Lance Arryl T. Miranda 11 – HUMILITY GLOBALIZATION AS A CONTEXT OF RELATIONS AMONG NATION-STATES GLOBALIZATION AS A CONTEXT OF RELATIONS AMONG NATION-STATES The globalization is the dominant force which has shaped a new era of interaction and interdependence among nations. It has many dimensions such as economic, political, military, social and cultural dimension. It creates both opportunities and costs to the nation state. INTERNATIONAL RELATION AND GLOBALIZATION As more nations, people, and cultures adapt to the ever changing international community, diplomats, politicians, and representatives must meet and deal with accordingly to the needs and wants of nations. Diplomacy can be exerted in many forms; through peace talks, written constitutions, field experiences, etc. Culture is a familiar term and remains unchanged by definition. However, globalization and international relations have constantly altered culture both positively and negatively. Globalization increases worldwide technology, and the readability of fast, effective communication and consumption of popular products. Globalization links cultures and international relations on a variety of levels; economics, politically, socially, etc. INTERNATIONAL RELATION AND GLOBALIZATION International relations have used globalization to reach its goal: of understanding cultures. International relations focus on how countries, people and organizations interact and globalization is making a profound effect on International relations. Understanding culture, globalization, and international relations is critical for the future of not only governments, people, and businesses, but for the survival of the human race. In today’s increasingly interdependent and turbulent world, many of the leading issues in the news concern international affairs. Whether it is the continuing impact of globalization, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NATION-STATE IN GLOBALIZATION? The role of the nation-state in globalization is a complex one in part due to the varying definitions and shifting concepts of globalization. While it has been defined in many ways, globalization is generally recognized as the fading or complete disappearance of economic, social, and cultural borders between nation-states. Some scholars have theorized that nation-states, which are inherently divided by physical and economic boundaries, will be less relevant in a globalized world. While increasingly reduced barriers regarding international commerce and communication are sometimes seen as a potential threat to nation-states, these trends have existed throughout history. Air and sea transportation that made same-day travel to other continents possible and greatly expanded trade among countries did not abolish the sovereignty of individual nations. Instead, globalization is a force that changed the way nation-states deal with one another, particularly in the area of international commerce. THE VALUE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN A GLOBALIZED SOCIETY Although international relations has taken on a new significance because of our increasingly interconnected world, it is certainly not a new concept. Historically, the establishment of treaties between nations served as the earliest form of international relations. The study and practice of international relations in today’s world is valuable for many reasons: International relations promotes successful trade policies between nations. International relations encourages travel related to business, tourism, and immigration, providing people with opportunities to enhance their lives. International relations allows nations to cooperate with one another, pool resources, and share information as a way to face global issues that go beyond any particular country or region. Contemporary global issues include pandemics, terrorism, and the environment. International relations advances human culture through cultural exchanges, diplomacy and policy development. GLOBALIZATION FAVORS WESTERNIZATION One commonly recognized effect of globalization is that it favors Westernization, meaning that other nation-states are at a disadvantage when dealing with the Americas and Europe. This is particularly true in the agricultural industry, in which secondand third-world nations face competition from Western companies. Another potential effect is that nation-states are forced to examine their economic policies in light of the many challenges and opportunities that multinational corporations and other entities of international commerce present. Multinational corporations, in particular, challenge nation-states to confront the unique issue of foreign direct investments, forcing nation-states to determine how much international influence they allow in their economies. Globalization also creates a sense of interdependence among nations, which could create an imbalance of power among nations of different economic strengths. The role of the nation-state in a global world is largely a regulatory one as the chief factor in global interdependence. While the domestic role of the nation-state remains largely unchanged, states that were previously isolated are now forced to engage with one another to set international commerce policies. Through various economic imbalances, these interactions may lead to diminished roles for some states and exalted roles for others. CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION TO FILIPINO FAMILIES Philippine families are in crisis situation nowadays. What affects them is not just a matter of internal relationship changes but a matter of both internal and external pressures which are caused by globalization. Globalization is an overarching international system shaping the domestic politics and foreign relations of virtually every country. It describes the political, economic, and cultural atmosphere of today that includes militarization. The Philippine experience of globalization follows the definition given by J.H. Mittelman: “As experienced from below, the dominant form of globalization means a historical transformation: in the economy, of livelihoods and modes of existence; in politics, a loss in the degree of control exercised locally… and in culture, a devaluation of a collectivity’s achievements….” CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION TO FILIPINO FAMILIES Globalization has far-reaching implications on peoples’ lives and livelihood. It has some good and positive effects, however, the negative outweighs them. In the Philippines, globalization worsens the already poor situation of the masses. It sends millions of Filipinos to work on a global stage where there is shortage of laborers, skilled, domestic and professional workers. This is because of unemployment and underemployment brought about by structural adjustments in the country. Globalization has converted rice lands, water and ancestral domain of indigenous peoples to multi-national companies for export products, high-tech fishing and mining operations, respectively. CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION TO FILIPINO FAMILIES Farmers and fisher folks go empty-handed, hungry and mostly indebted while indigenous peoples wander to exist. The import liberalization policy has destroyed the domestic economy as it continues the closure of small and medium enterprises. It causes Filipinos to consume cheaper import products and their own products left unsold or sold at a much cheaper price. Globalization allows privatization of social institutions (e.g. schools, hospitals and other social centers) and services (e. g. water and light), that are much needed by the poor majority. Globalization allows foreign militarization into the country to fight the so-called global terrorism. This threatens people, destroys nature and life rather than build peace and justice. The effects of globalization are felt worldwide and, sad to say, the Philippines is on the losing side.
