The-Contemporary-World-L1-L5.pdf

LESSON 1. GLOBALIZATION : A WORKING DEFINITION Globalization is comprised of multiple sameness and interconnectedness that go beyond the nation- states. McGrew (1990) Ohmae in 1992 stated, “Globalization means the onset of the borderless world”(p.14). “Glo...

LESSON 1. GLOBALIZATION : A WORKING DEFINITION Globalization is comprised of multiple sameness and interconnectedness that go beyond the nation- states. McGrew (1990) Ohmae in 1992 stated, “Globalization means the onset of the borderless world”(p.14). “Globalization is a world in which societies, cultures, politics and economics have, in some sense, come closer together” – Ray Kiely and Phil Marfleet, Globalisation and the Third World (London: Routledge, 1998), p.3. Globalization is the intensification of economic, political, social and cultural relations across borders. – Hans-Henrik Holm and Georg Sorensen (eds.) Globalization the process as "the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world time and across world space. (Manfred Steger) Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, cultures, and economies. It encompasses the flow of goods, services, capital, technology, and ideas across borders, significantly influenced by advancements in transportation and communication technologies. ARJUN APPADURAI - Different kinds of globalization occur on multiple and intersecting dimensions of integration that he calls “scapes”. 1. Ethnoscape- global movement of people 2. Mediascape- flow of culture 3. Technoscape- circulation of mechanical goods and software 4. Finacescape- global circulation of money 5. Ideoscape- realm of political ideas Globalization is also defined differently depending on someone else’s expertise, experience, and perspective : Economics expert Globalizations means; - fast speed of trade (importing and exporting are done in just a millisecond through technology) - global economic organization i. International Monetary Fund (IMF), ii. World Bank (WB), iii. World Trade Organization (WTO). iv. International Labor Organization (ILO), ASEAN, etc. - multinational and transnational corporations - free trade (governments not to restrict the importation of products and the exportation of local products Culture expert Globalizations means; - establishment “global village” (media, facebook has connected the world) - “shrinking world” (breaking boundaries) - cultural imperialism (Better Culture) - borderless world Page | 1  - adoption of other cultures (KPOP) - strengthening of regional blocs (ASEAN) (UN) - emergence of global political norms (the norm that each country is entitled to the exploitation of human resources for its own growth) - emergence of corporations (businessmen and investors) - international laws (conflicts) - world governance Four attributes of globalization 1. Globalization occurs worldwide 2. Intensification and acceleration of social exchanges and activities 3. Expansion and stretching of social relations 4. Various forms of connectivity A. Globalization occurs worldwide (Every person is a global citizen because he or she thinks about the issues of the world) - Think about the world - Associate ourselves with global trends - Sense of responsibility B. Globalization Intensification & acceleration of social exchanges and activities - Door-to-door mail delivery to FB messages – IG, SnapChat, Twitter - Live TV telecast - Travel capacities brought about by low airfares C. Globalization Expansion & stretching of social relations - Regional and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Humanitarian Institution - Government associations - multinational companies D. Globalization has Various forms of connectivity - They are diverse (economic, political, cultural, etc.) Expansion Refers to the formation of new networks and the enhancement of existing connections that facilitate global interactions. Intensification Involves the acceleration and stretching of these networks, leading to increased interconnectivity. Anti-globalization refer to the resisting trade deals among countries facilitated and promoted by global organizations like the World Trade Organization. Globalism ideology that good products and services should cross borders without restrictions. Page | 2  Is a widespread belief among powerful people that the global integration of economic markets is beneficial for everyone since it spreads freedom and democracy across the world. Glocalization is a term that merges "globalization" and "localization," referring to the process of adapting global products or services to meet the specific needs and preferences of local markets. This concept emphasizes the importance of local culture, customs, and regulations in shaping how global entities operate within different regions. TYPES OF GLOBALIZATION 1. Economic Globalization: This is the most prominent type, focusing on international trade, investment, and capital flows. It involves the integration of national economies through trade agreements and multinational corporations, enhancing economic interdependence among countries. 2. Social Globalization: This type emphasizes the exchange of ideas and information, leading to a shared global society. It includes the movement of people and the influence of social media in connecting individuals across the globe. 3. Cultural Globalization: This involves the sharing and blending of cultural practices and values, often facilitated by technology and communication. It enables people to experience diverse cultures, such as through food and entertainment 4. Political Globalization: This refers to the increasing influence of international organizations and agreements on national policies, promoting cooperation among countries on global issues. 