Globalisation Case Studies

China’s 1978 Open Door Policy

• Chinese government adopted their Open Door Policy and opened up the country to investment from abroad.

• This led to the transformation of China with significant economic growth and urbanisation.

• In the 30 years since 1978, 300 million people have moved from the rural areas to the urban areas (rural-urban migration) in search of a better quality of life and increased income.

• China's Open Door Policy saw it become the ‘work-shop of the world’- producing consumer goods to be exported all over the world.

• China’s Government continues to remain open to globalisation and in 2001 they joined the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

Growth of Megacities (Manila and Jakarta)

Jakarta

• The population of Jakarta in Indonesia is increasing by around 200,000 people a year.

• There is a huge demand for housing which far outweighs supply.

• The huge demand for housing has meant that a large amount of unregulated housing

• Only 1 in 5 people have access to clean drinking water in the city.

• Many people's homes are susceptible to flooding due to the depletion of the city’s groundwater resulting in subsidence.

• A study conducted that a quarter of the city could be underwater by 2050

• The Indonesian government are planning to relocate to a new capital: Nusantara.

• Climate change also poses an issue for Jakarta as every year the city itself is sinking the sea level is also rising.

• The new city is being built from scratch and is a huge expense: Nusantara is costing roughly $34bn plus help from three international firms. These firms come from: The USA and Japan.

• There is a problem with building a new city on a different island and that’s that it doesn’t account for the over 10 million people who still live in Jakarta.

• Improved spatial planning, safeguarding groundwater, and, basically, re-thinking Jakarta as a city, is the no small task that is required, Mafira (Head of Climate Policy Initiative in Indonesia) said.

Manila

• The Philippines population is 88,000,000 and increases every year at a rate of 1.8%

• Metro Manila's population increases by approximately 450,000 people annually, leading to congestion and inadequate infrastructure

• 48% of the Philippines population lives in urban areas

• Manila has a population of 12 million people

• Sewerage facilities in Manila are often inadequate, with only 11% of the population connected to the sewerage system. Providing infrastructure for waste collection and treatment is a significant challenge. ​

• The rapid population growth in Metro Manila has led to congestion and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to challenges in employment opportunities and the expansion of the informal economy. ​

International Migration (Russian Oligarch’s in London & India to UAE)

Elite migration refers to the movement of wealthy and influential individuals across borders.

Russian oligarchs in London: Many Russian billionaires moved to London due to political and economic factors, investing in luxury property, businesses, and football clubs (e.g., Roman Abramovich and Chelsea FC).

• Impact:

  • Boosts the high-end property market in London (e.g., Kensington, Mayfair).

  • Increases foreign direct investment (FDI).

  • Contributes to economic inequality and gentrification.

Impacts of Migration

• For India (Source Country)

  • Remittances: Indian workers in the UAE send billions of dollars home annually, supporting families and the economy.

  • Brain Drain: Skilled workers sometimes leave for better opportunities.

  • Social Change: Families left behind can face challenges (e.g., absent fathers).

• For UAE (Host Country)

  • Labour Supply: Indian migrants are crucial to construction, hospitality, and domestic work.

  • Economic Growth: Cheap labour boosts UAE’s infrastructure projects (e.g., Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

  • Exploitation Risks: Some migrants face low wages, poor living conditions, and lack of workers' rights.

Cultural Erosion (Loss of tribal lifestyles in Papua New Guinea and the Amazon e.g. Kayapo)

• Threats (PNG):

  • Deforestation for palm oil & logging (destroys sacred lands).

  • Mining & Industrial Development (e.g., Ok Tedi mine polluting rivers).

  • Migration to Cities (Port Moresby, Lae—loss of tribal identity).

  • English replacing tribal languages.

• Impacts (PNG):

  • Loss of spiritual connection to land.

  • Erosion of traditional barter economy (shift to cash economy).

Groups seeking to retain control of their cultural identity (First nations of Canada)

How Are First Nations Retaining Control of Their Culture?

Land Rights Movements

• Legal battles to reclaim land (e.g., Nunavut territory for the Inuit).

