Contemporary World Notes

Globalization

Definition of Globalization

  • Globalization is a multidimensional set of social processes that intensify worldwide social interdependencies.
  • Rosenberg: Globalization interconnected human society, replacing the sovereign state system with global governance.
  • Ritzer (2008): Spread of worldwide practices, relations, consciousness, and organization of social life.
  • Globalization reshapes world order, expanding social institutions across territories.

Qualities and Characteristics of Globalization (Held & McGrew, 2002)

  • Creation and multiplication of social networks and cultural activities.
  • Expansion and stretching of social operations and connections.
  • Intensification and acceleration of human activities.
  • Consciousness and awareness of global connections.

Globalization vs. Westernization

  • Globalization is not the same as Westernization.
  • Westernization is associated with Western culture and values, influencing countries outside its territory.

Theoretical Approaches to Globalization

Realism

  • Focuses on the shifting distribution of power among states.
  • Emphasizes power and domination.
  • Countries open economies for financial returns and political-military strength.
  • Economic alliances flourish under favorable security conditions.

Liberalism

  • Emphasizes relationships, negotiations, and communication.
  • Focuses on solving problems and conflicts.
  • Promotes democracy, global economic ties, and international organizations.
  • Economic ties and cooperation foster prosperity and security.

Idealism

  • Values and norms play pivotal roles.
  • Emphasizes ideologies, frameworks, systems, and identities.
  • Beliefs center on ideas, emotions, and collective values.
  • Values appropriateness and transparency.

Role of Ideas and Technology in Globalization

  • Ideas: Non-material entities of culture that shape perceptions.
  • Technology: Significant determinant of wealth and power.
  • Fast pace of technological change impacts business, government, and individuals.
  • Dispersed knowledge and technology make national borders irrelevant.

Institutions and Globalization

  • Institutions: Norms, activities, and structures providing meaning and stability.
  • Global governance is directed by political and economic institutions.
  • Liberalists emphasize the importance of institutions in international order.
  • International institutions regulate communication and movement of resources.

The Practice of Globalization

Globalization in Historical Perspectives

  • Advances in technology, transportation, finance, and communications have led to more uniform practices among nations.

Phases of Globalization (Thomas Friedman)

  • Globalization 1.0 (1492 – 1800): Mercantilism
  • Globalization 2.0 (1800 – 1950): Industrialization (Pax Britannica)
  • Globalization 3.0 (1950 – 2000): Technology, Information Age

Dimensions of Globalization (Anthony Giddens)

  • World Capitalist Economy: Primary force, multinational corporations are powerful.
  • Nation-state System: Sovereignty emphasized, nation-states make collective objectives.
  • World Military: Strengthening military power is a priority.

Three Worlds and World Order

  • First World: Powerful economies, stable governments.
  • Second World: Communist countries trapped between poverty and prosperity.
  • Third World: Less developed economies, often with colonial history.

Global Economy

Economic Systems

  • Market Economy: Decisions by private individuals, economic freedom.
  • Command Economy: Central planning body makes decisions, controlled by government.
  • Mixed Economy: Combination of market and command elements.

International Trade

  • Exchange of goods and services across national boundaries.
  • Trade Theories:
    • Descriptive Theory: Natural order, laissez-faire.
    • Prescriptive Theory: Government intervention.
  • Perspectives:
    • Economic Liberals: Free trade efficiency, specialization.
    • Mercantilists: Higher export than import, colonial benefits.
    • Structuralists: Core exploits periphery (Wallerstein).

Transnational Corporations

  • Business organizations competing in global markets.
  • Control global markets, powerful economic actors.

International Economic Institutions and Market Integration

  • Economic integration enhances competitiveness.
  • Free Trade Area (FTA): Reduces internal tariffs.
  • International Economic Institutions: WTO, World Bank, IMF, ADB.

Global Governance

Global Governments and Governance

  • No global government exists, but global governance involves solving large-scale problems at a global level.
  • Relies on consensus and agreements.
  • Jurisdiction, incentive, and participation gaps exist.

Political Systems

  • Individualism vs. Collectivism
    • Individualism: Values individual freedom.
    • Collectivism: Values collective goals.
  • Democracy vs. Totalitarianism
    • Democracy: Individual participation, free elections.
    • Totalitarianism: No freedom of expression, single-party control.

Political Layers and Geopolitics

  • Power: Control over other states.
  • Geopolitics: National interests based on location and geography.
  • Unilateralism, Multilateralism, Isolationism.

Global Political Institutions

  • United Nations (UN): Established in 1945, addresses global issues.

Organs of United Nations

  1. General Assembly
  2. Security Council
  3. Economic and Social Council
  4. International Court of Justice
  5. The Secretariat
  6. Trusteeship Council
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): Initially a political association.

Global Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations

Global Civil Society (GCS)

  • GCS: A global network of NGOs influencing governments and organizations.

Characteristics of NGOs

  1. Independent from government control.
  2. Not political parties.
  3. Non-profit organizations.

Roles of Civil Society Organizations

  1. Watchdog
  2. Advocate
  3. Service Provider
  4. Expert
  5. Capacity Builder
  6. Incubator
  7. Representative
  8. Citizenship Champion
  9. Solidarity Supporter
  10. Definer of Standards

Transnational Nongovernmental Organizations (TNGOs)

  • International not-for-profit organizations, independent of governments.

Economic Nongovernmental Organizations

  • Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Transnational Corporations (TNCs).

Environmental Nongovernmental Organizations

  • Protect the environment, lobby decision-makers.

Law and Human Rights Nongovernmental Organizations

  • Promote political participation, freedom, and access to basic needs.

Global Development and Divide

Development

  • A process of changing and enhancing something.
  • Uneven impact of globalization.
  • Four Dimensions:
    • Economic Development
    • Human Development
    • Sustainable Development
    • Territorial Development

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Established to end poverty, solve inequality, and address climate change.
  • 17 Sustainable Development Goals

How will the Sustainable Development Goals be implemented?

  • Alignment of national plans with global commitments.
  • Resource mobilization and financing strategies.
  • Contributions from government, private sector, and civil society.
  • Partnership between global community and national governments.

Global South

  • Countries excluded from socioeconomic prominence (Africa, Middle East, South America, South Asia, Pacific).

Three Worlds as Contemporary Issue

  • Global North vs. Global South
  • Various political and economic descriptions and experiences.

Causes of Global Divide

  1. Globalization in the 1990s
  2. Uneven Immigration
  3. The hegemonic nature of international economic relations