Globalization and

Related Problems
Some debates and concepts
Topics

 The debate between Globalist and Skeptics

 Concepts related to globalization

 Imperialism
 Colonialism
 Development
 Westernization
 Easternization
 Americanization

 Era of the posts

Globalists VS Skeptics

 The primary divide is between globalists and skeptics.

 Globalists argue that globalization exists and encompasses the entire globe.
 Skeptics contend that globalization is not universal and excludes a significant portion
of the world's population.

 Globaphiliacs emphasize positive aspects of globalization, such as economic growth

and democratization.
 Globaphobics criticize globalization for exacerbating inequality and disadvantaging
some populations.
Different Views on Globalization:

 Globalists see globalization as a powerful force, leading to the decline of the nation-
state.
 Skeptics argue that the nation-state has regained importance in recent years.
 Globalists view globalization as a new process, while skeptics see it as a rebranding of
ancient processes.
 Globalists emphasize multinational corporations, transnational economies, and a new
global division of labor.
 Skeptics focus on national economies and regional conglomerations.
 Globalists believe nation-states' control over economic markets is declining.
 Globalists observe non-governmental relationships in the global world.
 Skeptics argue that national governments still dominate global politics.
 Globalists tend to accept the idea of a common global culture.
 Skeptics reject the notion of a common global culture, emphasizing cultural diversity.
Origins and driving force

 Origins of Globalization:
Five perspectives on the origin of globalization, including human instinct, cyclical
processes, historical phases, seminal events, and recent changes.
1. Hardwired Perspective: Nayan Chanda argues that globalization stems from the
human urge to seek a better life, tracing it back to our ancestors who left Africa in
search of food and security. This perspective focuses on trade, religion, adventures, and
conquest as key aspects of globalization.
2. Cycles Perspective: This view suggests that globalization is a long-term cyclical
process, with no single point of origin. It emphasizes that there have been multiple
global ages in the past and predicts that the current global age will eventually give way
to a new cycle of globalization.
3. Phases Perspective: Nederveen Pieterse identifies eight distinct phases of globalization,
each with its own point of origin and characteristics, from the Eurasian Phase to the 21st
Century Phase. This perspective acknowledges that globalization has occurred in different
forms throughout history.

4. Events Perspective: This perspective highlights specific historical events as points of

origin for globalization, such as the Roman conquests, the spread of Christianity and Islam,
Viking exploration, and the discovery of America by Columbus. It also includes more
recent events like the 9/11 attacks and the Great Recession.

5. Broader, More Recent Changes Perspective: This view points to broader changes in
the latter half of the 20th century as the origin of contemporary globalization. It
emphasizes three key developments: the emergence of the United States as a global power
after WW II, the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs), and the demise of the Soviet
Union and the end of the Cold War.
Some other views

 Materialist perspective attributes globalization to capitalism, technology, and

multinational corporations.

 Idealist perspective emphasizes ideas, information, and knowledge as driving factors.

 Globalization results from both material and ideal factors.

Imperialism

 What is imperialism?

A process where one country exerts control over another, encompassing political,
economic, and military aspects. This concept matured in the late 1800s with the nation-
state idea, focusing on dominance over other nation-states and regions.

 Other forms
Cultural and Media Imperialism: Refers to the imposition of one culture over another
and the dominance of Western media over less developed nations, respectively.
Lenin: The Highest Stage of Capitalism

1. Monopolies: Lenin argues that capitalism leads to the concentration of production and
capital in the hands of a few powerful monopolies, which dominate the economy.
2. Financial Oligarchy: He highlights the merging of bank and industrial capital, leading
to the rise of a wealthy elite known as the "financial oligarchy," who wield significant
influence over economic and political affairs.
3. Export of Capital: Capitalist powers increasingly invest capital in foreign markets to
exploit resources and labor, rather than solely exporting goods.
4. International Monopolies: Large capitalist corporations form international monopolies,
dividing markets and resources among themselves, often to the detriment of smaller
competitors and local economies.
5. Territorial Division: The world is divided among the major capitalist powers, each
vying for control over territories and markets to expand their wealth and influence
Historical Context

 Originating from the Roman term "imperium," imperialism initially described

domination over neighboring nations. It evolved to signify control over vast geographic
areas, linking to globalization through trade, migration, and communication.

