Globalisation

What is it? The shrinking in importance of global boundaries and nation states economically, politically and culturally Key Features 1. Growth in importance of international issues, problems, risks and decline in importance of solely national issues 2. The creation of an interlinked ‘global economy’ dominated by very powerful TNCs 3. The growth of supra national organisations such as trading blocks (EU and CIS) and militarily e.g. NATO and the transfer of power from nation states to these new organisations 4. The creation of a ‘global culture’ because of the proliferation of the internet and satellite TV

Evidence of Globalisation Cross border investment tripled (World Bank) Growth of TNCs – Nike, Wal-Mart, Apple, GM, Wall mart Transfer of manufacturing from 1 st world to third world economies – decline of primary and secondary industry in the UK

Possible Questions Evaluate the view that the political and economic power of the State is in decline (33) Assess how and why political participation has changed in the last 30 years (33)

Theorists of Globalisation Keniche Obhae ‘Borderless World’ 1996 Argues very strongly that globalisation has revolutionised power and politics in the world. Emphasises the growth of one big inter linked world economy dominated by TNCs WHY? 1. Communications revolution allows businesses and consumers to operate globally 2. The economic ‘orthodoxy’ of Neo Liberalism has allowed TNCs a ‘free market’ in the world economy in which they operate free from national state controls RESULTS Power of nation state severely diminished – power of TNCs now huge and uncontrolled CRITICISMS Maybe exaggerated – states still retain some controls over global trade and some of created supra national blocks e.g. EU to protect themselves Military power of the nation state still very strong

Theorists of Globalisation Kevin Bonnett – more measured and moderate view Globalisation has changed politics radically but in different ways 1. Power transferred from national states to TNCs 2. National states now merge together to protect themselves – EU, CIS, NATO, African Union 3. Globalisation has caused 2 diverse types of political protest – nationalism in response to decline in power of nation states and loss of sovereignty (e.g. UKIP and the Far Right in Europe) and inter nationalism – protest against global capitalism expressed globally

Theorists of Globalisation Hirst and Thompson take a critical view of the extent of globalisation. 1. Most business decisions still taken in home nations by companies who mainly operate within national boundaries 2. Loss of state power seen as exaggerated – still holds onto to all military power and significant economic power (laws and taxes) 3. Most people see themselves as citizens of a particular nation (feel British) – such loyalty GIVES the State power

Theorists of Globalisation Callinicos (Marxist) Globalisation is seen as a ‘high stage’ of capitalism and a logical product of the profit motive Global capitalist make huge profits from global capitalism – wealth is being transferred rapidly upwards to the richest worldwide – class polarisation This has produced the emergence of global class conscious protest – a high stage of working class consciousness which is potentially revolutionary

Theorists of Globalisation Giddens (Pomo or late modernity) Globalisation has made the world smaller. The ease at which people can interact globally is breaking down cultural differences The emergence of the global economy and reduced the economic power of the state – many states now have to attract inward investment from global TNCs rather than lead the economy themselves The global economy has made it very unlikely that traditional left wing approaches to nationalisation could work – ‘Third Way’ approach therefore required

Theorists of Globalisation David Held ‘Democracy and the New Global Order’ Globalisation has caused a crisis for western democracy – decisions affecting everyone's life now not taken democratically Globalisation requires a political response which needs also to be global – world democracy and world parliament to reassert democratic control and rein in the power of TNCs