POLI SCI Test 4

Globalization

Process of increasing global connections through trade, communication, migration, and shared ideas which blurs the line between domestic and international politics. "Thick" connections linking large numbers of people across countries being a key feature.

Economic globalization

Integration of global trade, finance, and labor markets

Political globalization

Expansion of power beyond states to global organizations and institutions

Societal globalization

Spread of culture, ideas, and identities across borders

Technological drivers of globalization

Advances in transportation, communication, and information technology

Political drivers of globalization

End of the Cold War, spread of capitalism, rise of global institutions

Economic drivers of globalization

neoliberal policies like privatization, deregulation, and free trade that promote free markets and competition.

Washington Consensus

Set of policies promoting free markets, trade liberalization, and reduced government control

Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

Companies operating in multiple countries that influence global economies

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Independent groups promoting social, political, or humanitarian goals

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Organizations created by states to address global issues (e.g., IMF, WTO)

Globalization from above

Globalization driven by states, corporations, and global institutions

Globalization from below

Globalization driven by people, NGOs, and grassroots movements

Positive effects of globalization

Economic growth, innovation, increased global connections

Negative effects of globalization

Inequality, job loss, weakened state control, cultural loss; causing backlash such as resistance through nationalism, protectionism, or cultural preservation

Outsourcing

Moving jobs to other countries to reduce costs

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Investment by a company in another country's economy

Cosmopolitanism

A global identity combining cultures and values from many societies

Global civil society

International networks of people and groups working toward shared goals

Civil and political rights

Rights such as voting, free speech, and political participation

Social and economic rights

Rights such as healthcare, education, jobs, and fair wages

Balanced human rights

Both civil/political and economic/social rights are strong

Unbalanced human rights

Strong political rights but weak economic/social rights

Why human rights balance matters

Democracy requires both freedom (political rights) and equality (economic rights)

Phase 1: Early democracy

Political rights increase but economic rights remain weak

Phase 2: Rising inequality

Political rights remain stable while economic inequality increases

Phase 3: Democratic decline

Government restricts freedoms due to unrest and instability

Main cause of democratic decline

Failure to provide economic equality alongside political freedoms

Connection: globalization and inequality

Globalization increases wealth but often widens income gaps

Effect of inequality on politics

Leads to frustration, protests, and distrust in government

Populism

Appeal to "ordinary people" against elites, often during inequality

Democratic deficit

Lack of accountability in global institutions

State sovereignty

Ability of a state to control its own policies and decisions

Impact of globalization on sovereignty

Global forces can weaken state control

Key debate about globalization

Does it create prosperity and democracy or inequality and instability?

Final takeaway

Globalization can strengthen or weaken democracy depending on how rights and inequality are managed