• Indigenous protests against pipelines and mining.
  Language Revival Programs

• Schools and media promoting indigenous languages.
  Economic Independence

• First Nations-run businesses (e.g., ecotourism, fishing, forestry).
  Cultural Education & Awareness

• Indigenous festivals (e.g., Powwows).

• Truth & Reconciliation Commission working to heal past injustices.

Promoting local sourcing (Transition Towns)

Case Study: Totnes & Lewes Totnes (Devon)

• Totnes Pound (2007-2019) – A local currency to keep money in the community.

• Local food networks – Farmers' markets, community gardens, food co-ops.

• Renewable energy projects – Encouraging solar panels and local energy production.

• Community-led housing projects – Promoting sustainable, affordable homes.

Lewes (Sussex)

• Lewes Pound – Aimed to promote local trade.

• Plastic-free initiatives – Shops reducing single-use plastics.

• Community energy projects – Investment in local renewable energy sources.

Effectiveness of Transition Towns

✅ Successes
✔ Encourages local food production and sustainability.
✔ Reduces carbon footprint through lower food miles.
✔ Builds stronger community networks.

❌ Challenges

• Limited impact on large-scale consumption – Most people still rely on supermarkets.

• Difficult to scale up – Works well locally but not nationally.

• Local currencies struggle to survive – Totnes & Lewes Pounds both discontinued.

Controlling the spread of Globalisation (China and Japan)

China – The ‘Great Firewall’ and Economic Control

China has embraced globalisation economically (exporting goods, attracting investment) but limits cultural and political globalisation.

How China Controls Globalisation:

✅ The ‘Great Firewall’ – Blocks Western websites (Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter).
✅ Censorship & Surveillance – Internet monitored by the government, restricts political dissent.
✅ Restrictions on Foreign Films & Media – Only 34 foreign films allowed in cinemas per year.
✅ Banning Western Apps – TikTok’s global version is different from Douyin (China’s version).
✅ Protectionism – Chinese companies like Huawei and Alibaba dominate instead of Western tech giants.

Effectiveness:
✔ China successfully controls information and maintains state power.
✔ Protects local industries (Alibaba instead of Amazon, WeChat instead of WhatsApp).
❌ Limits freedom of speech and access to global culture.
❌ Some foreign businesses leave China due to restrictions (e.g., Google).

Japan – Cultural Protectionism

Japan is highly globalised economically (major TNCs like Toyota, Sony, Nintendo) but protects its cultural identity from outside influence.

How Japan Controls Globalisation:

✅ Media Restrictions – Japanese TV and radio prioritise local content over foreign music and films.
✅ Language Barrier – Japan has low English proficiency, making it harder for Western culture to spread.
✅ Strict Immigration Policies – Only 2% of Japan’s population is foreign-born (one of the lowest in the world).
✅ Trade Barriers – Japan has high import taxes on foreign rice to protect local farmers.

Effectiveness:
✔ Japan has preserved its cultural identity despite globalisation.
✔ Strong national brands (e.g., anime, J-pop) are exported globally instead of importing Western media.
❌ Japan’s low immigration has caused labour shortages due to an ageing population.
❌ Struggles to attract foreign workers and investment in some sectors.

Reducing ecological footprints (local authorities in the UK recycling or local NGOs such as Keep Britain Tidy)

Local Authorities in the UK – Recycling & Waste Management

Key Strategies:
Kerbside recycling collection – Councils provide separate bins for plastic, glass, and food waste.

Plastic bag charges (5p, now 10p) – Cut plastic bag use by over 90%.

Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) – Encourages bottle recycling.
Reducing landfill use – More waste-to-energy plants and composting schemes.

Case Study Example: Bristol

• Recycling rates increased from 12% to 47% in two decades.

• Investment in biogas buses running on food waste.

Local NGOs – Keep Britain Tidy

• Founded in 1954 to tackle litter and waste in the UK.

• Campaigns:
  Great British Spring Clean – Volunteers collect litter.
  Love Parks Campaign – Encourages protection of green spaces.
  Blue Flag Award – Recognises clean beaches.