5. Environmental Globalization: This type focuses on global environmental management practices, addressing challenges like climate change through international collaboration. 6. Technological Globalization: The rapid advancement of technology enhances connectivity and facilitates the global exchange of information and services. 7. Financial Globalization: This encompasses the integration of financial markets and the flow of capital across borders, impacting global economic dynamics. 8. Ecological Globalization: This type addresses the interconnectedness of ecological issues, emphasizing the need for global solutions to environmental challenges. LESSON 2. THE GLOBALIZATION OF WORLD ECONOMICS INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM comprises many thousands of unilateral, bilateral, regional, and multilateral rules and agreements among more than two hundred nations. a) Unilateral agreements refer to one-sided, non-reciprocal trade preferences granted by one country, typically a developed nation, to another country, usually a developing one. Page | 3  b) Bilateral trade agreements are agreements between two countries or trading blocs that aim to facilitate trade and economic cooperation. c) Regional trade agreements (RTAs) involve three or more countries within a specific region and aim to foster economic integration among member states. d) Multilateral trade agreements involve multiple countries and are typically negotiated under the auspices of international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO). is a complex framework comprising various rules, agreements, and institutions that govern trade between nations. It has evolved significantly since the establishment of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947, transitioning to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, which now oversees global trade rules and negotiations. INTERNATIONAL TRADE involves the exchange of goods and services between countries, playing a crucial role in the global economy. FOCUSES OF TRADE POLICY IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE 1. TARIFFS - taxes imposed by governments on imported or exported goods, primarily aimed at influencing trade dynamics, protecting domestic industries, and generating revenue. They can take various forms and serve multiple purposes in international trade. 2. TRADE BARRIERS - are government-imposed restrictions that hinder the flow of goods and services between countries. These barriers can take various forms, including tariffs, quotas, embargoes, and subsidies, each serving different protective or regulatory purposes. 3. SAFETY - this ensures that imported products in the country are of high quality. Inspection regulations laid down by public officials ensure the safety and quality standards of imported products. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) is a key economic indicator that measures the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific time period, typically annually or quarterly. International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a powerful International Organization. It provides states suffering from a ‘balance of payments deficit’ with the ability to borrow foreign currency. Member states put capital into the IMF commensurate with the size of their economy so they can then borrow up to that amount in foreign currency. They borrow if they need to restore economic stability should they suffer Page | 4  from an economic or financial crisis or not have enough foreign reserves to pay international creditors. Silk Road The oldest known international trade route, a network of pathways in ancient world that spanned from CHINA to what is now the MIDDLE EAST AND TO EUROPE. The most profitable products traded through this network was silk. Dennis O Flynn and Arturo Giraldez – age of globalization began when “all important populated continents began to exchange products continuously – both with each other directly and indirectly via other continents- and in values sufficient to generate crucial impacts on all trading partners. Flynn and Giraldez traced this back to 1571 with the establishment of galleon trade that connected Manila and Acapulco in Mexico, the first time for Americas connect to Asian routes Mercantilism – is an economic doctrine that flourished in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries, characterized by the belief that a nation's wealth and power were best served by maximizing exports and minimizing imports. This system was rooted in the idea that the global supply of wealth was static, leading governments to regulate trade to accumulate precious metals, particularly gold and silver, which were seen as indicators of national wealth. - countries primarily in Europe competed with one another to sell more goods as a means to boost their country’s income Export – is a product or service that is sent from one country to another for sale. The act of exporting involves moving goods across borders to meet foreign demand Import - is a product or service brought into one country from another. The act of importing involves purchasing goods from foreign producers and bringing them into the domestic market. Galleon Trade - The Galleon Trade, specifically the Manila Galleon Trade, was a significant maritime trade route that operated between 1565 and 1815, connecting the Spanish colonies of Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico. This