‘The central challenge we face today is to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s people, instead of leaving billions of them behind in squalor’ (Annan 2000, p.6). This statement both emphasises the requirements of the globalisation process insistently and demon-strates the complexity referring to the lack in equity both between people and states. But who is responsible for justice these days in our ever changing world? This is one aspect to be considered in the course of this assignment. The purpose of this essay is to critically assess the main drivers of the globalisation process. Therefore, the term globalisation will be defined briefly and the main drivers will be stated. The author will then focus on one main driver and will explain shortly his choice. Within the main part the major governance institutions will be introduced shortly before the chosen driver will be evalu-ated critically. Finally the essay will end with a concise conclusion.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The term 'Globalisation'
- 3. Main drivers of the globalisation process
- 3.1 The Changing Economic Paradigm – from Demand Management to Neoliberalism
- 3.2 The Spread of International Governance and Regulation
- 3.3 Finance and Capital Spread
- 3.4 The Diffusion of Information and Communications Technology
- 3.5 Social and Cultural Convergence
- 4. International governance and its institutions
- 5. Critically assessment of international governance
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay critically assesses the main drivers of the globalization process. It begins by defining globalization and outlining its main drivers, focusing specifically on the role of international governance and regulation. The essay then examines major governance institutions and critically evaluates their effectiveness in managing the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization.
- Definition and scope of globalization
- Identification of key drivers of globalization
- Analysis of international governance institutions
- Critical assessment of the effectiveness of international governance
- The relationship between globalization and democratic principles
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the inherent complexities and inequities associated with globalization. It emphasizes the need to ensure that globalization benefits all people and introduces the essay's central objective: a critical assessment of globalization's main drivers, focusing on the role of international governance.
2. The term 'Globalisation': This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of globalization, acknowledging the lack of a single, universally accepted definition. It highlights the contrasting perspectives on globalization, emphasizing its capacity to simultaneously expand opportunities and deepen insecurities, while ultimately defining globalization as a complex process driven by the flow of goods, services, capital, labor, and technology across borders.
3. Main drivers of the globalisation process: This chapter examines the key drivers of globalization, referencing various research perspectives that identify differing numbers of drivers. It focuses on five main drivers identified by Johnson and Turner (2010): the changing economic paradigm, the spread of international governance and regulation, the spread of finance and capital, the diffusion of information and communications technology, and social and cultural convergence. While acknowledging the importance of each driver, the chapter lays the groundwork for a deeper examination of international governance and regulation as a central driver in subsequent sections.
4. International governance and its institutions: This chapter defines international governance and introduces its major institutions. It defines governance according to the OECD, outlining its three main goals. The chapter then provides a visual representation of key governance institutions, emphasizing the roles of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as key players in global economic governance. It highlights the diverse functions and geographical scope of these institutions, setting the stage for a critical evaluation in the following chapter.
5. Critically assessment of international governance: This chapter critically evaluates international governance, addressing concerns about democratic deficits and the legitimacy of international institutions. It discusses critiques of institutions like the WTO, emphasizing concerns about inadequate representation of poorer nations. The chapter also explores the roles of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their relationships with international institutions, considering both positive and negative aspects of their influence. Finally, the chapter considers the impact of globalization on environmental issues and the role of international governance in addressing these challenges.
Keywords
Globalization, international governance, international institutions (WTO, IMF, World Bank), economic development, democratic principles, legitimacy, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Critical Assessment of Globalization's Main Drivers
What is the overall topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview and critical assessment of the main drivers of globalization, focusing particularly on the role of international governance and its institutions. It examines definitions of globalization, identifies key drivers, analyzes major international governance institutions (like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank), and critically evaluates their effectiveness in managing globalization's challenges and opportunities.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the definition and scope of globalization, the identification of its key drivers (including changing economic paradigms, the spread of international governance and regulation, finance and capital spread, technological diffusion, and social/cultural convergence), an analysis of international governance institutions, a critical assessment of their effectiveness, and the relationship between globalization and democratic principles. The text also touches upon environmental sustainability and the roles of NGOs.
What are the main drivers of globalization discussed?
The text identifies five main drivers: 1) The changing economic paradigm (shift from demand management to neoliberalism); 2) The spread of international governance and regulation; 3) The spread of finance and capital; 4) The diffusion of information and communications technology; and 5) Social and cultural convergence.
Which international institutions are examined in detail?
The text focuses on the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, highlighting their roles in global economic governance and their diverse functions and geographical scope.
What is the text's critical assessment of international governance?
The text critically evaluates international governance, addressing concerns about democratic deficits and the legitimacy of international institutions. It discusses critiques of institutions like the WTO, highlighting inadequate representation of poorer nations. It also considers the roles and influence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
What is the text's approach to defining globalization?
The text acknowledges the lack of a single, universally accepted definition of globalization. It highlights contrasting perspectives, emphasizing its capacity to both expand opportunities and deepen insecurities, ultimately defining it as a complex process driven by the flow of goods, services, capital, labor, and technology across borders.
How is the text structured?
The text is structured with an introduction, a chapter defining globalization, a chapter detailing its main drivers, a chapter on international governance institutions, and a concluding chapter offering a critical assessment of international governance. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key takeaways from the text?
Globalization is a complex and multifaceted process with both benefits and drawbacks. International governance institutions play a crucial role in shaping globalization, but their effectiveness is subject to ongoing debate and criticism, particularly concerning democratic deficits and the representation of less powerful nations. The role of NGOs and the impact on environmental sustainability are also important considerations.
- Quote paper
- Christian Bernhardt (Author), 2012, Critically assess the main drivers of the globalization process, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/205251
