A concept that prevails contemporary
development and frames most topics. Quite
simply, the world is becoming increasingly
interconnected. Interconnectedness is
demonstrated in the spread of technology,
culture and the flow of cultures, nations,
people and ideas.
Causes of Globalisation
It is a complex phenomenon driven by many
innovations and changes. Economic
developments are a central cause, new
technologies. increased geographical mobility,
new transport for products e.g. air/shipping etc.
Trade liberalisation has
become a significant aspect
since many barriers to
international trade have
become diminished. The
20th Century has lead to the
growth of transnational
corporations such as Nike,
Vauxhall and Fyffes etc.
There have been significant political
factors such as the necesitate global
co-operation to ease environmental
damage e.g. acid rain, pollution and global
warming. Several IGO's have also evolved
into discussion forums such as the UN
(UNited Nations) and the EU (European
Union).
THIS LINKS TO THE MILLENNIUM
DEVELOPMENT GOALS SET UP BY THE UN IN
2000.
Sociocultural factors
such as the
development of the
internet which has
transformed interaction
and knowledge.
Marshall McLuhan
(1962) argues that
improvements to
media technology has
created a global village
of communication that
is made easier. There
is also been a
development of the
mass media which has
icnreased satelite
communication.
We can quickly know what is
happening in the world which
was impossible in the past.
We also have cheaper
transport that has facillitated
the increased
tourism/immigration.
Effects of
Gloabalisation
Economic impacts e.g.
transformation of the
imports of goods/selling
products, relative
autonomy and
independence in ters of
economies, national
economies become
integrated into the global
system and sonsequently
turbulence in one region
of the world can affect
the financial stability
elsewhere.
Politically, globalisation has reshaped
decision-making since elecation of power
from TNO's (corporate or governmental) has
increased. Power from governments has
equally devolved to individuals who now
exercise direct influence on the world e.g.
terrorism
Socially, there is more diversity, pluralism
accross cultures e.g. encountering food,
culture and religious belief in various
societies. There is also an increaing sense
of homogeneity such as the spread of
cultural artefacts. Its also affected personal
lives e.g. social media such as Twitter has
developed a new network of global
communication.
Positives of Globalisation
Golden Age of a Civil society. Economically, there is
increased trade, the possibility to increase the wealth of the
poor, growth of TNC's, new markets, employment and wealth.
Thomas Friedman (1999) argues that if nations have
economic interest in each other, governments can resolve
disagreement.
This also increases political forums which makes the
world arguably more stable and safe e.g. the rise of
consumer power concentrates power directly in the
hands of the indicidual and is thereby seen as more
democratic.
People become more aware of
different cultures and a
culturally diverse era. People
become integrated and aware
of connections.
Negatives of Gloabalisation
There is much critique of globalisation
wsince it has been linkened to
Westernisation and the ideas of the rich
world. Williamson (1990) calls this the
'WASHINGTON CONSENSUS"
Economically, there is a wave
of neo-liberal dominant
globalisation that has imposed
free market politics on the
third world regardless of its
capacity to work with these
principles. The West also
controls trade reegulation.
E.g. the World Trade Organisation has enabled
to maintain a protectionist policies and therefore
meanign that trade merely benefits the rich.
The Philanthropist George Soros
(1998) argues that neoliberal
globalisation has created an
environment of uncontrolled capitalism
and large corporations are free to
exploit. Governments are unable to
restrain businesses. There is now a
culture of impetialism whereby the
position of one way of life and one set
of norms and values become
embeddewd on the rest of the world.
Therefore, we are in an era of
Westernisation.
Noam Chomsky
(2001) - Politics and
Globalisation
it favours the power of
the rich and moves
away form democracy
e.g. the World Bankm
IMF, WTO run on a
dollar per vote basis
and the developed
world make dominate
decisions e.g. more
influential in the UN.
Increased consumer
power also
disproportionately
benefits the rich West.
"Globalisation is simpyl
a mean sof
international
integration. That is a
fine thing. So everyone
is in favour of
globalisation but the
term is used in a
special way.. referring
to a specific form of
integration that has
been imposed by a
small sector of wealthy,
powerful nations"
(CHOMSKY)
Is globalisation new?
David Held argues that there are
3 main perspectives in
globalisation called the new era of
history (hyperglobalisers)
whereby goods, services,
cultures, technologies and ideas
have flowed accross the world to
maintain a global world system.
However, arguably, it is not a new
phenomenon e.g. connections are
well established they are just
becoming more established this is
what sceptics argue.
By contrast, transformationalists argue we are at middle ground,
as integration and exchange are without historical precendent. Like
sceptics, they reject the idea that the nation state will inevitably
decline however the current flux of adaptation has lead to
transnational governance and this will restricture government/social
institution.s New ineuqalities/power relations will rise.
Ultimately this is a
controverisial debate that
has no collective answer.