ETV that the advantages of globalisation outweigh the disadvantages

define globalisation

- increasing interconnectedness of states through trade, finance, migration, communication and institutions. 

paragraph points

• economic benefits vs disadvantages

• political advantages and disadvantages

• cultural advantages vs disadvantages

economic benefits point

Globalisation increases economic growth and creates opportunities for international trade.  

evidence for economic benefits

Expansion of global trade through the World Trade Organization since 1995. 

• China joining the WTO in 2001 helped transform it into the world’s largest exporter; over 800 million people lifted from extreme poverty since 1980 (World Bank estimates). 

• Regional trade blocs such as the European Union Single Market and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement facilitate tariff-free trade across major economies. 

• Global supply chains: companies like Apple rely on manufacturing networks across East Asia, demonstrating deep economic interdependence. 

 

analysis for economic benefits of EG

Economic globalisation allows states to specialise according to comparative advantage, increasing productivity and lowering prices for consumers. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and multinational corporations enable industrialisation in emerging economies, integrating them into global markets. Interdependence also increases the costs of conflict, reinforcing cooperation. 

Keohane and Nye views on EG

• liberals

• argue that globalisation promotes economic cooperation and growth, benefiting all actors.

Joseph Stiglitz on EG

• liberal institutionalist

• argues global markets can promote development when managed through international institutions. 

Thomas Friedman on EG

“The World is Flat” - free market capitalism fosters global prosperity and reduces conflict risk.

Complex web theory

“If goods do not cross borders, armies will” - Bastiat - French economist

point for disadvantages of EG

Economic globalisation undermines sovereignty and creates instability  

evidence for disadvantages of EG

• 2008 Global Financial Crash and Great Recession – triggered by collapse of Lehman Brothers due to default sub-prime mortgages in the USA.  

• The Greece debt crisis (2010–2015) showed how Eurozone membership limited national economic autonomy. 

• Brazil (2003) abandoned socialist policy commitments to prevent MNCs from withdrawing funds. 

• Conditional membership of the EU – Four Freedoms; Eurozone; trade deals with non-EU countries 

Analysis for disadvantages of EG

• Financial globalisation means crises spread rapidly across interconnected economies

• this limits governments’ ability to protect domestic industries or control capital flows.

• Multinational corporations gain structural power over states, forcing governments to adopt business-friendly policies to remain competitive. 

realists view on EG

Realists argue greater interdependence will lead to mutual vulnerability. 

Morgenthau quote on international politics

“international politics is a struggle for power”  

Susan Strange on EG

argues global finance has created “casino capitalism,” where markets undermine state control. 

advantages of PG point

Political globalisation encourages cooperation through international institutions and reduces conflict. States increasingly share power and reach collective decisions.  

advantages of PG evidence

• International institutions such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Monetary Fund coordinate global responses to crises. 

• The G20 coordinated global economic stimulus during the 2008 financial crisis. 

• Global cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic included vaccine research collaboration and economic coordination. 

advantages of PG analysis

• Political globalisation increases multilateral diplomacy, enabling states to cooperate on global issues such as climate change, pandemics and economic stability.

• Shared institutions create rules and norms that constrain unilateral action and facilitate collective decision-making. 

 

Liberal theory of political globalisation

• Creates a cobweb model of decision-making based on overlapping and mutually supporting bodies  

• Keohane and Nyes complex model of interdependence - Keohane argues institutions reduce uncertainty and facilitate cooperation even in an anarchic international system. 

Immanuel Kant on PG

argued that international institutions and commerce promote “perpetual peace.” 

Point for disadvantages of PG

Geopolitical tensions remain strong.  

Non-state actors have an increasing influence on collective decision-making, which challenges the centrality of NSs. 

evidence for disadvantages of PG

• Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022)  

• US-Israel bombing of Iran (2026) 

• UN R2P (2005) - sovereignty of states is conditional on not committing mass human rights abuses  

• Libya (2011) Resolution 1973 permitted NATO to use all force necessary to protect civilians. 

• Musk’s Space X activated Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine (Feb 2022) to replace international or communications degraded or destroyed during the war – Musk suspended its use and threatened to withdraw (Feb 2023) 

 

analysis for disadvantages of PG

• Global institutions lack enforcement power and are often dominated by powerful states.

• The continued importance of military power and national interest demonstrates that state sovereignty remains central to global politics, despite increasing interconnectedness. 

realist theory on limits of political globalisation

Realists - states ultimately prioritise security, national interest and power over cooperation. 

Mearsheimer on limits of PG

argues that institutions and interdependence cannot override the anarchic nature of international politics - “anarchic world of international politics” 

Hans Morgenthau on limits of PG

international politics is driven by the pursuit of power under anarchy - “power is always the immediate aim” 

point for advantages of CG

Globalisation facilitates cultural exchange and the spread of ideas. 

evidence for advantages of CG

• Digital communication through platforms such as Meta Platforms, TikTok, and Netflix allows global cultural exchange. 

• International social movements such as Black Lives Matter spread globally through digital networks. 

• Human rights norms promoted by organisations like the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

analysis for benefits if CG

• creates cosmopolitan identities,

• increasing awareness of global issues and strengthening transnational civil society

• This can promote tolerance, democratic values and human rights norms. 

 

JD Bowen quote on positives of IGOs

“the international system creates opportunities for cooperation”

point for disadvantages of CG

Globalisation leads to cultural homogenisation and Western dominance. 

evidence for disadvantages of CG

• Global cultural influence of American corporations such as McDonald's, Disney, and Netflix. 

• Cultural backlash seen in nationalist movements such as Brexit and protectionist policies under Donald Trump. 

 

analysis for disadvantages of CG

• Local cultures can be eroded as Western norms become globalised.

• This cultural backlash has contributed to the rise of populism and nationalism, challenging global integration. 

Samuel Huntington on disadvantages of CG

• realist

• (“The Clash of Civilisations”) argued that cultural differences remain powerful and may even intensify conflict.