Globalisation, Politics, & Power

The number of liberal democracies has increased significantly, with fewer dictatorships.
During the Cold War, superpowers supported allied dictators. Post-Cold War, Eastern Europe and less developed countries transitioned from authoritarian regimes to democracies.
Currently, about 60% of countries (with populations > 500,000) are democracies, up from 24% in 1976; absolute monarchies and authoritarian systems have decreased correspondingly.
Liberal democracy has spread globally from its European origins, becoming the predominant political system.

Many systems are not entirely free and fair, but international monitors often oversee elections to curb bribery and rigging.
Free and fair elections are now frequently conditions for receiving international aid.
The concept of human rights has gained global traction, rooted in Enlightenment ideas.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 by the UN.
Human rights are inherent, protecting all individuals simply by virtue of being human.
Many nations now include protections for human rights within their legal frameworks.
An increasing number of international agreements exist to uphold and prosecute for human rights violations, e.g., the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Globalisation: Facilitates cross-cultural contact, spreading democracy and human rights concepts.
International Organisations: The UN and EU press governments toward democratic governance and human rights respect.
Spread of Capitalism: Democratic states typically create stable environments desirable for business, promoting international trade and involvement of Transnational Corporations (TNCs).

Despite globalisation, nations like China, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia maintain non-democratic systems, indicating that global forces do not automatically guarantee democracy.

Globalisation enables social movements to transcend national borders.
Key political actors include NGOs like Greenpeace, Red Cross, and Amnesty International, advocating for environmental and social issues.

NSMs differ from traditional movements; they are less hierarchical and often utilize direct action (e.g., protests).
Notable NSMs include:
- Environmental Movements (e.g., Greenpeace)
- Feminist Movements
- Peace and Anti-Nuclear Movements
- LGBTQ+ Movements
- Animal Rights Movements
- Debt Cancellation Movements
- Anti-Globalisation Movements
- Occupy Movements

Comprise loosely organized groups without formal leadership.
Engage in a range of actions from local protests to global campaigns.
Use digital platforms for rapid communication and coordination, highlighted by figures like Greta Thunberg.

Protests often target neoliberal globalisation, criticising TNCs for perpetuating poverty in developing nations.
Examples include failed structural adjustments by richer countries and the economic rise of state-controlled economies like China.

Lacks effective organization, leading to violent incidents and limited support.
Less developed nations often prefer state-led approaches (e.g., Mercosur, Unasur) over grassroots protests.

Globalisation has reduced the authority of nation states over major economic policies (employment, taxation, investment).
Ohmae (1995) posits that globalisation marks the end of the nation state.
TNCs are increasingly powerful; some have larger GNPs than whole countries.
Example: Shell's role in Nigeria illustrates the dependency of less developed countries on TNCs and the impact of corporate decisions.

Global issues necessitate intergovernmental organisation cooperation, covering:
- Climate change
- Global drug trade
- Pollution
- Migration

Events like Brexit (UK leaving the EU) and the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord indicate vulnerability of global alliances to anti-globalisation sentiments.

Beck argues we live in a global risk society confronting unprecedented challenges from technology and science (e.g., pandemics).
He advocates for a shift from national interests to a cosmopolitan perspective to address global crises.

Some power is devolving from nation states to local levels, indicated by independence movements (e.g., Catalonia, Scotland).
Mundialisation: cities asserting their global significance independent of their national governments.

John Gray (2002): Skeptical of the neo-liberal idea of a single global market; advocates for the continuing relevance of nation-states.
Hirst and Thompson (1996): Emphasize the importance of nation-states in creating political stability for international trade and collaboration on global issues like climate change.

Various multimedia resources illustrate globalisation's impact on communication, economics, human rights, and environmental issues.
Key videos include:
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Global Trade and its Economic Impacts
- Human Rights Movements
- Elections and Democracy
- The Role of TNCs
- Anti-Globalisation Protests

Evidence of Globalisation

Video on Cross-Cultural Communication: Examines how globalisation facilitates communication across cultures, enabling a faster exchange of ideas and traditions.
Video on Global Trade: Discusses how international trade agreements impact economies and the flow of goods across borders, exemplifying the interconnectedness of global markets.

Video on Human Rights Movements: Highlights various international movements advocating for human rights, showcasing global advocacy in response to inequalities and oppression.
Video discussing Elections and Democracy: Focuses on the rise of democratic systems worldwide and the importance of free elections in global governance.

Video on the Role of TNCs: Explores the influence of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) on national economies and global policies, illustrating the balance of power between economic entities and nation states.
Video on Anti-Globalisation Protests: Analyzes protests against globalisation, discussing the pushback against perceived corporate domination and its effects on local populations and economies.