CHAPTER I

STRUCTURES OF GLOBALIZATION

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The structures of globalization form the central focus of this chapter. In this context, these structures refer to the
foundational frameworks and systems that organize and support complex global processes. They represent the organizations,
institutions, and mechanisms that create and intensify network connections, resulting in the highly integrated global
landscape observed today. It encompasses economic, political, and social frameworks that involve both domestic and
international actors. They provide the essential system that enables the flow of goods, information, people, and ideas across
national boundaries.

The chapter’s objectives include analyzing the multifaceted nature of globalization, with particular emphasis on its
economic, political, and governance structures. It also evaluates the roles and interactions of key actors in the global system,
such as international institutions, corporations, and nation-states. Furthermore, students will assess the influence and
challenges of globalization at various levels, ranging from personal experiences to national governance and international
cooperation.

The goal of this chapter is to provide a solid grounding to the students that prepares them to engage critically with
lessons in the subsequent chapters. These future topics will explore the impacts of globalization on human culture,
population dynamics, and environmental issues, building upon the fundamental knowledge established here. In doing so, it
is hoped to provide a foundation for understanding the complex nature of global interconnectedness and its far-reaching
implications across various sectors of society.

LESSON 1: GLOBALIZATION

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The term globalization is not new. As college students, you might have discussed it in high school. News anchors
and analysts often use it to describe activities on a global scale, beyond a country’s borders. Scholars also examine
globalization to analyze significant developments in telecommunications, transportation, and the global economy. However,
one fundamental issue is the lack of a clear, agreed-upon definition.
Despite this issue, globalization remains an important concept, describing developments at individual, local,
national, and international levels. Claudio and Abinales (2022) argue that when discussing globalization, we should
remember two key premises that will recur throughout this course, whether we discuss the economy, global politics, culture,
or the environment.
The first premise is that globalization is a complex phenomenon occurring at multiple levels. This means we cannot
limit it to one aspect, such as international trade. Other activities, like attending international conferences, interacting with
foreign students, or the presence of multinational corporations, are also part of globalization. What activities do you consider
global, and how do they extend beyond your locality, connecting you with the world?
The second premise is that globalization is an uneven process, affecting people differently. Scholars describe it as
a “double-edged sword.” While many countries embrace open borders for free trade and economic opportunities, the benefits
are unequal. Some countries become richer and more advanced, while others remain poor and exploited by first-world
economies. On an individual level, some people prosper, while others struggle to make a living despite working for
multinational companies.
In this course, we will use globalization as a lens to analyze various global activities, including economic aspects,
global politics, international institutions, cultural spread, mobility, and environmental issues. Understanding this contested
term is crucial. Unlike straightforward concepts like biology, which we can define as the study of life, globalization has
multiple interpretations and meanings. The ultimate goal of this lesson is to develop a working definition of globalization
to better understand the contemporary world.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Differentiate the competing conceptions of globalization;
2. Agree on a working definition of globalization for the course; and
3. Narrate a personal experience of globalization.

CONCEPT BANK
➢ Globalism is the belief, commonly held by influential individuals, that integrating economic markets on a
global scale is advantageous for all, as it promotes the spread of freedom and democracy worldwide (Claudio
& Abinales, 2022).
➢ Consciousness refers to the awareness and understanding individuals or societies have about the
interconnected and interdependent nature of the world.

Discussion Notes

Exploring Globalization: Diverse Perspectives

The term “globalization” may already be familiar from senior high school lessons, educational materials, or news
broadcasts. This concept is widely employed in academic discussions, current issues, and the explanations of various
phenomena. According to Claudio and Abinales (2020), disagreements over the definition of globalization arise because
various individuals, including academics, journalists, and political activists, interpret this process through diverse lenses,
considering multiple theories and perspectives.

Table 1.1
Presentation of various scholarly definitions and conceptions of globalization
Scholar/Source Definition/Conception of Globalization Key Emphasis
Anthony Giddens “The intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant Social interconnectedness
localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events
occurring many miles away and vice versa.”

Manfred Steger “A multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, Multidimensionality and
and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges while at awareness
the same time fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening
connections between the local and the distant.”

Joseph Stiglitz “The closer integration of the countries and peoples of the world which Economic integration and
has been brought about by the enormous reduction of costs of reduced barriers
transportation and communication, and the breaking down of artificial
barriers to the flows of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and people
across borders.”

Arjun Appadurai Conceptualizes globalization through five “scape”': ethnoscapes, Cultural flows and
mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes, and ideoscapes. landscapes
 David Held et al. “A process (or set of processes) which embodies a transformation in the Spatial transformation and
spatial organization of social relations and transactions - assessed in power dynamics
terms of their extensity, intensity, velocity and impact - generating
transcontinental or interregional flows and networks of activity,
interaction, and the exercise of power.”

Roland Robertson “The compression of the world and the intensification of consciousness Global consciousness
of the world as a whole.”

Ulrich Beck “Globalization means the perceptible loss of boundaries in daily activities Boundary Dissolution
in the various dimensions of the economy, information, ecology,
technology, transcultural conflicts and civil society.”

Jan Aart Scholte “The spread of transplanetary – and in recent times also more Transplanetary connections
particularly supraterritorial – connections between people.”

Thomas Friedman Describes globalization as the “flattening” of the world, allowing for Global competition and
collaboration and competition on a global scale. collaboration

Reflection Point:
How do different scholarly perspectives on globalization complement or contradict each other?

The Multidimensional Nature of Globalization

Globalization affects many parts of modern life. Economically, it means markets are connecting, companies are
operating in multiple countries, and economies are becoming more dependent on each other through trade and financial
exchanges. Culturally, it allows ideas, beliefs, and practices to be shared across borders, leading to a mix of cultures and
sometimes worries about cultures becoming too similar. Technologically,
Reflection Point: it both drives and is driven by advancements in
communication and transportation, making instant global connections and the fast spread of information and innovations
which
possible. amongglobalization
Politically, the many forms
is seenofinmedia do you influence
the increasing think is most useful to organizations
of international you as a student? Which
and global one
governance.
do you think
Environmentally, greatly
it shows in influenced yourtodaily
collective efforts tacklelife?
global climate change. Socially, it is reflected in the rise of global
civil society movements and communities that span across countries. These different aspects are closely linked, with changes
in one area often affecting others, highlighting the complex and ever-changing nature of globalization.

Reflection Point:
TOWARDS A WORKING DEFINITION: What elements do you think are crucial to include in a
working definition of globalization for this course?

Key Takeaways
• While this lesson focused on the vital concept of globalization, the time available might not be enough to fully
understand how this framework can be applied in future lessons.
Reflection
• However, as we progress through each lesson, Point:
we will gradually realize how instrumental this concept is in
explaining and addressing current global issues. Our individual pace of learning and personal insights will help
which among the many forms of media do you think is most useful to you as a student? Which one do
us seamlessly understand this concept.
you think
• One thing is certain: globalizationlife?
greatly influenced your daily has many dimensions, each with unique or interrelated causes and
consequences. These aspects will be reflected in the upcoming lessons as we closely examine them and
understand how they emerge and shape the world we live in today.