trade route was pivotal in establishing one of the first global trade networks, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between Asia, the Americas, and Europe. - is part of the age of Mercantilism - Imposed high tariffs, forbade colonies to trade to other nations, restricted trade routes, subsidized its exports. - Gold Standard compelled countries to back their currencies with fixed gold reserves – During WORLD WAR 1, countries depleted their golds to fund their armies, many abandon the Gold Standard. - Europe, having low gold reserves, adopted floating currencies that were no longer redeemable in Gold Page | 5 Great Depression – worst and longest recession in Western World. – returning to a pure standard became difficult this happened in 1920s to 1930s. – Many believed that it was caused by the Gold Standard, because it limited the amount of circulating money and reduced demand and consumption. Barry Eichengreen – argues that the recovery of the United States really began when, having abandoned the Gold Standard, the US government was able to free up money to spend on reviving the economy - Indirect versions of gold standard was used in 1970s but never returned to this standard up to 20th century Fiat Currencies – currencies that are not backed by precious metals and whose value is determined by their cost relative to other currencies. Bretton Wood System – inaugurated in 1944 during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference to prevent catastrophes of the early decades. John Maynard Keynes – his idea affects the Bretton Wood System: “economic crises occur not when a country does not have enough money, but when money is not being and spend, and thereby; not moving “ Active Role of the Governments in managing spending – anchor of Global Keynesianism - Its high point was in the 1940s to early 1970 TWO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CREATED BY BRETTON WOODS 1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, or World Bank) – responsible for funding postwar reconstruction projects. 2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) – global lender of last resort to prevent individual countries from spiraling into credit crises. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) – various countries also committed themselves to further global economic integration in 1947 NEOLIBERALISM AND ITS DISCONTENTS - Some countries accept rise in prices because it is accompanied with economic growth and reduced employment (Japan ). - Prices increased – companies would earn more – would have more money to hire workers – trade off for economic development – In 1970’s – prices of oil rose sharply as a result of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) imposition of embargo – response to the decision of US and other countries to resupply the Israeli Military with the needed arms during Yom Kippur War OAPEC - the Arab member – countries of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC) Embargo – was used by Arab Countries to stabilize economies and growth 1973 – 1974 – stock markets crashed after US stopped linking dollar to gold. Stagflation – decline in economic growth and employment Page | 6 Inflation – sharp increase in prices Stagnation- decline in economic growth and employment Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman – “government’s practice of pouring money into their economies had cause inflation by increasing demand for goods without necessarily increasing supply” and “Government Intervention in economies distort the proper functioning of the market – this challenged Keynesianism Neoliberalism – from 1980’s onward , this was the codified strategy of Unites States Treasury Deparment., World Bank, IMF, and World Trade Organization World Trade Organization (WTO) – founded in 1995 to continue tariff reduction under GATT Washington Consensus – policies they forwarded is called Washington Consensus. It dominated global economic policies from the 1980s until early 2000s - advocates pushed for minimal government spending to reduce government debt. - called for privatization of government – controlled services (water , power communication ,transport) - pressured the government to reduce tariffs and open up their economics, arguing it is the quickest way to progress. - NOTE of Washington Consensus – other industries might die but this is necessary “shock – therapy “ for long – term economic growth US President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – justified their reduction in government spending by comparing national economies to household. They experienced success in Neoliberalism. Thatcher – promoted an image of herself as a mother, who reined in overspending to reduce the national debt, But Governments are not like households, governments can print money while houses cannot, it has a taxation system that gives them a steady flow of money Post – Communist Russia – experienced bad effects of neoliberal 1990s – communism collapsed, IMF called for immediate privatization of all government industries. GOAL : to pass on industries from corrupt bureaucrats to more dynamic independent private investors RESULT: Only Individuals and groups who had accumulated wealth under the precious communist order had the money to purchase these industries. Oligarchy – practice which only rich individuals hold on industries of the government (Globe Telecom, Smart, San Miguel, SM) Page | 7 LESSON 3 : A HISTORY OF GLOBAL POLITICS: CREATING AN INTERNATIONAL ORDER Internal Relations Internalization – explore the deepening of interaction between states. It is a major part of globalization. I. The Attribute of Today’s Global System World Politics 4 key attributes: 1. There are countries that are independent and govern themselves. 