 Late 19th Century Expansion: The era saw competition among nations like Germany,
Italy, Belgium, Great Britain, France, and the USA for control over undeveloped areas,
especially in Africa, marking a widespread use of the term with a negative connotation
emerging post-Boer War.

 Economic Imperialism: Highlighted by British economic activities in India and North

America, the concept involves capitalistic nations seeking resources and markets
worldwide, as theorized by Lenin and Hobson.
• Decline: Post-WWII saw a decline in direct political imperialism, but economic
imperialism continues, driven by capitalist economies.
New Forms - Capitalist imperialism

 David Harvey posits a "new imperialism" with the USA as its prime representative,
termed "capitalist imperialism," integrating economics and politics.

 While there are fundamental differences between the political interest in territory and the
capitalist interest in capital, Harvey argues that these two aspects intertwine and interact
in complex and sometimes contradictory ways. Despite their differences, both dimensions
of imperialism influence and shape each other, leading to intricate dynamics where
political and economic logics often overlap and conflict.

 For example, to the American government the Vietnam War made sense from a
political point of view, but it hardly made sense from an economic perspective and
may even have adversely affected the American economy.
 David Harvey's critique of US imperialism revolves around its internal and external
contradictions, which he believes render it unsustainable in the long term. Let's break
down this criticism with examples:
1. Internal Contradictions: The USA's imperialist actions often face contradictions
between political objectives and economic interests. For instance, while political
decisions may prioritize geopolitical dominance or regime change in certain regions
(such as Iraq or Afghanistan), these actions may not always align with economic
interests, potentially leading to resource depletion or economic instability.
2. External Pressures: US imperialism faces challenges from external forces such as
international resistance, diplomatic tensions, and opposition from other global powers
like China or the European Union. These pressures can undermine the effectiveness and
legitimacy of US imperialist endeavors, complicating its long-term sustainability.
3. Unsustainability: Harvey argues that the contradictions and problems inherent in US
imperialism could make it unsustainable over time. For example, the costs of
maintaining military presence and engaging in conflicts abroad may strain the US
economy and erode domestic support for imperialist ventures, leading to potential
retrenchment or decline in US influence.
Colonialism
• Often associated and related to imperialism, involves formal mechanisms of control
and the creation of settlements in distant territories. It's distinguished from imperialism
by the establishment of administrative apparatus within the colonized area to manage
internal affairs.

• Edward Said: imperialism means the practice, the theory, and the attitudes of a
dominating metropolitan center ruling a distant territory; ‘colonialism’, which
is almost always a consequence of imperialism, is the implanting of settlements
on distant territory”
Historical Context

 Two significant periods of colonialism occurred during and after the

Renaissance (fourteenth through seventeenth centuries) and are associated
mainly with European societies. The first, beginning in the fifteenth century,
was led by European powers, especially Spain and Portugal, and involved
creating colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The second, or modern,
phase lasted roughly between 1820 and the end of WW I. It involved other
European powers (most importantly Great Britain, France, and Germany), as
well as the US and Japan.
 Some colonies (e.g. India as a colony of the British) persisted well into the
twentieth century. However, during that period the momentum shifted in the
direction of decolonization, or “the process of revealing and dismantling
colonialist power in all its forms.
Decolonialization and Postcolonialism

• Decolonization movements gained momentum post-WWII, followed by neo-

colonialism, characterized by indirect control and economic exploitation.
 (“the process of revealing and dismantling colonialist power in all its forms.
This includes dismantling the hidden aspects of those institutional and cultural
forces that had maintained the colonialist power and that remain even after
political independence is achieved” )

