SS1D – Contemporary World
Globalization
➢ refers to a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, and
intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges while at the same
fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening connections between the
local and the distant (McGrew, 2003).
➢ For Justine Rosenberg’s definition of globalization, he argues that globalization as a
phenomenon gave rise to the interconnectedness of human society that replaced
the sovereign state system with multilateral system of global governance. His definition
centers on the process, condition, time, and age of this condition.
➢ From the lens of Ritzer (2008), he described this phenomenon as the spread of
worldwide practices, relations, consciousness, and organization of social life. The
interconnectedness of social segments from macro institutions to the smallest sectors
of the world have coincided the fabrics of globalization.
What is Globalization?
➢ a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and
governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and
investment and aided by information technology.
This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on
economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in
societies around the world.
Qualities and Characteristics of Globalization
1. Creation and Multiplication of social networks and cultural activities which break
the traditional norms and practices in the political, economic, and cultural
realms of most communities.
2. Expansion and Stretching of social operations and connections which is seen in
the financial markets and trading operations around the globe.
3. Intensification and Acceleration of human activities which describes the process
of world and individual connection works. Consumer markets and consumerism
continue to rule in this postmodern era where the farthest have the access to
reach the central portion of global events.
4. Consciousness and Awareness. People, as the primary actors of globalization are
the frontliners as reflected in their experiences. The human consciousness is
critical on how they impact the growing outcomes and markets of globalization.
Is the Globalization the same as Westernization?
➢ NO. The concept of Westernization is deeply rooted in the Western World where often
associated with the Western culture and values (Sairin, 2011). This concept is famously
used in referring the western value system and it influences countries outside its
territory and sovereignty. The political, economic, and technological prowess of
United States and European countries are best described in the idea of
Westernization.
The Theoretical Approach
Realism
➢ The realist perspective explaining globalization focuses on the shifting distribution of
power among states (Walt, 1998 and Synder, 2004). They explained that the core idea
of dominating the world through the employment of power. This force comes from
different angles, depending on the power availability of a nation. However, realists
warn that countries may suffer, and struggle to maintain its power, it will be
overreached and used wrongly.
Realists argue that countries open their economies to the world because of two
contending reasons:
1. Financial returns of expanding markets offer new economic opportunities to the
capitalist (origin country). (Examples: McDonald’s, Chevron, Ford, Coca-Cola,
Citibank, Microsoft, and H&M)
2. The continued centrality of political power and military strength are obvious forces
of interdependence and realistic behavior of the more and most powerful countries.
➢ Realists see economic alliance and corporation as medium of flourishing activities
under favorable security conditions. Economies tend to forge partnership if they see
advantages from other countries. In some cases, political-military alliances are
sometimes used especially within the bipolar world where economic power is utilized
to strengthen military capability.
Liberalism
➢ A perspective in international relations where actors and institutions emphasize
relationships, and negotiations. Liberalists observe the importance of interaction and
communication and focus on solving problems and conflicts affecting them. This idea
is very evident in countries where democratic governance and institutions play major
roles in maintaining national cohesiveness in managing domestic and international
affairs.
Liberalists believe that to avoid international conflict and problems, and negotiations
and dialogues are potential mechanisms in confronting issues among parties.
Three Factors that describe the Transformation of Political-Economic Structure and
Development of Global Interconnectedness:
1. Spread of Democracy and Institutions
➢ Democracy as a frontline of liberalism has been utilized as a sociopolitical apparatus
in challenging political actors who act beyond their power and control. The strong
participatory presence of citizens in key issues affecting the interest and welfare of
the public could be used as a reference in balancing the interest of stakeholders.
Liberalists see that democracies are venues of not using threat to intimidate and harm
other nations. Many liberals believe in the vital function played by the rule of law as
safeguard of self-respect and social stability.
2. Global Economic Ties
➢ Liberalists see economic ties and cooperation such as market integration and
economic alliances are fitting fixtures of globalization. The core belief of liberalism is
that economic alliance and integrating the domestic economy into a regional or
economic bloc will deliver prosperity and security. Opening to markets to other
countries is described as an act of country’s commitment to global consciousness
and moral understanding of multistate interests. (Examples: European Union’s
Eurozone and Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community (AEC))
3. International Organizations
➢ Liberals believe that the formation of leading regional and international organizations
like global commerce and governance are main instruments in the maintenance of
peace and solidarity. (Examples: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