• Works with schools and businesses to raise awareness.

Effectiveness:
✔ Increased public awareness about litter and waste.
✔ Pressures government to improve environmental policies.
❌ Depends on volunteers – limited reach without public engagement.
❌ Doesn’t address big industries – focuses mainly on individuals.

Tensions from changes due to globalisation (Migration and the rise of extremism in Europe)

1. How Does Globalisation Create Tensions?

• Increased migration → Movement of people can cause cultural clashes, economic competition, and political backlash.

• Economic inequality → Some groups feel left behind by globalisation (e.g., loss of traditional industries).

• Loss of national identity → Some people fear that immigration and multiculturalism weaken national traditions.

• Spread of extremism → Radical groups exploit tensions, using social media and online propaganda.

2. Migration and Tensions in Europe

Globalisation has increased migration flows due to:
✅ EU freedom of movement (e.g., Polish workers moving to the UK post-2004).
✅ Refugee crises (e.g., Syrian refugees entering Europe since 2015).
✅ Labour migration (e.g., North African migration to France and Spain).

Case Study: The European Refugee Crisis (2015)

• Over 1 million refugees (mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq) arrived in Germany, Sweden, and Greece.

• Some countries, like Germany, took in large numbers (Merkel’s "open door" policy).

• Backlash from far-right groups (e.g., Pegida in Germany, National Rally in France).

• Led to border controls tightening in countries like Hungary.

Brexit (2016) – A Reaction to Globalisation?

• Concerns over migration (especially from Eastern Europe).

• The slogan "Take Back Control" played on fears of loss of sovereignty and jobs.

• Anti-globalisation sentiment contributed to the Leave vote (52%).

3. The Rise of Extremism in Europe

• Far-right political movements have grown in response to migration.

• Parties like National Rally (France), Alternative for Germany (AfD), and Vox (Spain) oppose mass immigration.

• Islamophobia and nationalist rhetoric have increased in some countries.

• Social media spreads radical views, both far-right extremism and Islamic extremism.

Case Study: Terrorism and Radicalisation

• Attacks by extremist groups (e.g., Paris attacks 2015, Manchester Arena bombing 2017).

• Governments have increased surveillance and restricted online hate speech.

• Tensions between freedom of speech and national security.

Cultural diffusion through globalisation (‘Westernised’ culture & Awareness of opportunities for disadvantaged groups e.g. paralympics)

1. What is Cultural Diffusion?

• Definition: The spread of cultural ideas, products, and values from one place to another.

• Driven by:
  ✅ TNCs (McDonald's, Netflix, Apple).
  ✅ Social Media & the Internet (YouTube, Instagram).
  ✅ International Events (Olympics, Paralympics).
  ✅ Tourism & Migration (people bringing cultural influences with them).

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2. ‘Westernised’ Culture – What Spreads?

• Consumerism (fast food, branded clothing, Hollywood movies).

• Democracy & human rights (women’s rights, LGBTQ+ movements).

• English as a global language (business, education).

Examples of Cultural Diffusion:
✔ McDonald's Glocalisation – Adapts menus to local tastes (e.g., McPaneer in India).
✔ Hollywood & Netflix – Western storytelling dominates global media.
✔ Rise of English – 1.5 billion people now speak English worldwide.

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3. Awareness of Opportunities for Disadvantaged Groups (Paralympics Case Study)

• The Paralympics is a great example of positive cultural diffusion.

• It has spread awareness of disability rights and inclusion worldwide.

Impacts of the Paralympics on Global Attitudes:

✅ Increased funding for disabled athletes (e.g., UK lottery funding).
✅ Legal changes – Disability discrimination laws in many countries.
✅ Challenged stereotypes – Athletes seen as role models (e.g., Tanni Grey-Thompson, Ellie Simmonds).
✅ Influenced media – More disabled representation in TV, advertising.

Challenges:
❌ Still unequal funding – Olympic athletes get more investment.
❌ Not all countries promote disability inclusion.
❌ Some countries still lack accessibility laws.