Globalisation and Persepctive or dimensions:
Globalisation
Introduction: One famous definition -(BOBBY MA’AM) globalization is that it is
much more than mere contested interconnectedness and interdependence. A historical process
involving mental shift and transformation in the scale of human society/organization that links
different communities and expands the reach of power relations across regions of the continent.
ANDREW HEYWOOD- Globalization is the emergence of a complex web of
interconnectedness that means that our lives are increasingly shaped by events that occur, and
decisions that are made, at a great distance from us. The central feature of globalization is
therefore that geographical distance is of declining relevance and that territorial borders, such
as those between nation states, are becoming less significant.
By no means, however, does globalization imply that ‘the local’ and ‘the national’ are
subordinated to ‘the global’. Rather, it highlights the deepening as well as the broadening of the
political process, in the sense that local, national and global events (or perhaps local, regional,
national, international and global events) constantly interact
Global Transformation Processes
Deglobalization
Definition
Deglobalization is a process of reduced global interconnectedness that challenges the narrative
of continuous global integration, characterized by a retreat from established patterns of
international interaction and a renewed emphasis on local and national identities.
Key Components
1. Historical Retreat
● Parallel to earlier periods of global economic contraction
● Evident since the late 2000s, particularly after the global financial crisis
2. Characteristic Dynamics
● Revival of nationalism
● Resurgence of local identities
● Tension between universalization and particularism
● Questioning of transnational economic and cultural flows
3. Scholarly Perspectives
● Compared to historical epochs of global integration and separation
● Analyzed through economic, cultural, and political lenses
● Viewed as a cyclical rather than linear process of global interaction
Neo-Globalization
Definition
Neo-globalization is a reformative approach to global interconnectedness that critiques
traditional globalization models and advocates for more equitable, socially conscious, and
inclusive global interactions.
Key Components
1. Critique of Existing Models
● Challenges neoliberal and corporate-driven globalization
● Rejects exploitation and undemocratic practices
● Addresses economic inequalities and cultural erosion
2. Alternative Frameworks
● "Globalization from below"
● "Justice globalism"
● "Global democracy"
● "Alter-globalization"
3. Institutional Expressions
● World Social Forum as a key platform
● Emphasis on global civil society
● Promotion of human rights and social justice
● Transnational advocacy networks
Post-Globalization
Definition
Post-globalization represents a potential reconfiguration of global dynamics, characterized by a
critical reevaluation of globalization principles in response to emerging social, economic, and
political tensions.
Key Components
1. Contextual Drivers
● Rise of populism
● Economic inequalities
● Social dislocation
● Cultural transformations
● Perception of being "left behind"
2. Potential Scenarios
● Competing civilization-states with mercantilist strategies
● Emerging world of competing political ideologies
● Continued significance of nation-states
3. Underlying Dynamics
● Skepticism towards complete global integration
● Recognition of diverse societal needs
● Acknowledgment of complex global interdependence
● Reaction to perceived negative consequences of previous globalization models
Types of Globalisation, ie, Impacts:
1 Economic
2 Political
3 Cultural
4 Technological
Hyperglobalist
Kenichi Ohmae
The hyperglobalist thesis is a significant concept in the study of globalization, positing that we
are experiencing an unprecedented transformation in human history marked by extreme levels
of interconnectedness among nations and economies. Here are some key insights regarding
this thesis:
1. Radical Break from the Past**: Hyperglobalists argue that globalization represents a
fundamental shift from previous historical patterns. They believe that this process is not merely
an extension of earlier global interactions but a transformative phase that alters the very nature
of societies and economies
2. **Borderless World**: According to hyperglobalist perspectives, national borders are
becoming increasingly irrelevant. This view suggests that the power of nation-states is
diminishing as global economic and political forces take precedence. The implication is that
local cultures and governments may struggle to maintain their significance in the face of
overwhelming global influences
3. **Economic Integration**: Hyperglobalists view economic globalization as a critical
component of this thesis. They contend that the rise of multinational corporations and global
markets has led to a situation where national governments have less control over their
economies. This can lead to a loss of sovereignty and the prioritization of global economic
interests over local needs
4. **Cultural Erosion**: Another significant implication of the hyperglobalist thesis is the belief
that local cultures are being eroded due to the dominance of global culture. This perspective
suggests that as societies become more interconnected, unique cultural identities may diminish
in favour of a more homogenised global culture
5. **Criticism and Debate**: While hyperglobalism has its proponents, it faces criticism from
sceptics who argue that globalization is not uniform and that local contexts still play a vital role
in shaping outcomes. These critics suggest that the hyperglobalist view can overlook the
complexities and variations of globalisation experiences across different regions
In summary, the hyperglobalist thesis presents a compelling view of globalization as a
transformative force that reshapes economies, cultures, and political structures, though it
remains a topic of ongoing debate and analysis.
Skeptics
Paul Hirst and Grahame Thompson “Globalization in Question”
Arguments:
1 Regionalization, Not Globalization:
● Skeptics argue that much of what's called "globalization" is actually regionalization. They
point to the concentration of economic activity within specific regions (e.g., Europe,
North America, East Asia) rather than a truly global spread.
● They often emphasize that international trade and investment are heavily concentrated
among developed countries.
2 Cultural Concerns
Skeptics also express worries about cultural homogenization, where local traditions and
identities are overshadowed by global influences. This can lead to a loss of cultural diversity and
a sense of disconnection from one’s heritage .
3 Nation-State Significance:
● Skeptics maintain that the nation-state remains the primary actor in international affairs.
They argue that governments still have significant control over their economies and
societies, despite the pressures of globalization.
