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Globalization and the Evolution of International Society

Globalization is the increasing interdependencies in the world, not only in the field
of economics but also information, culture, science and military affairs. Growing
interconnectedness between national societies render national boundaries outdated
New phenomenon
No, big (geographical) discoveries of the 15 th and 16th century and subsequent
European imperialism (overseas territorial expansion) was the first wave of
globalization. Prior to WWI there were high levels of interdependency among
European nations as the result of industrialization (second wave) and the scramble
for Africa (modern imperialism). The third wave incorporated changes in
communication and technology.
present-day globalization has wider scope, greater intensity and pace, and stronger
impact on daily lives of large numbers of people. Time-space dimension has
revolutionized.
- Prominent role of multinational corporations (large shares of world trade and
investment). About 30% of global economic output is from multinational
corporations and 70% of global trade is controlled by multinational corporations and
80% are directly affected by such trades.
globalization cause a transformation of international relations
o International relations have traditionally relied on the action and inactions of
nation-states.
o The very notion of nation-states has become problematic on several accounts.
a. If a nation-state represents 90% of the majority, only a small amount of nations
fall under the definition. Most states are multi-national states (not homogeneous).
b. Present day states are widely different from states a century or even fifty years
ago; before it was an individual writ large (suggesting that the state could be
conceived of as a unitary act under a central authority).
c. Many states are the amalgamation of loose or semi-autonomous organizations
(e.g. U.S., where there is a growing scope and diversity of foreign policy; foreign
policy often denied as an alternative course of actions). The state as a unitary actor
is not realistic.
d. Rise of non-state actors has to be considered as well, such as NGOs and terrorist
groups.
e. Be mindful of the changing nature of the nation-state and the state cannot be
examined as an individual personality or as a unitary actor.
blessing or a curse?
Powerful force for the creation of prosperity but often widening the gap between
rich and poor
o Globalization has created major economic growth (e.g. China, Japan and Korea)
and some stagnation but it is still unprecedented to see such an amount of growth.
- Major vehicle for the transfer of technology and knowledge but at the same time
posing a threat to traditional cultures and values (coca-colonization of the world)
o There is also the destruction of local jobs as well as traditional cultures and
values.
- Weakens control of national governments and fuels races to the bottom. Makes the
case for strengthening international regulation and global governance compelling.
o The races to the bottom, where countries are trying to out compete other
countries by lowering taxes, lax standards on employment, sacrificing

environmental rules. So there need to be international organizations to compensate


for the weakened control of national governments.
o So globalization may be a force for good but there must be acknowledgement of
the negative impact of globalization and a method to combat those negative
impacts. It is an unstoppable force and no country can just ignore it.

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