Globalization: History and Political Science - Literature review Example

? Globalization Globalization is a hotly debatable term. Dreher, Gaston and Martens (2008, p. 14-17) posit that globalization seems to be an unstoppable force whose effect can either be positive or negative. Interestingly, globalization is a term that is heavily used in the current world but its meaning still remains obscure thus meaning that definition is not everything but everything seems to revolve around definition. As a word, it has been in existence since 1960s after being put on the sport by the then anti-globalization movement. Globalization is widely used almost as a buzzword to describe events taking place or manifestation of a prevailing trend in the current society. This essay attempts to describe globalization process by highlighting, evaluating and analyzing various definitions. Globalization is a global process and a revolution concept including economic integration, policy sharing, knowledge sharing, cultural stability, reproduction, relations and discourses of power or may sometimes be variously described as a progress, development, stabilization, integration, cooperation or perhaps regression, colonialism and destabilization. Globalization is a concept that requires careful and critical examination since sharp and enlightening definition boosts perception, is interesting and empowers people with knowledge deemed important in shaping up society’s destiny. It is worth noting that most of the intellectual imaginations have been gripped by the concept of globalization. Scholars and lay circle have commonly pursue a perception that globalization is an analytical prerequisite used in appreciating continuousness and adjustment of contemporary society. Presently, the term has really spawned a lot of confrontational and highly intuitive annotation (Dreher, Gaston and Martens 2008, p. 14-17). Seriousness of globalization has seen its vocabulary spread in several languages such as French, Arabica, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Finnish, Nepalese and Timorese where it is referred to as mondialisation, lil’alam, globalizatsia, quanqiuhua, globalizacion, globalisaatio, bishwavyapikaran and luan bo’ot respectively. This concept has gained popularity because of its relevance to the growing trend which has heightened the current propagation of the global discussion. This further signifies the impact of the contemporary social relation and the fact that there is a common and new character shared within the society because of the relevancy and the context of the term to the society. In academic, various disciplines have incorporated the word globalization in their studies and event tried to relate numerous phenomenon with it. Also, it has been applicable in several theoretical approaches as well as political spectrum across the world thus symbolizing its usefulness in the society (Meerhaeghe 2012, p. 239-45). It is undeniable that the idea of globalization remains absolutely indescribable as it is inescapable and that as much as it means something crucial, surety about what that vital thing is remains unknown. As much it is widely used, it seems that globalization do not have cogent conceptualization to qualify it being treated as a serious scholarly issue (Dreher, Gaston and Martens 2008, p. 14-17). In fact, the poor conceptualization has borne persistent ambiguity and confusion resulting into a bunch of objectors with suspicious motives or even the notion of intellectual laziness. The current confusion of the term is as a result of failure to engender convincing understanding that do not relate with other concepts as it is evident in some of the definitions including globalization as internalization, liberalization, universalization and westernization. Globalization as Internationalization By terming globalization as internalization it implies enhancement of transactions and interdependence amongst countries and therefore a more global world is characterized by more ideas, information, merchandise, finances and investments. Bishop, Reinke and Adams (2011, p. 118-123) explains that globalization is measured in terms of cross border activities including foreign investments, foreign travel and membership to some international bodies. Also, globalization has largely been measured and compared with indicators on a territorial basis in such a way that a country can be termed as either more or less globalized than others. Globalization as an internationalization does not include much of intellectual and political reasoning but seems very attractive since it represents an ontological and methodology ground of international relations. Bishop, Reinke and Adams (2011, p. 120-123) asserts that global economics, politics and culture may also mean international economics, politics and culture respectively. This concept stresses on international interdependence which is regarded as a contemporary state system as well as the world economy that recedes and moves over a period hence incorporating an idea of historical repetition. Investment, migration and all those things comprising globalization were noted in the past and what is currently experienced is an absolute repetition (Tausch 2011, p. 505-512). However, the question is why the change of the vocabulary if at all the meaning and the context of a term such as internationality is consistent and applicable. Moreover, argument that world social relations can only be organized based on state governments and national communities and that internationality tends to ignore and marginalize other groups or mode of governance is debatable. Globalization as Liberalization The concept of liberalization attempts to imply that globalization denotes the elimination of formally imposed constraints on movements of resources across countries to form free world economy. Globalization is defined in terms of removal of trade barriers such as trade barriers and capital controls by the responsible authorities thus leading to neoliberal macroeconomic dogmas (Tausch 2011, p. 505-512). Scholars argue that by taking steps towards trade liberalization, would eventually lead to worldwide prosperity, enhanced democracy and freedom amongst countries. On the other hand, critics posit that laissez-faire may instigate poverty, inequality cultural and social destruction. These actions have greatly influenced contemporary