Understanding Globalization: Lessons from Manfred B. Steger

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Questions and Answers

Which group of scholars argues that the world is not fully integrated as many globalization proponents claim?

Modifiers

Rejectionist

Globalists

Skeptics (correct)

Which interpretation of globalization is described as 'Globaloney' in the text?

Globalization as Economic Process

Globalization as Political Process

Globalization as Cultural Process

All of the above (correct)

Which group of scholars argues that the concept of globalization is 'analytically impoverished' due to its complexity and ambiguity?

Rejectionist (correct)

Globalists

Skeptics

Modifiers

Which of the following is not a category of 'Globaloney' described in the text?

Globalization as a Myth Signup and view all the answers

Which group of scholars acknowledges the existence of moderate globalizing tendencies, while criticizing the novelty of the globalization process?

Modifiers Signup and view all the answers

Which interpretation of globalization is described as a 'political process' in the text?

Globalization as Political Process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the role of government in the face of globalization?

Government will be reduced to serving as a 'superconductor for global capitalism' and have little power to influence the process of globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument made by the second group of scholars mentioned in the text?

The continued relevance of conventional political units, operating either in the form of modern nation-states or global cities, in shaping the process of globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the two interpretations of globalization presented in the text?

The first interpretation sees globalization as an unstoppable technological process, while the second sees it as a political process. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best characterizes the view of the second group of scholars on the impact of globalization on the political options available to states?

Globalization has significantly constrained the set of political options open to states, particularly in developing countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the underlying assumption of the 'extreme technological-determinist explanation' of globalization presented in the text?

Technological advances are the primary driver of globalization, and politics is powerless to influence this process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument made by the 'extreme technological-determinist explanation' of globalization presented in the text?

Globalization is an unstoppable and irreversible process driven by technological advances that renders politics powerless. Signup and view all the answers

According to Susan Strange (1996), why does she consider globalization a vacuous term?

Because it has been used in academic discourse to refer to a wide range of topics, from internet to a hamburger. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do Hirst, Thompson, and Bromley (2009) present regarding the global economic phenomenon?

The majority of economic activity remains primarily national in origin and scope, centered on Europe, Easter Asia, and North America. Signup and view all the answers

How do Hirst and Thompson set overly high standards in their discussion of a 'fully globalized' economy?

By pressuring readers to either fully embrace or reject the concept of globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Susan Strange suggest culture and ideology play in the capitalist world economy?

They have no significant impact on the real movements of the capitalist world economy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The World is Not Fully Integrated

Skeptical Scholars: argue that the world is not fully integrated as many globalization proponents claim.
Globaloney: refers to the interpretation of globalization that claims the world is fully integrated.
Analytically Impoverished: is how some scholars describe the concept of globalization due to its complexity and ambiguity.
Categories of Globaloney: Some categories of Globaloney include "the global village," "global civil society," and "global governance."
Moderate Globalizing Tendencies: One group of scholars acknowledges the existence of moderate globalizing tendencies, while criticizing the novelty of the globalization process.

Globalization as a Political Process

Political Process: This interpretation views globalization as a political process driven by specific actors and interests.
Role of Government: The role of government in the face of globalization is complex and multifaceted.
- Moderate Globalizing Tendencies: acknowledges that governments play a significant role in shaping global processes, even despite the influence of globalizing tendencies.

Two Interpretations of Globalization

First Interpretation: The first interpretation suggests that globalization is a new and inevitable phenomenon that is fundamentally transforming the world.
- Extreme Technological-Determinist Explanation: The first interpretation is often associated with the "extreme technological-determinist explanation" which suggests that globalization is driven by technological forces that are beyond human control.
Second Interpretation: This interpretation argues that globalization is not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of long-standing historical processes.
- Key Difference: The key difference between the two interpretations is the extent to which they view globalization as a transformative force.

Critique of Globalization

Impact of Globalization on Political Options: The second group of scholars argues that globalization does not necessarily limit political options for states.
- Underlying Assumption: They challenge the "extreme technological-determinist" view's assumption that globalization is an inevitable force that will inevitably reshape the world.
Central Argument: The second group's central argument is that globalization is a complex phenomenon that is shaped by a variety of factors, including political, economic, and social forces.

Susan Strange's Perspective

Vacuous Term: Susan Strange (1996) considers globalization a vacuous term due to its lack of definition and its inconsistent application.
Culture and Ideology: Strange argues that culture and ideology play a significant role in shaping the capitalist world economy.

Hirst, Thompson, and Bromley's Critique

Global Economic Phenomenon: Hirst, Thompson, and Bromley (2009) challenge the claim of a fully globalized economy. Their critique focuses on the lack of sufficient evidence and the exaggeration of global economic integration.
High Standards for a Fully Globalized Economy: Hirst and Thompson set overly high standards in their discussion of a 'fully globalized' economy, making their claim more about what globalization should be rather than what it is.

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Description

Explore the concept of globalization through the works of Manfred B. Steger, a leading scholar in global studies. Learn about different scholars' perceptions of globalization and the working definition of globalization as the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world time and space.