GE7-LearningPacket2
GE7-LearningPacket2
Chapter 2:
Globalization is one of the most defining phenomena of the 21st century, reshaping
economies, political systems, and social structures worldwide. It is a complex and
multifaceted process that integrates markets, industries, and governance across nations. At
the heart of globalization lies the expansion of economic activities beyond national borders,
leading to greater interconnectedness and interdependence among countries (Steger, 2023).
This chapter explores the fundamental structures of globalization, particularly in the
context of economic, political, and institutional dynamics that shape the modern world.
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This chapter will examine these structures in detail, providing insights into how
globalization is organized and maintained at different levels. By analyzing economic
interdependence, market integration, international power structures, and global
governance institutions, students will develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms
driving globalization and its implications for contemporary society.
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Specific Objectives
Lesson Proper
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innovation, and enhances market accessibility for businesses and consumers. On the other
hand, it exacerbates income inequality, promotes labor exploitation, and poses
environmental risks (Rodrik, 2018). Countries must therefore implement balanced policies
that maximize the benefits of globalization while mitigating its adverse effects.
The expansion of trade and investment across national borders is facilitated by trade
agreements such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and financial
institutions like the World Bank. Countries benefit from increased market access, but trade
liberalization can also create economic dependencies and erode domestic industries. For
instance, developing nations often rely on foreign capital and exports, making them
vulnerable to global economic fluctuations (Krugman et al., 2018).
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stock markets, central banks, and investment firms play crucial roles in stabilizing
economies. However, excessive financial liberalization increases the risks of financial crises,
as seen in the 2008 global financial meltdown, which originated in the United States but
had widespread repercussions worldwide (Reinhart & Rogoff, 2009).
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benefit from tax incentives, trade agreements, and technological advancements, but their
dominance can also lead to monopolistic practices, exploitation of labor, and environmental
degradation (Dicken, 2015).
Organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and
World Trade Organization (WTO) play crucial roles in regulating and facilitating global
economic activities. The World Bank provides financial assistance for development projects,
the IMF stabilizes global currencies, and the WTO establishes trade rules. While these
institutions promote economic stability, they have been criticized for imposing stringent
conditions on developing countries, leading to economic dependency and social unrest
(Stiglitz, 2002).
National Governments
Regional economic alliances such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA,
formerly NAFTA) promote economic integration, free trade, and regulatory alignment
among member states. These blocs strengthen regional cooperation but can also lead to
unequal economic benefits and tensions between member countries (Baldwin & Wyplosz,
2021).
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NGOs, such as Fair Trade International and the International Labour Organization
(ILO), advocate for fair trade practices, labor rights, and sustainable economic policies.
These organizations influence government and corporate policies to address concerns
related to economic justice, environmental protection, and workers' rights (Steger, 2020).
The 2008 Global Financial Crisis triggered a global economic meltdown, affecting
financial institutions worldwide. This crisis spread due to the interconnected nature of
global financial markets, demonstrating how economic issues in one country can have
worldwide consequences.
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1. Trade Liberalization
Trade liberalization involves the reduction or elimination of tariffs and trade barriers
to promote free trade among nations. This increases competition, providing consumers
with a wider range of products at lower costs. However, it can pose significant threats to
domestic industries that are unable to compete with multinational corporations. For
example, in developing countries, local farmers and small-scale manufacturers often
struggle to keep up with large foreign competitors, leading to economic displacement.
Additionally, while trade liberalization can attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), it may
also result in an overreliance on imported goods, weakening domestic production sectors
(Steger, 2020).
2. Financial Integration
Labor market integration facilitates the movement of workers across borders in search of
employment opportunities. This promotes knowledge exchange, boosts economic growth,
and helps address labor shortages in host countries. However, it can also lead to labor
exploitation, wage suppression, and job displacement for local workers. For instance, the
influx of migrant workers in European countries has fueled debates on employment
competition, wage stagnation, and social welfare dependency (Claudio & Abinales, 2018).
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In some cases, labor integration has also resulted in the exploitation of workers through
unfair wages and poor working conditions, necessitating stronger labor rights protections.
4. Technological Integration
The European Union (EU) serves as a model of deep market integration. EU member
states have eliminated trade barriers, established a common currency (Euro), and created
policies that facilitate seamless economic transactions. These measures have strengthened
intra-European trade, encouraged economic cooperation, and enhanced market efficiency.
However, the EU has also faced challenges, particularly in economic disparities among
member states. For instance, Greece, with a weaker economy, struggled to compete with
stronger economies like Germany, leading to financial crises that required EU bailouts and
austerity measures (Aldama, 2018).
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The modern world system is a global economic and political framework that
organizes nations into hierarchical categories based on economic development and global
influence. Immanuel Wallerstein (2004) introduced the world-systems theory, classifying
nations into three categories: core, semi-periphery, and periphery. This system influences
international relations by shaping the distribution of resources, trade dominance, and
political power among nations (Chase-Dunn & Hall, 2019).
Core Countries: These are highly industrialized, wealthy nations that dominate
global trade, finance, and technological innovation. Countries like the United States,
Germany, and Japan set international economic policies and control global markets
(Wallerstein, 2004).
Peripheral Countries: These are less developed nations that primarily supply raw
materials and cheap labor to core nations. They often struggle with economic
dependency, political instability, and limited industrialization (Chase-Dunn & Hall,
2019).
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exemplifies the interaction between core,
semi-peripheral, and peripheral nations. Launched in 2013, the BRI is a global
infrastructure development strategy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity through
massive investments in roads, railways, and ports across Asia, Africa, and Europe (Dollar,
2019).