● They challenge the notion that globalization has led to the "demise of the nation-state."
4 Uneven Impacts:
● They emphasize the uneven distribution of the benefits and costs of globalization. They
point to the fact that some countries and groups have benefited greatly, while others
have been marginalized.
● They highlight that many of the supposed benefits of globalization are not being evenly
distributed.
Transformationalist
David Held and Anthony McGrew
Transformationalism represents a balanced perspective: acknowledging
that profound changes have occurred in world politics, while recognizing
that traditional structures and nation-state systems have not been
completely dismantled.
1. Expanded Interconnectedness A dynamic reconfiguration of global
systems that stretches social, political, economic, and cultural
activities across national boundaries, with the potential to evolve into
a single, interconnected worldwide system. Unlike earlier periods of
international interaction, this process threatens to create
unprecedented levels of global integration.
2. Deepening Global Interactions An intensification of transborder and
transworld activities, marked by:
● Increased international migration
● Expanded global trade networks
● Enhanced cultural exchange
● Greater accessibility of global media and cultural products
3. Accelerated Global Connectivity A radical compression of time and
space through technological innovations, particularly electronic
communication and financial systems. Global events now trigger
near-instantaneous responses across international markets and
social networks.
4 Rejection of Total Transformation:
● Unlike hyperglobalists, they don't believe that globalization has
created a completely borderless world or eliminated the significance
of nation-states.
● They recognize that traditional structures and features of world
politics continue to exist and play a role.
The Concept of Territoriality
Territoriality is a fundamental principle underlying the modern nation-state,
representing how states organize and understand their political and social
spaces. It is not simply about physical boundaries, but a complex system of
political, social, and psychological interactions.
Four Sub-Principles of Territoriality
1. Sovereignty
Sovereignty represents the supreme power of a state over its territory and
citizens. It is the ability of a government to:
● Make independent decisions
● Enforce laws without external interference
● Maintain legal and political autonomy
Historically, sovereignty transformed from a theologically-sanctioned
monarchical model to a modern republican conception, shifting the subject
of power while maintaining its core logic.
2. Integration
Integration is the force that binds a state or society together. Its key
characteristics include:
● Creating common values, norms, and practices
● Subordinating all groups to a single supreme actor (the state)
● Maintaining a unified political body
In contrast, transnational bodies operate on principles of differentiation,
forming strategic alliances that are functional and temporary.
3. Borders
Borders have evolved from loosely defined medieval boundaries to
precisely demarcated modern national territories. In the contemporary
context:
● Traditional views see borders as power containers
● Transnational politics challenge rigid boundary concepts
● Borders now serve more ideological and psychological functions
● Global flows and changes replace static territorial understanding
4. Security
National security traditionally meant:
● State guaranteeing protection to its population
● Defending against both external and internal threats
● Maintaining territorial integrity
Globalization has transformed this concept, making security:
● More complex and unpredictable
● Less tied to physical boundaries
● Increasingly influenced by transnational challenges
De-Territorialization
De-territorialization represents a shift in how we understand political
spaces:
● Challenges traditional notions of state sovereignty
● Reflects the growing influence of transnational agents
● Introduces more fluid and virtual forms of governance
Philosophers Deleuze and Guattari viewed de-territorialization as breaking
away from oppressive structures, though their philosophical concept differs
from international relations interpretations.
The Emerging Global Order
Scholars like Antonio Negri and Michael Hardt describe a new global
system characterized by:
● The "Empire": A decentralized, virtual form of governance
● The "Multitude": A global, fluid working class
● Undermining traditional state sovereignty
● Creating more complex international relationships
Cultural Dynamics in Globalization: Three
Interpretative Theses
Homogenization Thesis
Homogenization suggests that globalization leads to cultural convergence,
primarily through Americanization. Key characteristics include:
Cultural Transformation Mechanisms
● Spread of American consumer culture
● "McDonaldization" and "Coca-Colization" of global lifestyles
● Universalization of market economy
● Triumph of capitalist economic models after Cold War
Symbolic Representations
● "American Dream" narrative
● Mass advertisements
● Standardized global brand images
● Affluence and personal success as universal goals
Critiques
● Not exclusively American cultural influence
● Overlooking diversity of global cultural expressions
● Simplistic understanding of cultural transmission
Polarization Thesis
Polarization argues that globalization intensifies cultural differences and
conflicts.
Key Characteristics
● Reinforcement of local and national cultural identities
● Increased cultural resistance to global homogenization
● Rise of ethnic and civilizational consciousness
Theoretical Perspectives
● Samuel Huntington's Civilizational Clash Theory
○ Predicts conflicts between Western, Islamic, and Sinic
civilizations
● Benjamin Barber's "McWorld vs. Jihad" binary
○ Contrast between market capitalism and traditional cultural
struggles
Cultural Manifestations
● Increased ethnic tensions
● Religious resurgence
● Cultural protectionism
● Resistance to global cultural integration
Hybridization Thesis
Hybridization proposes that globalization creates new, mixed cultural forms.
Fundamental Dynamics
● Intensified cultural exchanges
● Cross-border migrations
● Interactive cultural transformations
● Creation of new, complex cultural identities
Theoretical Foundations
● Homi K. Bhabha's Postcolonial Theory
○ Emphasis on cultural ambivalence
○ Rejection of cultural essentialism
○ Understanding identity as fluid and negotiated
Contemporary Expressions
● Mixed cultural forms in:
○ Music
○ Food
○ Art
○ Literature
○ Spiritual movement
WTO
Nation States Sovereignity
