Globalization - IR Essay PDF

Globalization Introduction Globalization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has transformed the world in various ways. Manfred Steger provides a comprehensive definition of globalization as the intensification and expansion of networks. This definition highlights the interconnectedness an...

Globalization Introduction Globalization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has transformed the world in various ways. Manfred Steger provides a comprehensive definition of globalization as the intensification and expansion of networks. This definition highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence brought about by globalization, which has significant implications for understanding this process. Manfred Steger's Definition of Globalization According to Manfred Steger, globalization can be understood as the intensification and expansion of networks that connect people, institutions, ideas, and resources across borders. This definition emphasizes the increasing interconnectedness in economic, political, cultural, and social domains due to advancements in transportation, communication technologies, and trade (Steger, 2017). One example of this intensification is economic globalization. The integration of national economies through trade liberalization and financial flows has facilitated the movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across borders (Rodrik & Broda et al., 2004). This has led to both opportunities and challenges for countries involved. Apparudai's Multiple Types of Globalization In addition to Steger's definition, Arjun Appadurai proposes multiple types or dimensions of globalization that contribute to its overall complexity (Campbell & Lambin et al., 2020). These dimensions include cultural globalization (the spread of ideas), technological globalization (the diffusion of technology), economic globalization (the integration of markets), political globalization (the formation of global governance structures), and ecological/global environmental changes. These different types interact with one another in complex ways. For example: - Cultural globalization involves the dissemination of ideas through media platforms such as television, internet etc. - Technological advancement facilitates communication between individuals from different parts leading to increased awareness about diverse cultures. - Economic aspects are related to intensified cross-border trade, investment, and financial flows. - Political globalization involves the establishment of international organizations like IMF, World Bank etc. that shape global governance. The Changing Function of the Modern State due to Globalization Globalization has significantly impacted the function of the modern state. Traditionally, states were seen as key actors in shaping national policies and regulating economic activities within their borders (Campbell & Lambin et al., 2020). However, globalization has led to a shift in power dynamics, with international institutions and transnational networks gaining influence. States now face challenges in maintaining their autonomy and sovereignty in the face of global forces. Economic globalization, for instance, has created pressures on governments to align their policies with global market demands (Rodrik & Meyfroidt et al., 2011). This limits their ability to enact policies that prioritize social welfare or protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Furthermore, political globalization has given rise to supranational entities such as the European Union that have blurred traditional notions of state sovereignty by pooling decision-making powers at a regional level (Rodrik & Broda et al., 2004). Definition of Theories on Globalization 1. Modernization Theory: This theory posits that societies progress through stages of development characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements. It suggests that globalization is an inevitable outcome of modernization processes (Campbell & Lambin et al., 2020). 2. Dependency Theory: According to this theory, underdeveloped countries are dependent on developed nations due to historical patterns of exploitation and unequal power relations. It argues that globalization perpetuates these inequalities rather than promoting development (Steger, 2017). 3. World Systems Theory: This theory views global capitalism as a system characterized by core countries dominating peripheral regions through economic exploitation. It emphasizes how globalization perpetuates these uneven power relations between different parts of the world (Broda & Weinstein, 2004). 4. Postcolonial Theory: This theory examines the social, cultural, and economic legacies of colonialism and highlights how globalization can reinforce existing power imbalances between former colonizers and colonized nations (Campbell & Meyfroidt et al., 2011). 5. Transformational Theory of Globalization: This theory suggests that globalization is not a unidirectional process but rather a transformative force that reshapes societies and institutions in various ways. It acknowledges the potential for both positive and negative outcomes resulting from globalization (Steger, 2017). REALISM Realism is a broad paradigm and varies from the classical realism established by Han’s Morgenthau up to Kenneth Waltz’s structural realism in 1979. At their core realist theories have a pragmatic approach to international relations, describing the world as it is. In IR, realism emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international relations. The first assumption of realism is that the nation-state is the principal actor in international relations. Other bodies exist, such as IOs & civil society, but their power is limited. Second, the state is a unitary actor. National interests, especially in times of war, lead the state to speak and act with one voice. Third, decision-makers are rational actors in the sense that they pursue national interest before anything. Taking actions that would make your state weak would not be rational. Finally, states live in a context of anarchy – that is, in the absence of anyone being in charge internationally. After WW2, Hans Morgenthau (1948) aimed to clarify the relationship between interests and morality in international politics, and his work was inspired by figures such as Thucydides and Machiavelli. Morgenthau set out an approach that emphasized power over morality. In Morgenthau’s account, every political action is directed towards keeping, increasing or demonstrating power. Policies based on morality or idealism can lead to weakness. As Morgenthau wrote the ‘will to power’ was unlimited. In Theory of International Politics (1979), Kenneth Waltz modernized IR theory by moving realism away from its assumptions about human nature. Rather than a state’s decisions and actions being based on human nature, they are arrived at via a simple formula. First, all states are constrained by existing in an international anarchic system. Second, any course of action they pursue is based on their relative power when measured against other states Waltz offered a version of realism that emphasized the international system rather than the flaws of human nature. Realists are accused of focusing too much on the state and overlooking other actors and forces within the state and also ignoring international issues not directly connected to the survival of the state. STRENGTHS OF STRUCTURAL REALISM In the case of international law current events would appear to justify Waltz’s claim that the anarchical nature of the international system causes major powers to pursue their own interests. For example, the US favored the tariff proposals of the Uruguay Round as it would lead to an increase in US export. However they refused to sign the Ottawa Treaty regarding the use of landmines which was a threat to US security. Due to the uncertainty regarding other states’ intentions, inherent to the anarchical system, the US was selective in signing treaties. In sum, structural realism shows us a practical view of the international system. This balance of power system is one of the reasons why international relations is anarchic. No single state has been able to become a global power and unite the world under its direct rule. Although an anarchic structure exists which forces states to react to other powers, we must also consider states’ perceptions of each other’s behavior to fully understand changes in the international arena; as Alexander Wendt claims ‘anarchy is what states make of it’. For example, although the 2003 invasion of Iraq shows the anarchic system causing powerful states to violate international law to suit their needs, structural realism does not explain the variety of factors which caused the invasion & war. Additionally, the international system is much more complex than a single cause and effect which Waltz claims. It is wrong to assume states are always free to act without any constraints. For example, the recent use of the veto power by Russia and China regarding the proposed UN intervention in Syria is one constraint on state behavior. As Helen Milner argues, the effect of interdependence upon states’ behavior needs to be given at least equal consideration to anarchy. To conclude, despite Waltz’s faith in his theory it no longer explains all of ‘the big important things’. Dunne and Schmidt argue that with the rise of China, Brazil and India states may actually have to become ‘more realistic’ in order to survive. It is likely that this will be in a neo classical realist form as opposed to a structural. Rose (1996:145) classifies neoclassical realism as being a theory of foreign policy. He argues that Neorealism, as a theory of international politics, is concern primarily about the outcomes of ‘units’ interaction. Neoclassical realism draws upon “the rigor and theoretical insights of the Neorealism… of Waltz, Gilpin, and others without sacrificing the practical insights about foreign policy and the complexity of statecraft