 Postcolonialism: Refers to the era in formerly colonized areas after the departure of the
colonizing power. It encompasses various developments and struggles for national
identity in the aftermath of colonial rule.
• Edward Said's Influence: Edward Said's work "Orientalism" is highlighted for
addressing negative stereotypes and the struggle for positive identity in postcolonial
contexts, particularly in the East.
• Focus on Literary Texts: Postcolonial theorists utilize literary texts to analyze cultural
control, resistance, and the construction of postcolonial identities. Texts can perpetuate
colonial narratives or be subverted to challenge colonial power structures.
• Role of Postcolonial Texts: Postcolonial texts serve as a tool for newly freed colonies
to portray themselves positively, critique colonial legacies, and foster understanding in
the aftermath of colonialism.
• Critiques of Postcolonial Theory: Criticisms include the dominance of Western
intellectuals in producing postcolonial texts, leading to a disconnect from the needs and
perspectives of native populations. Postcolonial scholarship is accused of reproducing
colonial discourses and lacking relevance to practical liberation movements,
contrasting with the more accessible and action-oriented approach of figures like Frantz
Fanon.
Westernization

 Economic, political, and cultural influence of the West (primarily Europe and the
United States) on the rest of the world.
 Often associated with globalization, but considered a more specific subset
focusing on Western values and practices.

 Spread of positive systems: Examples include democracy, free-market

economies, technological advancements, rule of law, individual rights.
 Modernization and development: Seen as a path to greater prosperity and
stability for non-Western nations.
 Universal values: Belief that Western values like democracy and human rights
are universally applicable and beneficial.
Arguments against Westernization:
 One-way flow: Oversimplifies globalization, ignoring non-Western influences
and adaptations.
 Western bias: Ignores cultural and historical differences, potentially imposing
Western models uncritically.
 Homogenization: Risks eroding local cultures and traditions, leading to global
uniformity.
 Negative aspects: Western influences can also include
consumerism, environmental degradation, and military intervention.

Examples:

 Democracy: Pakistan's struggles with military rule highlight the challenges of

implementing Western models.
 Market economies: China's mix of state-run enterprises and open markets
shows diverse approaches to economic development.
 Cultural influence: The global spread of English and Western-style fast food
demonstrates both benefits and concerns.
Easternization

 Easternization: Economic and cultural influences of the East on the West

Impact:

 Growing influence of China's economic power on the West (reserves, investments)

 Potential for future expansion with China's continued rise

Examples:

Cuisine:

 Explosion of ethnic restaurants: Chinese, Thai, Indian, Japanese, bringing diverse

flavors to Western palates.
 Integration into home cooking: spices, ingredients, and dishes becoming staples.
Lifestyle:

 Mind & Body: Yoga, meditation, mindfulness gaining popularity for stress
reduction and well-being.
 Spiritual Exploration: Eastern philosophies like Zen and Taoism influencing
personal growth and meaning-making.
 Alternative Practices: Ching, Tarot, Runes finding acceptance alongside
traditional Western spiritual systems.

Manufacturing:

 Rise of Eastern brands: Toyota, Nissan, Sony, Panasonic, challenging Western

dominance.
 Production innovations: quality circles, just-in-time delivery, impacting global
manufacturing practices.

 Important CEOs are Eastern

Conclusion

 In contrast to all the other flows, globalization consists of multidirectional

flows, with no single point of geographic origin. In addition, while globalization
is a decentered process, the others are focused more on nation-states.
Globalization generally involves subtler control and hence does not generate the
same degree of intense opposition as at least some of the other processes
(imperialism, colonialism). Globalization can be said to be the broadest of the
processes discussed in this chapter. All of the others either continue to survive
in, or are subsumed under, globalization. It could also be argued that, in a
sense, most of these processes are past their prime. The current era may then be
regarded as an era of the posts – post-imperialism, post-development, post-
colonialism, post-Westernization, and post-Americanization.