2. These countries interact with each other through diplomacy. 3. There are international organizations, like the UN that facilitate these interactions 4. Beyond simply facilitating meetings between states, international organizations also take on lives of their own. Nation State – is a relatively modern phenomenon in human history, and people did not always organize themselves as countries. It is composed of 2 non- interchangeable terms (Not all states are nations and not all nations are states). Christendom – the entire Christian world, example of units as small as their village or their tribe and see themselves as member of larger political categories. In Layman’s terms, State – refers to a country and its government. 4 Attributes: 1. It exercises authority over a specific population (citizens). 2. It governs a specific territory. 3. A state has a structure of government that crafts various rules that people (society) follow. 4. The state has sovereignty over its territory. Sovereignty – refers to internal and external authority. Internally, no individuals or groups can operate in a given national territory by ignoring the state. Externally, it means that a state’s policies and procedures are independent of interventions of other states. Nation – is an “imagined community” according to Benedict Anderson. It is limited because it does not go beyond a given “official boundary”. It allows one to feel connection with a community of people even if he/she will never meet all of them in his/her lifetime. Nation-builders can only feel a sense of fulfilment when that national ideal assumes an organizational form whose authority and power are recognized and accepted by “the people” Nationalist movements allowed the creation of nation-states. States – become independent and sovereign because of nationalist sentiment that clamors independence. Sovereignty – one of the fundamental principles of modern state politics. II. The Interstate System Treaty of Westphalia – origin of the concept of sovereignty can be traced and it was a set of agreements signed in 1648 to end the Thirty years’ War between the major continental powers of Europe. (Catholics and Protestants) Page | 8  Westphalian System – it provided stability for the nations of Europe, until it faced its first major challenge by Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon Bonaparte – believe in spreading the principles of the French Revolution (liberty, equality, and fraternity). Napoleonic wars – lasted from 1803 – 1815. Napoleonic Code – forbade birth privileges, encouraged freedom or religion, and promoted meritocracy in government service. Anglo and Prussian armies finally defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo (1815). Concert of Europe – was an alliance of “great powers” (UK, Austria, Russia and Prussia) which sought to restore the world monarchical, hereditary, and religious privileges of the time before the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Metternich System – (name after Austrian diplomat, Klemens von Metternich) – who was the system main architect, the Concert’s power and authority lasted from 1815 to 1914, at the Dawn of WW1. III. Internationalism Divided into 2 broad categories: 1. Liberal Internationalism – was the late 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant without the world government, he argued, the international system would be chaotic. It is a form of global government. 2. Socialist Internationalism Jeremy Bentham – coined the word “international” (1780), advocated the creation of “international law” that would govern the inter-state relations. Giuseppe Mazzini – 19th century Italian, advocate of the unification of the various Italian-speaking mini states and a major critic of the Metternich system. Believed in a Republican government. A nationalist internationalist believes that unified nation-states should be the basis of global cooperation. Woodrow Wilson – (1913-1921) one of the 20th century’s most prominent internationalist. Saw nationalism as a prerequisite for internationalism. Forwarded the Principle of Self-determination – the belief that the world’s nations had a right to a free, and sovereign government. Most notable advocate of League of Nations. Was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1919). Axis Powers – Germany, Italy, Japan. Allied Powers – US, UK, France, Holland & Belgium. Immanuel Kant – it emphasized the need to form common international principles. Mazzini – it enshrined the principles of cooperation and respect among nation- states. Wilson – democracy and self-determination. Karl Marx – he did not believe on nationalism. 