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The UN, established in 1945, is the primary international body for peace, security, and
development (United Nations, 2023). Its key agencies include the UN Security Council
(UNSC) for conflict resolution, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for international
discourse, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for development issues (Baylis,
Smith, & Owens, 2020).
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(UNMISS), for instance, was established in 2011 to support peace efforts, though ethnic
tensions and governance challenges persist.
Development and Humanitarian Aid: Programs like the World Food Programme (WFP)
and UNICEF provide essential support to vulnerable populations (United Nations,
2023).
The WHO, founded in 1948, leads international efforts in public health (Gostin, 2014).
Pandemic and Disease Control: The WHO plays a key role in responding to global
health emergencies, including distributing vaccines and medical supplies (Heymann,
2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO launched the COVAX initiative to
ensure equitable vaccine access, though it faced criticism for delays and reliance on
initial data from China.
Health Research and Policy: The WHO sets health standards and promotes universal
healthcare (World Health Organization, 2023).
The ICC was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals for
genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity (Schabas, 2017).
Justice for Atrocities: The ICC ensures accountability for mass crimes, such as the 2009
arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for genocide in Darfur
(Clarke, 2021). However, critics argue that the ICC disproportionately targets African
leaders, raising concerns about bias.
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The G7 consists of the world’s most industrialized nations, while the G20 includes
emerging markets like China and India, playing a critical role in global financial stability
(Kirton, 2013).
Crisis Management: The G20 responds to financial crises, such as the 2020 Debt Service
Suspension Initiative (DSSI) to aid low-income countries during COVID-19. However,
critics argue that it provided only temporary relief (Drezner, 2014).
Climate and Energy Policies: Both groups influence environmental policies, with
commitments to reduce carbon emissions (Kirton, 2013).
NGOs play an essential role in global governance by advocating for human rights,
providing humanitarian aid, and addressing environmental challenges (Keck & Sikkink,
1998).
Humanitarian Assistance: Groups like Doctors Without Borders provide medical aid in
conflict zones like Gaza and Syria (Redfield, 2020).
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Conclusion
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1.3 References
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Polity Press.
Gostin, L. O. (2021). Global health law and policy: Responses to pandemics and health crises.
Harvard University Press.
Heymann, D. L. (2020). Control of communicable diseases: A handbook for public health officials.
American Public Health Association.
Keck, M. E., & Sikkink, K. (2018). Activists beyond borders: Advocacy networks in international
politics (2nd ed.). Cornell University Press.
Kirton, J. J. (2020). G20 and global economic governance: Policy responses in a changing world.
Routledge.
Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M., & Melitz, M. (2018). International Economics: Theory and Policy.
Pearson.
Redfield, P. (2020). Life in crisis: The ethical journey of Doctors Without Borders. University of
California Press.
Reinhart, C., & Rogoff, K. (2009). This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly.
Princeton University Press.
Rodrik, D. (2011). The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy.
W.W. Norton & Company.
Rodrik, D. (2018). Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy. Princeton University
Press.
Schabas, W. A. (2022). An introduction to the International Criminal Court (6th ed.). Cambridge
University Press.
Steger, M. (2020). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Stiglitz, J. (2002). Globalization and Its Discontents. W.W. Norton & Company.
Stiglitz, J. (2017). Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited: Anti-Globalization in the Era of
Trump. W.W. Norton & Company.
United Nations. (2023). Annual report on global affairs and sustainable development. United
Nations Publications.
Wallerstein, I. (2004). World-systems analysis: An introduction. Duke University Press.
Weiss, T. G., & Wilkinson, R. (2018). International organization and global governance (2nd ed.).
Routledge.
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World Health Organization. (2023). World health statistics 2023: Monitoring health for the
SDGs. WHO Publications.
1.4 Acknowledgment
12
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Part I. Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer. Write your answers in
a separate paper.
1. What is a key characteristic of economic globalization?
a. Expansion of local businesses
b. Increased restrictions on foreign trade
c. Growth in domestic industries
d. Rising global economic interdependence
2. Which organization plays a major role in providing financial aid to developing nations?
a. United Nations (UN)
b. World Health Organization (WHO)
c. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
d. Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
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b. Semi-core
c. Periphery
d. Marginalized economies
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12. A nation that relies heavily on exporting raw materials and lacks industrial
diversification is classified as:
a. Core
b. Semi-core
c. Semi-periphery
d. Peripheral
14. What is a major concern when multinational corporations dominate local economies?
a. Increased opportunities for domestic workers
b. Greater market competition for small businesses
c. Strengthening of local industry regulations
d. Declining control over national economic policies
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19. Why do critics argue that global financial institutions favor wealthier nations?
a. They impose strict economic policies on developing countries
b. They reduce foreign investments in low-income regions
c. They provide equal economic opportunities for all nations
d. They support nationalized industries over private corporations
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20. Why do developing nations often rely on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?
a. To maintain trade protectionism
b. To strengthen nationalized industries
c. To limit external financial influences
d. To attract external funding for economic growth
21. What policy would help a country reduce its dependency on globalization?
a. Increasing reliance on international loans
b. Removing all import restrictions
c. Strengthening protectionist economic policies
d. Expanding trade agreements with foreign nations
22. If a financial crisis in one country affects global markets, what does this indicate?
a. Weak local economic policies
b. Increased market independence
c. High levels of global financial interconnection
d. Strengthened national economic protections
24. What approach can a country take to balance economic growth with industry protection?
a. Eliminating all import taxes
b. Reducing domestic market regulations
c. Implementing strategic trade policies
d. Limiting government intervention in private sectors
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25. If a new international economic organization were created, what should be its priority?
a. Expanding trade between wealthy nations
b. Strengthening economic advantages for major economies
c. Promoting balanced economic development for all nations
d. Restricting financial aid to specific regional blocs
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