Globalisation is one of the most debated topics of our times and is said to transform the economic and social spheres around the globe in a drastic manner. However, globalisation is a highly complex concept and not easily graspable. There are two extreme points of view regarding the phenomenon of globalisation. One, termed ‘Hyperglobalist’ claims that the world is becoming inevitably borderless and that truly global companies are the primary actors in this globalised world; states are only required to provide basic infrastructure and public goods needed by the companies (See Ohmae: “The Borderless World”). A second extreme point of view, referred to as ‘Sceptical’, maintains that states are still the main actors in the global political economy and that the worldwide economic integration of today is not unprecedented in history (See Hirst and Thompson: “Globalization in Question”).
It will be the task of this work to thoroughly analyse the phenomenon of globalisation and to uncover its underlying causes and its consequences for states, companies and societies around the world. One of the essential questions to answer will be, whether globalisation is a ‘natural’ phenomenon connected to advancements in technology or a project driven by certain actors, namely the ‘Lockean heartland’ (primarily the United States and Great Britain). The introduction and analysis of the Lockean state/society complex will be vital in this respect.
In the first chapter, earlier forms of globalisation in history will be examined and embryonic forces that enabled future globalisation will be exposed. Following is a chapter about the changes in the global political economy since the end of the Second World War; various decisions and processes will be analysed that shaped the world in which we life today to a large extent.
Subsequently in the third chapter, the process of globalisation itself will be examined on both theoretical and practical levels in order to understand what brought it about and what will be its consequences. This is preceded by the addressing of the ‘agent-structure debate’ and its role in understanding globalisation. Finally the phenomenon of globalisation will be linked with the state/society complex of the ‘Lockean heartland’, which will provide new insights into globalisation, its causes and possibly even some about its future.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Globalisation in history
- II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII
- III. Understanding globalisation:
- 1. The agent-structure debate
- 2. Underlying forces that enabled globalisation
- 3. Effects of globalisation
- 4. Globalisation and the ‘Lockean heartland’
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to analyze the phenomenon of globalization, exploring its underlying causes and consequences for states, companies, and societies worldwide. It seeks to determine whether globalization is a natural phenomenon driven by technological advancements or a project spearheaded by specific actors, particularly the "Lockean heartland." The analysis will include an examination of the state/society complex within this context.
- Historical development of globalization
- Post-WWII changes in the global political economy
- The agent-structure debate in understanding globalization
- The driving forces behind globalization
- Globalization's relationship with the "Lockean heartland"
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Globalisation in history: This chapter examines early forms of globalization, tracing its roots back to the Middle Ages with the emergence of trade flows, primarily in Europe. While initially regional, this internationalization laid the groundwork for future globalization. The chapter highlights the expansion of trade by the late 14th century, the rise of multinational banking corporations, and the emergence of the Dutch and British East India Companies as precursors to modern multinational corporations. Crucially, the chapter underscores the importance of the capitalist agrarian revolution in England, marking the increasing role of markets in economic and social life. The 19th-century industrial revolution further accelerated international trade and migration, facilitated by technological advancements like the railroad, telegraph, telephone, and radio, which enabled global communication. The establishment of global markets like the London Metal Exchange and the emergence of international brands like Coca-Cola are also discussed, though the chapter acknowledges that these early forms of globalization primarily benefitted a small segment of the population in Europe and North America.
II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII: Following World War II, the allied powers, led by the United States and Great Britain, established a framework for a liberal economic order in the Western world. This involved the creation of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The chapter analyzes the role of the Bretton Woods system, particularly the US dollar's role as a gold-backed reserve currency and the fixed exchange rates it facilitated. Capital controls designed to stabilize international finance were implemented, showcasing a clear public role in regulating global finance. This period marked a significant shift in the global political economy and laid the foundation for renewed globalization, although the impact and details of the described institutions are elaborated further in this chapter.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Globalization, global political economy, Lockean heartland, agent-structure debate, historical globalization, post-WWII economic order, Bretton Woods institutions, multinational corporations, international trade, capitalism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
The text focuses on globalization, analyzing its historical development, the key forces driving it, and its consequences for states, companies, and societies. It specifically examines the period since World War II and explores the role of the "Lockean heartland" in shaping globalization.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the historical development of globalization, changes in the global political economy since WWII, the agent-structure debate in understanding globalization, the driving forces behind globalization, and globalization's relationship with the "Lockean heartland". The text also examines the role of institutions like the Bretton Woods system and multinational corporations.
What is the "Lockean heartland," and why is it important in this analysis?
The text uses the term "Lockean heartland" to refer to a powerful group of actors (not explicitly defined but implied to be primarily Western powers) that may have played a significant role in shaping globalization. The analysis investigates whether globalization is a natural outcome of technological progress or a project actively pursued by this group.
What historical periods are covered in this analysis of globalization?
The analysis covers a broad historical scope. It begins by examining early forms of globalization from the Middle Ages onward, highlighting developments such as the rise of trade, multinational corporations, and technological advancements that facilitated global communication. The main focus is on the period since World War II, particularly the establishment of the Bretton Woods system and its influence on the global political economy.
What is the agent-structure debate in the context of globalization?
The agent-structure debate refers to the ongoing discussion about the relative importance of individual actors (agents) versus overarching structures (like global institutions or economic systems) in shaping global events. The text applies this debate to the understanding of globalization, examining whether specific actors actively shaped globalization or if it emerged naturally from existing structures.
What are the key chapters covered in the text?
The text outlines two main chapters: "Globalization in history," which traces the historical development of globalization from its early forms to the 19th century, and "Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII," which analyzes the post-war period and the establishment of the Bretton Woods system.
What role did the Bretton Woods institutions play in shaping globalization?
The Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) played a crucial role in establishing a liberal economic order after WWII. The text explores their impact, particularly the role of the US dollar as a reserve currency and the initial implementation of capital controls. Further details on the influence and mechanics of these institutions are discussed in the text.
What are some examples of multinational corporations mentioned in the text?
The text mentions the Dutch and British East India Companies as early examples of multinational corporations. It also briefly references more modern examples such as Coca-Cola, highlighting their role in the growth of international brands.
What are the main objectives of this text?
The text aims to analyze the phenomenon of globalization, exploring its underlying causes and consequences. It seeks to determine whether globalization is a natural process or a project shaped by specific actors and analyze the state/society complex within this context.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Globalization, global political economy, Lockean heartland, agent-structure debate, historical globalization, post-WWII economic order, Bretton Woods institutions, multinational corporations, international trade, capitalism.
- Quote paper
- MA Internationale Beziehungen Jan Fichtner (Author), 2004, Does globalisation represent a triumph of the 'Lockean Heartland'?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33969
