UNIT-2 Changing Nature of Global Politics

A. Globalization to De-globalization, and Post-globalization

Introduction

• Globalization: Term from the 1940s, became significant in the 1990s; reflects interconnected social life.
• Early literature (Ohmae, Friedman) oversimplified it, emphasizing capitalism and cultural erasure.
• Intensified post "Global War on Terror."
• Perceptions changed with debates on US decline, China and India rise.
• Struggle to grasp globalization as diverse local-global connections.

Definition of Globalization

• Defined by David Held: transformation in spatial organization of social relations and transactions.
• Globalization vs Globality: Globality signifies interconnected social conditions.
• Transition from nationalism to globality; postmodern globality.
• Emphasizes change in state system, economic, social, cultural, and political lives.
• Change in consciousness, beyond national identities.

History and Origins of Globalization

• Origins debated: prehistoric times or later.
• Manfred Steger: Divides into periods - prehistoric, pre-modern, early modern, modern, contemporary.
  • Pre-Historic: Human dispersion, settled societies.
  • Pre-Modern: Writing, wheel; long-distance communication.
  • Early Modern: European expansion, colonial implications.
  • Modern: European dominance, trade, colonization, tech rise.
  • Contemporary: Neoliberal shifts, tech advancements.

George Ritzer's Perspective

• Origins in human desires for trade, adventures, conquest.
• Globalization: long-term cyclical process, historical cycles.
• Therborn's epochs: Six distinct waves from 4th to 21st century.
• Events: Roman conquests, religious spread, Middle Ages trade, colonialism.
• Recent accelerants: US global power, MNCs, end of Cold War.

Examples

• Silk Road: East-West trade, cultural exchange.
• European Colonialism: Global influence, integrated economies.
• Industrial Revolution: Tech, transportation advancements.
• Information Revolution: Internet rise, digital connectivity.

Globalization and Deglobalization

• Complexity: Varying meanings of globalization.
• Framework by Kornprobst and Paul: Focus on interconnectedness in economic, medical, social dimensions.
• Economic Interconnectedness: National economies integrated via trade, investment, labor, tech.
• Uneven Impact: Highlights inequalities, need for fair exchanges.
• Health Dimension: Global disease spread (e.g., COVID-19), need for cooperation.

Deglobalization Processes

• Recognition despite interconnectedness increase.
• Historical Epochs by O'Rourke and Williamson: Mercantilist restriction, first global century, retreats.
• Contemporary Sociology Perspectives: Analytical/normative views, cultural/economic models.
• Great Recession Impact: Shifts in global economic dynamics.

Neo-Globalization and Post-Globalization

• Critique of Globalization: Challenges to neoliberal, corporate globalization.
• Rise of Neo-Globalization: Reforming existing globalization for justice.
• Global Civil Society: Activism for democracy, challenging nation-states/corporate dominance.
• Post-Globalization: Potential shift, revaluation of globalization principles.

Conclusion

• State system role in globalization; examines contemporary crises.
• Emphasizes nuanced understanding of globalization's complexities, impacts, and need for cooperative governance.

B. Geo-politics, Geo-economics, and Geo-strategy

Geopolitics: Understanding Politics and Geography

Definition and History

• Explores politics-geography interplay; emerged in late 19th century.
• Early works by Mackinder, Mahan focused on land/sea power.
• Post-WWII US strategic thinking by Kennan, Spykman.
• Critical geopolitics: Challenges state-centric views.

Approaches

• Classical Geopolitics: State competition, imperialistic policies.
• Critical Geopolitics: Challenges authoritative narratives.
• Feminist Geopolitics: Emphasizes complexity, connectivity.

Characteristics

• Involves human geography, unique places, social connections.
• Both practice (power actions) and representation (perceptions).
• Considers geopolitical agents (individuals, countries, corporations).
• Linked to power: material, relational, ideological aspects.

Contemporary Relevance

• Resurgence in classical geopolitics (e.g., War on Terror, China's rise).
• Importance for navigating complex global dynamics.

Geo-Economics: Strategic Economic Tools in Geopolitics

Definition

• Use of economic tools for geopolitical goals.

Rise Since 1990s

• Concept by Edward Luttwak; shift from military to economic competition.
• Scholars explore economic security, non-Western powers, material structures.

Interlinked Strategies

• Geo-economics and geopolitics combine economic, political, strategic dimensions.
• States employ both strategies for objectives.

Four Generations of Geo-Economics

1. Pre-20th Century: Mercantilism.
2. Early to Mid-20th Century: Economic-geopolitical interplay.
3. Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century: Economic statecraft.
4. Early 21st Century Onward: Multipolar world, digital revolution.

Contemporary Examples

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Infrastructure, economic partnerships, influence.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Critics warn of economic coercion, undermining governance.

C. Territorialization and De-territorialization

Territorialization

• Foundational for modern states: borders, sovereignty.

Four Sub-Principles

1. Sovereignty: Supreme state power, evolving concepts.
2. Integration: Binding force, common values/norms.
3. Borders: Historical transition, ideological/socio-psychological roles.
4. Security: Globalization transforms security threats.

De-Territorialization

• Globalization weakens national territories.
• Challenges sovereignty, integration, borders, security.

D. Cultural Frames of Global Politics

The Return of Culture and Identity in IR

• Culture's role shifts in IR theory; historical significance.
• Current Theorizing: New dimensions of culture considered.
• Social Construction: Culture as optional membership.

Globalization and the Return of Culture

• Post-Cold War globalization compresses space/time.
• Interconnectedness: Real-time global info/events.

Theses on Globalization and Culture

• Homogenization: Cultural convergence (e.g., McDonald's).
• Polarization: Stronger identities, conflicts (e.g., Brexit).
• Hybridization: Cultural exchange hybridization (e.g., Bollywood).

Deconstructing Huntington's Clash of Civilizations

• Huntington's Theory: Civilizational clash concept.
• Critiques: Lack historical grounding, stereotyping.

Conclusion

• Globalization affects state territoriality, sovereignty.
• Need for revised territoriality concepts in globalization.
• Culture's resurgence affects global politics.
• Focus on processes/change in globalization understanding.