The Contemporary World
and Globalization
GE TCW
[ The Contemporary World ]
Introduction
• Contemporary world – often described in terms of “globalization”
• New challenges transcend national borders and demand global
collective action
• Globalization: a contested concept
– What exactly is it?
– What does it encompass? What drives it?
– Does it represent a novel and completely unprecedented phenomenon?
Learning Outcomes
• At the end of this lesson, learners are expected to:
1. Define globalization;
2. Identify the economic, political, and social dimensions of
globalization;
3. Describe the character of contemporary globalization;
4. Discuss competing views of globalization; and
5. Evaluate the historical factors that help shape contemporary
globalization
Defining Globalization
• Disagreements on the concept of globalization
– Is it purely an economic phenomenon?
• Is it with a single or multiple dimensions? Does it represent
a process, condition, process, system, or force?
• Trajectory?
– Creating homogeneity or heterogeneity?
– Is it done or is moving forward?
Case Study 1.
Definitions of Globalization
• Globalization is various defined as:
– “a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply,
stretch, and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and
exchanges” (Steger, 2003)
– “the shrinkage of distance on a large scale. It can be contrasted
with localization, nationalization, or regionalization”(Keohane &
Nye, 2000)
Case Study 1.
Definitions of Globalization
• Globalization is various defined as:
– “the international integration of markets of goods, services, and
capital” (Garrett, 2000)
– “the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant
localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events
occurring many miles away and vice versa” (Giddens, 1990)
Defining Globalization
• Globalization – term usually used to describe a pattern of
growing interconnectedness of individuals and groups,
whether in economic, political or social realms
• Marshall McLuhan: Because of globalization, the world is
reduced into a global village
– Imagery that the world is shrinking
Defining Globalization
• Globalization – may be defined as “the widening,
deepening and speeding up of global interconnectedness”
such that events and interactions in one place have
growing impact on people elsewhere
• Equally important dimensions of globalization other than
economic: military, social, cultural, etc.
Defining Globalization
• Contemporary globalization is arguably distinct in terms of
scope, intensity, velocity, and impact
• Contemporary globalization is considered as “thick
globalization”: one with high extensity, high intensity, high
velocity, and high impact
Case Study 2.
Globalization Index
It ranks states/economies in four
categories: (1) economic integration,
(2) political engagement, (3)
technological connectivity, and (4)
personal contact. In 2015, the
Philippines ranks 70th overall, falling
behind Vietnam (66th), Thailand
(37th), and Malaysia (10th). It ranks
121st in economic globalization, 44th
in political globalization, and 119th in
social globalization.
Defining Globalization
• In terms of scope, contemporary globalization is diffuse or
spread out
• In the past, commerce involved mainly the Western
Hemisphere and their colonies
• Today, many economic, political and social interactions take
place in different corners of the globe, with more actors
taking part simultaneously
Case Study 3.
Tourism and Globalization
Globalization presents opportunities
to the tourism industry. More and
more foreign and local tourists get to
travel to different destinations
because of ease of travel and
increased awareness of tour sites.
The image shows an American UN
Command Force officer orienting the
tourists about the Korean War and
the Demilitarized Zone.
Defining Globalization
• In terms of intensity, there are greater interconnectedness
and more patterns of interaction
• In the past, interaction was limited (e.g. trade, conquest)
• Today, globalization entails not only opening of markets but
also interaction between different actors on different
issues, facilitated by advancements in communication and
travel
Defining Globalization
• In terms of speed, contemporary globalization is fast and fluid
• In the past, interaction could take so long
• Today, many interactions occur instantly
• Advancements in communication and travel speed up global
diffusion of people, goods, services, ideas and technology
Defining Globalization
• In terms of impact, globalization presents both
opportunities and challenges
• In the past, the distinction between the local and the global
was clear
• Today, impact of distant events is magnified while even the
most local developments may come to have enormous
global consequences
The Globalization Debate
• Three dominant views on globalization:
1. Hyperglobalist view;
2. Skeptical view; and
3. Transformationalist view
The Globalization Debate
1. Hyperglobalist View
–
Globalization has de-nationalized human affairs
–
In the past, framework of human affairs was the state, but in a
global age, the state will be replaced by institutions of global
governance
–
As a result, the power of national governments is eroded or
weakened
The Globalization Debate
2. Skeptical View
–
Dismisses the contention that the state is irrelevant
–
Instead, it argues that national governments are essential to
globalization
–
Globalization proceeds only with acquiescence and support of
states
–
In fact, it suggests that the world now is less globalized than in
the 19th century
The Globalization Debate
3. Transformationalist View
–
Occupies the middle ground in the globalization debate
–
Globalization is reshaping the international order, but the state is
no longer the only actor
–
Other that states, there are international organizations and nongovernmental organizations
Case Study 4.
