What is Globalization

What is Globalization? • “process in which the constraints of geography recede and in which people become aware that they are receding” • “widening, deepening and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of life” • process by which networks of interdependence become large and continuous, or “thick” What is Globalization? • a quantitative and qualitative change • not only economic • 4 dimensions: – – – – Space - extensiveness of global networks Regularity - intensity of global interactions Speed - velocity of global flows Depth – impact of global interconnections on quality of life When did globalization begin? • Underway since dawn of history • Emerged with industrialization and capitalism • Recent development of Information Age • Globalization not linear • Ebbs and flows with politics Historical Forms of Globalization • 21st century “thick globalization” – high extensity, intensity, velocity and impact • Western imperial expansion (18th century) – high extensity, impact; low intensity, velocity • Silk and luxury trade (200 BC-200 AD) – high extensity; low intensity, velocity, impact The Globalization Debate • 3 Schools of thought • Hyperglobalizers – new epoch in human history – logic of market trumps state power • benefit or oppressive? – emergence of global civil society – smooth unfolding of human progress The Globalization Debate • Skeptics – current levels of interdependence not new • classical “Gold Standard” period 1870-1914 – power of national governments endures • hegemon important – – – – regionalization prevails inequality undermines global civilization global culture not emerging global governance illusory The Globalization Debate • Transformationalists – – – – – current globalization unprecedented but outcome unclear globalization has contradictions unclear if single world society will result national governments not powerless but must share governance with IGOs and NGOs Theme 1: Integration-Fragmentation • Integration - breaking down barriers historically separating people – communications, economics, security, ideas • Fragmentation – nationalism, regionalization, religion, ethnic conflict, inequality Theme 1: Integration-Fragmentation Dilemma • integration satisfies material needs, freedom from want • fragmentation satisfies non-material desires, freedom from fear Theme 1: Integration-Fragmentation • Examples of fragmentation and inequality • Africa – region of the world most excluded from global economy • Access to information technology – the “digital divide” • Science and technology for public health and food production skewed to solve problems of developed world over those of poor countries Theme 1: Integration-Fragmentation Summary - Fragmentation can be viewed as: • Nationalism, ethnic conflict, identity • Regionalization • Inequality Theme 2: Universalism-Particularism • Focus on global culture vs. local culture – globalization as convergence, homogenization, uniformity • Cultural imperialism thesis - variants: – – – – – Americanization Westernization Core over periphery Modern over traditional Global capitalist monoculture Theme 3: Borderless World-Sovereignty • What are states? • Why are states under pressure? • Causes of state decline – market forces; technology; skills revolution • But states not powerless • Historically rooted political agents interact with increasingly globalized economic agents Transmission Belts for Globalization • • • • • • Media MNCs, TNCs, MNEs Capital Labor Transportation Communication • • • • Tourism Air Water Science and Technology • Others? Globalization Summary • Globalization best conceived as a dialectical process stimulating: – integration and fragmentation – cultural differentiation and convergence – borderless world and evolution of state Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization Realm of Advantages Globalization Political Economic Cultural Weakens power of authoritarian governments Jobs, capital, more choices Offers exposure to other cultures Disadvantages Unwanted external influences difficult to control Exploitative; benefits uneven Risks cultural imperialism