1. Capitalist Class – owners of the factories 2. Proletariat Class – included those who did not own means of production, worker. Friedrich Engels – in a socialist revolution seeking to overthrow the state and alter the economy, the proletariat has “no nation”. Page | 9  Socialist International (SI) – was a union of European socialist and labor parties in Paris (1889). Declared Labor Day (May 1) and International Women’s Day. Initiated the 8-hour workday. Russian Revolution or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics USSR (1917) – Czar Nicholas II was overthrown and replaced by Bolshevik Party (Vladimir Lenin). Communist Parties Lenin – established Communist International (Comintern) (1919) – served as a central body for directing communist parties all over the world. Communist Information Bureau (Cominform) – Stalin re-established the Comintern by this. LESSON 4. THE UNITED NATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Global Governance - includes the totality of institutions, policies, rules, practices, norms, procedures, and initiatives by which states and their citizens or humanity as a whole try to bring more stability, predictability and order in the world by confronting transnational challenges— such as climate change and environmental degradation, nuclear proliferation, and terrorism— which are beyond the capacity of a single state to solve. United Nations (UN) - is a prominent international organization founded on October 24, 1945, with the primary aim of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among its member states. Established in the aftermath of World War II, the UN succeeded the League of Nations, which was deemed ineffective in preventing conflict. Initially comprised of 51 member states, the UN has grown to include 193 sovereign nations as of 2024. The main bodies of the UN are: 1. The General Assembly The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote. 2. The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. (P5 : CHINA, FRANCE, RUSSIA, U.K., and U.S. – VETO POWER ) takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. 3. The Economic and Social Council established to coordinate the economic and social work of the UN system. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and UN entities. Page | 10 4. The International Court of Justice often referred to as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ's primary role is to adjudicate disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. 5. The UN Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and the Organization's other main organs. The Secretary-General is the head of the Secretariat. António Guterres, from Portugal - the current Secretary-General of the United Nations. He is the ninth Secretary-General, his term began 1 January 2017 – present. 6. The Trusteeship Council the task of supervising the administration of Trust Territories placed under the International Trusteeship System. The main goals of the International Trusteeship System were to promote the advancement of the inhabitants of Trust Territories and their progressive development towards self- government or independence. The Trusteeship Council suspended its operations on 1 November 1994, a month after the independence of Palau, the last remaining United Nations trust territory. By a resolution adopted on 25 May 1994, the Council amended its rules of procedure to drop the obligation to meet annually and agreed to meet as occasion required -- by its decision or the decision of its President, or at the request of a majority of its members or the General Assembly or the Security Council. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded. Page | 11 the United Nations is the symbol and core of global governance. It must continue to lead efforts for the creation and maintenance of a rules‐based order that specifies both the proper conduct to be followed by all state and non-state international actors and procedures for reconciling differences among them. The United Nations will continue to play a central role in the development of global governance through filling five gaps in all issue‐areas: knowledge (empirical and theoretical), normative, policy, institutional, and compliance (monitoring and enforcement). The UN performs some unique roles which ensure it a special place in global governance. They are: i. Research on cross-cutting issues ii. Consensus-building, advocacy, and target-setting iii. A forum for the preparation and negotiation of international treaties or conventions iv. Technical co-ordination and standard-setting v. Information collection and dissemination vi. Co-ordination of action among agencies, both nationaland international. vii. Direct action (development, peace-keeping) International organization is an entity that includes members from multiple nations and operates across national boundaries. These organizations can be classified into two main categories: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) IGOs are formed by treaties among member states, which provide them with legal status under international law. They are primarily composed of sovereign states and are established to address common interests and challenges. Examples of prominent IGOs include: United Nations (UN): The largest IGO, founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. World Health Organization (WHO): A specialized agency of the UN focused on global health issues. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): A military alliance established for collective defense. IGOs can vary significantly in size, purpose, and structure. They may focus on specific issues like trade (World Trade Organization) or broader goals such as regional cooperation (European Union) or global development (World Bank). Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) NGOs operate independently of government influence and can be involved in various global issues, such as humanitarian aid, environmental protection, and human rights advocacy. Examples include: International Committee of the Red Cross: Provides humanitarian aid during conflicts. Amnesty International: Focuses on human rights advocacy globally. Page | 12 Unlike IGOs, NGOs do not have legal status under international law but play a crucial role in influencing policy and mobilizing public support. Functions and Importance International organizations serve multiple functions, including: o Facilitating cooperation among nations to address global challenges. o Providing platforms for negotiation and dispute resolution. o Delivering services and aid in areas such as health, education, and humanitarian assistance. These organizations help foster international dialogue and collaboration, contributing to global governance and stability. POWER OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION (MICHAEL N. BARNETT AND MARTHA FINNEMORE) 1. The power of classification 2. The power to fix meanings 3. The power to diffuse norms LESSON 5: A WORLD OF REGIONS Regionalism It can be examined in relation to identities, ethics, religion, ecological sustainability, and health. It is a process, and must be treated as an “emergent, socially constituted phenomenon.” Regions are not natural or given; rather, they are constructed and defined by policymakers, economic actors, and even social movements. How did the Philippines come to identify itself with the Southeast Asian region? Why is it part of the regional group Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)? Countries, Regions, and Globalization 1. Regions - A group of countries located in the same geographically specified area; or - “An amalgamation of 2 regions (or) a combination of more than 2 regions” organized to regulate and “oversee flows and policy choices.” 2. Regionalization - “Regional concentration of economic flows” 3. Regionalism - “A political process characterized by economic policy cooperation and coordination among countries.” Countries respond economically and politically to globalization in various ways: Some are large enough and have a lot of resources to dictate how they participate in processes of global integration. Other countries make up their small size by taking advantage of their strategic location. In most cases, however, countries form a regional alliance. Countries form regional associations for several reasons: Page | 13  For military defense Ex: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); Warsaw Pact To pool their resources, get better return for their exports as well as expand their leverage against trading partners Ex: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) To protect their independence from the pressures of superpower politics Ex: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Economic Crisis Ex: Thai economy collapsed in 1996 Non-State Regionalism - This “new regionalism” varies in form. They can be: - “Ttiny associations that include no more than a few actors and focus on a single issue”; or - Huge continental unions that address a multitude of common problems from territorial defense to food security.” - Rely on the power of individuals, NGOs, and associations to link up with one another in pursuit of a particular goal(s). - Identified with reformists who share the same “values, norms, institutions, and system that exist outside of the traditional, established mainstream institutions and systems.” Strategies and tactics also vary: - Some organizations partner with governments to initiate social change. Those who work with governments (“legitimizers”) participate in “institutional mechanisms that afford some civil society groups voice and influence (in) technocratic policy-making processes.” - Ex: ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights - Others dedicate their causes to specialized causes. - Ex: Rainforest Foundation Regional Interfaith Youth Networks - New regionalism differs significantly from traditional state-to-state regionalism when it comes to identifying problems. - Ex: Treatment of poverty and environmental degradation - Another challenge for new regionalist is the discord that may emerge among them. - Ex: Gender and religion Contemporary Challenges to Regionalism Regionalism faces multiple challenges: - Resurgence of militant nationalism and populism - The most serious - Ex: the refusal to dismantle NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union has become the basis of the anti-NATO rhetoric of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Regionalism faces multiple challenges: - Continuing financial crisis - Most-crisis-ridden Page | 14  - Ex: The crisis experiencing by the EU is forcing countries like Greece to consider leaving the Union to gain more flexibility in their economic policy. Regionalism faces multiple challenges: - Continue to disagree over the extent to which member countries should sacrifice their sovereignty for the sake of regional stability - Ex: ASEAN countries disagreed over how to relate to China, with the Philippines unable to get the other countries to support its condemnation of China’s occupation of the West Philippine Sea. D - Differing visions of what regionalism should be for - Western governments see regional organizations not simply as economic formations but also as instruments of political democratization. - Non-western and developing societies, however, may have a different view regarding globalization, development, and democracy Conclusions - Official regional associations cover vast swaths of the world. - The countries will find it difficult to reject all forms of global economic integration, it will also be hard for them to turn their backs on their regions. - Regional associations emerge as new global concerns arise. - The future of regionalism will be contingent on the immense changes in global politics that will emerge in the 21st century. Page | 15