Political Globalization
Understanding the
political aspect of globalization relies on the expertise cultivated by
specialists in international relations. This field is concerned with how
countries interact on a global scale. It encompasses diverse topics, including
the global economy, cultural connections, national identities, the
decision-making process between nations, development, environmental matters,
security, and more. International Relations doesn't limit itself to a single
approach and employs various methods, such as analyzing conversations, using
numerical data, and making comparisons over time.
Within the realm of
international relations, the exploration of interactions between states delves
into the concept of internationalization—a significant component of
globalization. It's crucial to understand that while internationalization is
pivotal, it doesn't cover the entirety of the intricate phenomenon of
globalization.
In the late 20th century, the idea of globalization ignited intense debates. Some anticipated the decline of the nation-state as the core political entity. Cultural anthropologist Arjun Appadurai contended that economic interdependence and global communication made the nation-state a thing of the past. However, contrary views emerged, suggesting that states were gaining fresh power in the era of globalization. Even those foreseeing a new global order highlighted the continued importance of states in shaping global politics. As the early 20th century unfolded, it became evident that, at least for the present, globalization had not replaced the state from its central position.
Features of the
Modern Global System
World politics today
exhibits four key attributes. Firstly, there exist independent states that
self-govern. Secondly, these states engage in diplomatic interactions with one
another. Thirdly, international organizations, such as the UN, play a role in
facilitating these interactions. Fourthly, international organizations extend
beyond mere meeting platforms for states, developing independent
functionalities. For instance, the UN serves not only as a forum for leaders but
also houses task-specific agencies like the World Health Organization and the
International Labor Organization.
Before
we proceed it is important to take note of the following terms to avoid
confusion of discussing the modern global system.
States:
can also sometimes be used to refer to the whole country.
Country:
refers to a large nation with its own government and economy,
Nation:
The nation does not govern a sovereign territory. This applies to ethnic groups
but also religions, multi-ethnic language groups, etc. Examples include Jews
and Armenians. A nation-state is a sovereign state in which the cultural
borders of a nation match the borders of the state.
The formation of
international organizations occurs when states choose to engage in global
initiatives to safeguard their sovereignty. States are essentially countries
and originated from the development of nation-states. In Europe, the concept of
a nation-state began before the 1500s. During that era, rulers had limited
control, with local leaders holding power. Kings relied on followers for
governance, and rules varied across regions. Subsequently, some monarchs aimed
to increase control by weakening powerful local leaders and gaining support
from business-minded individuals. Occasionally, this led to conflicts. The
process of unifying people under one rule took time. This marked the emergence
of nation-states, with people encouraged to pledge loyalty to their new
countries.
A state possesses four attributes. Firstly, it exercises authority over a specific population, referred to as citizens. Secondly, it governs a particular territory. Thirdly, a state employs a system of government that formulates diverse rules to people adhere to. Fourthly, a state holds sovereignty over its territory. Sovereignty entails both internal and external authority. Internally, no individuals or groups can operate within a national territory while disregarding the state's rules. This implies that entities like churches, civil society organizations, corporations, and others must adhere to the state's laws when establishing their presence. Externally, sovereignty signifies that a state's policies and procedures remain unaffected by the interference of other states.
The Interstate System
As nation-states
emerged, the necessity for harmony among neighboring ones led to the need for
cooperation. Historical wars and conflicts between nation-states often arose
due to power imbalances among neighboring countries. To prevent such conflicts,
nation-states adopted an interstate system that encourages interdependence
based on shared interests. In terms of global interdependence, the role of
nation-states involves regulating and coordinating domestic agendas to align
with the broader global economic, social, and political context. However, with
the ongoing trends of globalization, the roles of nation-states are being
overshadowed by the prioritization of globally-oriented activities. This shift
has diminished the visibility and relevance of the interstate system's impact
in the face of globalization.