Globophilia and Globophobia
Individuals are polarized on whether globalization brings
more good than harm.
– Globophilia is a perspective that affirms the benefits and necessity of
globalization, while globophobia is that which denies them.
– Globophilia emphasizes the role of markets and technology in bringing
solutions to age-old problems such as poverty and conflicts, while
globophobia points out the adverse consequences of market-driven
interconnectedness on local economies, cultures, and the environment.
Historical Background of Globalization
• Pre-World War I Period
– Discovery of the Americas and the Moluccas
– Classical Gold Standard – facilitated growth of international trade
– British Industrial Revolution – characterized by scientific advances
and technological innovations that fueled economic expansion
Case Study 5.
Spanish Colonization in the Philippines
The paintings on the octagon ceiling of
the Magellan’s Cross in Cebu depict the
arrival of navigator Ferdinand Magellan,
who headed the first Spanish foray to
the Philippines, and the planting of the
cross. Spanish rule in the Philippines
lasted for over three centuries. The
Spaniards initially viewed the islands as
key to the riches of the East Indies, but
even after the Portuguese and Dutch
came to dominate the spice trade, they
continued their rule over the islands.
Historical Background of Globalization
• Pre-World War I Period
– World War I saw a downward trend in economic, political and
social globalization
– Economic nationalism closed down states from the international
economy
– States disengaged from the Classical Gold Standard
Historical Background of Globalization
• Interwar Period
– There was attempt to revive pre-World War I status quo, and
states adopted the Gold Exchange Standard, which worked like
the Classical Gold Standard
– Developments in global governance: Creation of the League of
Nations
– Until World War II broke out
Case Study 6.
World War II Leyte Landing
Gen. Douglas MacArthur and staff,
accompanied by Philippine President
Sergio Osmeña, made an amphibious
landing in the shores of Leyte. Gen.
MacArthur was the commander of
the United States Armed Forces in
the Far East (USAFFE) that fought
against the Japanese forces in the
Philippines toward the end of World
War II. The images are on display at
Hotel Alejandro gallery in Leyte.
Historical Background of Globalization
• Post-World War II and Cold War Period
– International institutions were in put in place: General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and
World Bank
– United Nations was created to replace the League
– But at the same time, the US and Soviet Union became superpower
rivals that represented two polar ideologies, capitalism and
communism, respectively
Historical Background of Globalization
• Post-World War II and Cold War Period
– Legacy of the Cold War period: upsurge in non-traditional issues –
environmental degradation, civil wars, influx of refugees
Historical Background of Globalization
• Post-Cold War Period (Present)
– Globalization received a particular boost
– International institutions facilitate economic relations, socialist states
transitioned to democracy, global firms continue to produce
consumer goods and services, etc.
– Global governance continues across a wide range of issue-areas, all
of which shaping and being shaped by globalization – e.g. security,
environment, economy
Case Study 7.
The Philippines at the Nuclear Security Summit
The Philippines participates in global
security governance. Image shows
the seat for the Philippines at the
2012 Nuclear Security Summit held
in Seoul, South Korea. Vice President
Jejomar Binay represented the
country. Started in 2010, the Nuclear
Security Summit gathers world
leaders to discuss issues concerning
nuclear security and safety, peaceful
use of nuclear energy, and
prevention of nuclear terrorism.