Political Globalization

The Nation-State “Sovereign authority in a specified territory, with the right to use force both to maintain internal order and defendits territory against aggression. Sovreignty, in turn implies that the state is the ultimate authority in its territory, exercising legal jurisdiction over its citizens and the groups and organizations they form in the conduct of daily life.” (Lechner & Boli, p. 219)

Political Globalization? Almost all of the world is organized by a single type of unit: the nation-state. Decolonization in the 20 th century: 130 colonies became independent nation- states. State sovereignty a central part of global society (and the sovereign state is the most desirable way to structure political life.

Similarities in the goals, structures, programs and internal operations. For example…what do most nation- states have in common in terms of structuring and organizing societies…?

What do NS have in Common? 1.Education, Heath Care, Economy & Finance, Welfare, Retirement, Environment, Poverty, Unemployment, Foreign Policy, Military & Defense. (Others? Arts & Culture? Language?) 2. Bureaucracy to take care of all of these things. 3.Formalized structures (legal and governmental) to ensure democratic participation.

So, the basic model is in place, and global in nature. But, exactly how this model is implemented can differ quite broadly from country to country. Examples…?

More Aspects of Political Globalization The emergence of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). E.g. UN (UNESCO, WHO), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

Decline of the Nation-State The rise of the Transnational Corporation (TNC) Corporate power over state power Where do national interests end and state interests begin. (In whose interests was/is the Occupation of Iraq? Who benefits?) Religious & ethnic divisions within nation-states (Kurds in Turkey; Chechens in Russia; Uighurs in China; French-Canadians in Canada/Quebec)

Death of the NS: Exaggerated? States are larger than ever, and more organized and efficient Tax revenues are up Effective in national health care, transportation, welfare, education, postal services. Other areas where the nation-state continues to hold great power?

Military power Police Prisons Legal system/Legislation (trade, international agreements, taxation, immigration, border control) Others? Media….

Media & The Nation-State How do nation-states continue to exercise power in relation to issues of media? Public Service Broadcasting Content regulation (sex, violence, origin, language) Market Regulation (e.g. ownership) Advertising (e.g. amount per hour) Infrastructure (“universal service” rules) Free speech laws, libel

How are Nation-States “losing” control over media? Privatization of media Profit motive more power than political or social factors Media companies are themselves becoming political actors, thus influencing policy and politics (from the obvious like Berlusconi, to the less obvious) Infrastructure responsibility of the private sector (service not always “universal”)

Cost of Research & Development means that states “need” large corporations in order to keep ahead, which gives these corporations a great deal of power. Many media no longer bound to nation- state in production and distribution (like national newspapers or TV), so national laws no longer apply (e.g. internet, satellite television), or become extremely difficult to enforce/control…

If a German newspaper runs an article on the internet that violates a law in Peru, where should the case be heard? If a user from Japan illegally uploads episodes of “Lost” on to YouTube, who is responsible (YouTube? The User? The internet host in Japan?) If copyright laws in Russia allow for file- sharing, can I download songs for free from a Russian site if I am in Sweden?