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 21 st 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 –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