Introduction to Globalization: Foundations and Definitions

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key definitions, scholarly perspectives, and schools of thought regarding the foundations of globalization as discussed in the lecture notes.

Globalization

The growing interconnectedness and interdependence of societies across the globe affecting how people communicate, trade, work, study, travel, and think.

Broad (Inclusive) Definitions

Definitions that attempt to capture the overall nature of globalization by describing it as a worldwide process that connects people, societies, and economies.

Narrow (Exclusive) Definitions

Definitions that focus on specific characteristics of globalization, such as measurable economic and political changes.

Kenichi Ohmae (1992)

A scholar who described globalization as the emergence of a "borderless world" where national boundaries have reduced importance due to technology and communication.

Robert Cox

A scholar who defined globalization through concrete changes including the internationalization of production, a new international division of labor, and the influence of global economic institutions.

Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) Study (2006)

A study of 114 definitions of globalization which found that 67 focused primarily on economic dimensions, while others emphasized political, social, technological, or cultural aspects.

Cesare Poppi (1997)

A sociologist who remarked that "Globalization is the debate about it," suggesting the academic disagreements are part of understanding the concept.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Defines globalization as the geographic dispersion of industrial and service activities, such as research, production, and sourcing, across national borders.

Peterson Institute for International Economics

Defines globalization as the growing interdependence of countries through trade, investments, technology, migration, and cultural exchange.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Defines globalization as the increasing interconnectedness of people and countries through faster flows of goods, services, finance, people, and ideas, supported by international policies.

Anthony Giddens

A British sociologist who defined globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations linking distant localities so that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away.

Held and McGrew (2003)

Defined globalization as a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, and intensify worldwide interdependence and increase awareness of local-global connections.

Manfred Steger

Defines globalization as the "expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world-time and world-space."

Expansion

One of Manfred Steger's concepts referring to the creation of new social networks and the spread of existing relationships across geographical and political boundaries.

Intensification

One of Manfred Steger's concepts referring to the strengthening and acceleration of global connections through means like the Internet and modern transportation.

Justin Rosenberg

A scholar who argues globalization is a transition from isolated sovereign states toward a system of global governance through international institutions and agreements.

Richard Ritzer

Defines globalization as a transplanetary process involving increasing liquidity and multidirectional flows of people, goods, information, capital, and culture.

Thomas Larsson

A scholar who described globalization as "the process of world shrinkage" and the creation of a "global village."

Martin Khor

A scholar who presents a critical perspective, viewing globalization as a form of colonization where powerful nations dominate weaker economies.

Rejectionists

A school of thought (including Craig Calhoun and Susan Strange) arguing that globalization is an unclear, overused concept that has lost its analytical value.

Skeptics

Scholars who believe that globalization's effects are exaggerated, national governments remain powerful, and economic activity is still mostly concentrated within countries.

Modifiers

Scholars (such as Immanuel Wallerstein) who argue globalization is not new but has historical roots in trade, exploration, and the spread of capitalism over hundreds of years.