameters of the Process] Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” thesis?

Predicted post–Cold War conflicts would be civilizational (West vs. Islam), not ideological.

[Dimensions of Globalization] Four key dimensions of globalization?

• Economic

• Political

• Cultural

• Social (esp. communication & interaction)

[Dimensions of Globalization] Example of cultural globalization?

Ritzer’s McDonaldization – spread of U.S. practices adapted to local contexts.

[Dimensions of Globalization] Why is the social dimension often overlooked?

Focus tends to be on economics/politics, but diffusion of practices, networks, migration, and internet are crucial.

[Form of Globalization] Wallerstein’s world-system view?

World shaped for 500–600 years by capitalist expansion.

[Form of Globalization] Four-part pattern of globalization proposed by authors?

• International system (nation-states)

• Humanity (species-level awareness, rights, environment)

• Individuals (identity, selfhood, manipulation of identities, internet, fashion)

• Nation-state (not vanishing but reframed by multiculturalism & global integration)

[Form of Globalization] Paradox of globalization?

It produces both sameness (standardization) and difference (multiculturalism, self-expression).

[Glocalization] What is glocalization?

The interplay of global & local – businesses adapt products to local contexts (e.g., McDonald’s in India).

[Glocalization] How does glocalization differ from grobalization (Ritzer)?

• Glocalization: adaptation leads to diversity, homogenization is limited.

• Grobalization: globalization = endless homogenization driven by global corporations.

[Glocalization] Why is total homogenization impossible?

Local adaptation always reshapes global practices.

[Globalization & History] How does globalization influence history writing?

Historians now focus on global consciousness & interconnected pasts.

[Globalization & History] Why is globalization historical, not timeless?

Scholars map phases (Robertson, Scholte) showing globalization evolves over time.

[Globalization & History] Two key tendencies defining globalization?

• Connectivity (networks, flows)

• Consciousness (awareness of world as whole)

[Globalization & History] Four points of reference for globalization (paralleling UN)?

Nation-states, World politics, Individuals, Humankind.