Lecture: Introduction to globalization and global politics

Mixed actor model

Does not ignore state governments and sovereignty but argues that international politics is becoming shaped more by states and transitional groups

Sovereignty

The power of the state is highest

Balance of power

When states have similar power they cannot dominate each other which should lead to general equilibrium, more powerful and less powerful states cannot interact with each other peacefully

How does global governance challenged the balance of power theory?

More powerful states are able to peacefully work with smaller less powerful states, ex. US relations with Canada

First wave of globalization

1450: Columbian exchange, age of discovery

Second wave of globalization

1850-1945: major expansion of European empires

Third wave of globalization

1960-present: rise of microchips and satellites, a shift in power from west to east, and the rise of China

Fourth wave of globalization

In progress: new digital technology and emerging economic countries (Brazil, India, China)

Hard power

Military power

Soft power

Diplomatic power

Security dilemma

When one country takes action to protect itself (ex. building up nukes), it is seen as a threat to other countries and will lead to counter military activities, making the original country less secure than when it started

Dilemma of intention

We don't know why countries are increasing their military power, is it just in case or are they prepping for something

Dilemma of response

Should we react by building up our military or try to have diplomatic relations

Realist view of justice

Justice is irrelevant, national interest is more powerful than ethical considerations

World system theory

Refers to the division of labor globally, divides the world into core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations, core nations exploit the other nations

Core nations

Richest, most powerful, most developed, ex.U.S, Canada

Semi-periphery nations

Less developed, not dominant in global politics, between core and peripheral nations, ex. Brazil, India

Periphery nations

Least developed, weak governments, supply unskilled labor and resources, ex.Chile, Sudan

Modernization theory

Development is a purely internal factor, developing nations are still at a stage where they have not reached modernization but they will at some point

Realist theory

Skeptical of globalization, believe it mostly benefits the core nations, economic interdependence leaves all economies vulnerable, self-help

Liberal theory

Positive view of globalization, free-market, freer flow of ideas, liberal democracies, cooperation

Marxist theory

Globalization is hierarchical, corporations are too powerful in global governance (and in general)

Feminist theory

Globalization increases gender inequality especially in poorer countries where women who own small business must compete with multinational corporations

Postcolonial theory

Globalization is connected to western imperialism, western countries subvert indigenous cultures and support consumerism

Materialist theory

Globalization increases “worldwide connectivity which is open to empirical and historical methods of enquiry”

Constructivist theory

Globalization has no meaning, it is what we make of it, it is neither positive or negative

Ideological theory

"Political and economic project and ideology advanced by the most powerful states to fashion a world order according to their interests”