globalization although neoliberalism may mean that it is the only term existing term for a more global world. Proponents of this concept intended to advance human security, social justice and democracy and some even assert that globalization may be aided by social, environmental and human rights safeguards. However, the inclusion of globalization is deemed unnecessary because the issue of free markets has been in existence even without raising talk of globalization and therefore terming globalization as liberalization does not open any new insight in the current society (Meerhaeghe 2012, p. 239-45). Globalization as Universalization In this context, globalization is describes the dispersion of numerous objects as well as experiences to others in every part of the world thus implying that global means worldwide and everywhere. Sanchez-Runde, Nardon and Steers (2013, p. 690-695) argue that this concept focuses on homogenization with universal culture, economics, legal and political merging such as the comparison of prices of some commodities such as gasoline. Unfortunately, this notion does not, in any way, provide a new and distinctive insight as it may thought to have done because there has been worldwide dispersion in history. Transcontinental spread and diffusion existed even long time ago and was never termed or defined as globalization as it is stipulated. There has been universalization in various areas such as religions which includes Christianity that spread all over without terming it as globalization. Additionally, the world experienced trans-oceanic trade which enabled distribution of various goods everywhere across the world without the concept of globalization. Globalization as Westernization In this context, globalization is viewed as a concept of transformation of the social structure of modernity to all humanity while extinguishing preexistent culture as well as self-rule. It is presumed that globalization is colonization and Americanization thus positioning it as a hegemonic discourse by some critics that it is just a philosophy of hypothetical advancement concealing far reaching. Stephen (2011, p. 210-215) explains that currently, globalization has led to transformations such as rationalist knowledge, capitalist production as well as technological advancements as modernity while early global consciousness prompted the onset of modernity. Indeed, contemporary globalization has played an integral role in the modern and western social relations in as much as it has associated itself with violent impositions that may mean imperialism. Ukrit, Arunotai and Doungchan (2011, p. 23-27) say that the Western Europe and North America have undeniably transformed humanity and various institutions worldwide although modernity and western civilization have been in existence even before contemporary globalization. Additionally, globalization may also take nonwestern direction such as Confucian, Islamic or even future postmodern globalizations. Westernization, modernization and modernization have had longer history compared to globalization unless the current forms of globalism can be analyzed in terms of a specific aspect of modernity (Stephen 2011, p. 210-215). By considering the definition of the term globalization based on westernization, universalization, neo-liberalization, and interdependence does not mean that the issues are not important. A well-shaped conception of globalization to shed some light on the inconsistencies such as treating the term as either internationalization, liberalization, universalization or westernization because it makes us lose opportunity of grasping its meaning. There must be better convincing definitions than the ones highlighted. Perhaps the other definition would mean treating globalization as the spread of Trans-planetary or even supra-territorial connections amongst people. In this setting, globalization may be regarded as minimization of barriers to enable Trans-world of social contacts (Ukrit, Arunotai and Doungchan 2011, p.23-27). This involves empowering people substantially, lawfully, linguistically, socially and expressively so as to facilitate engagement and interactions amongst people. It may be right to consider globalization as a change in the nature of societal space and this may differ with the other definitions which seem to postulate continuousness in the original character of social geography. Space identifies the earth as the place of human action in this context since geography is a defining feature of social life and that there is no social explanation without geographical dimension. Supra-territoriality in this situation attempts to distinguish the contemporary history and the historical periods and this form of globalization is evident in many aspects of life. Globalization may play a huge role in adding value towards understanding social relations. A lot of irresponsible politicking and lack of well thought idea has largely devalued the meaning of globalization. Globalization should include key issues affecting the current society in a very constructive and critical manner by focusing on the ongoing developments in trans-planetary as well as supra-territorial connectivity. Bibliographies Bishop, T., Reinke, J., & Adams, T 2011, Globalization: Trends and Perspectives, Journal of International Business Research, 10(1), 117-130, Retrieved From Http://Search.Proquest.Com/Docview/886529226?Accountid=45049 Dreher, A., Gaston, N., & Martens, P 2008, Measuring Globalization: Understanding Its Causes and Consequences, New York, Ny, Springer New York. Sanchez-Runde, Nardon & Steers, M 2013, "The Cultural Roots of Ethical Conflicts in Global Business", Journal Of Business Ethics, Vol. 116, No. 4, Pp. 689-701. Stephen, M 2011, "Globalisation and Resistance: Struggles Over Common Sense in the Global Political Economy", Review Of International Studies, Vol. 37, No. 1, Pp. 209-228. Tausch, A 2011, "Is Globalization a Driver Of Economic Growth And Social Development?” Society and Economy, Vol. 33, No. 3, Pp. 505-524. Ukrit, A., Arunotai & Doungchan, P 2011, "The Dynamics and Protection of Local Culture Under Globalization On Lanta Island In Southern Thailand", Journal Of Business Case Studies, Vol. 7, No. 5, Pp. 23-27. Meerhaeghe, M 2012, "Globalisation: Concept, Outcome, Future--A Continental View", European Journal of Law and Economics, Vol. 33, No. 2, Pp. 239-306. Read More