1. What definitions of globalization does Steger give? Which one do you prefer? Why?
2. International Studies is an interdisciplinary subject. What does this term “interdisciplinary” mean? Why does Steger use the parable of the blind scholars and the elephant to illustrate the value of interdisciplinary methodology to study complex phenomena such as globalization?
3. What are the debates about the historical origins of globalization? In your opinion, when did globalization begin?
Steger’s definitions
“A matrix of social processes that is transforming our present social condition and conventional nationality into one of globality.” (p. 2)
“the multidimensional and uneven intensification of social [i.e. economic, political and cultural] relations and consciousness across world-time [i.e. history] and world-space [i.e. geography]” (p. 17)
“intensifying planetary interconnectivity”(p. 17)
*Globality in future (p. 2)
No borders?
European Union as global model?
International citizenship?
Equality of all human beings?
Equality of the world’s peoples and ecosystems?
4 forms of “intensifying planetary interconnectivity” (pp. 10-13)
*Embodied globalization
Tourists, migrants, etc.
*Disembodied globalization
Communication systems
*Object-extended globalization
International trade
*Organization-extended globalization (Parts 3, 4 & 5 of syllabus)
Political, business & social organizations
“Creation and multiplication” of connections
“Expansion and stretching” of connections
“Intensification and acceleration” of exchanges
“Human consciousness” of "Global imaginary"
1) Economic
The intensified integration of the world’s national and regional economies.
2) Political
Intensified relations between the world’s nations, political groups, and intergovernmental & nongovernmental organizations resulting in mutual cooperation and conflicts.
3) Social-Cultural
Intensified social contacts and mutual exchanges of culture between the world’s peoples.
Anthropology, Earth Science, Economics, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Political Science, Sustainability Studies, etc.
Ancient times to 1500
*Modern Revolution, since 1800
Rapid acceleration
*“The Great Convergence” (Steger, p. 36)
More rapid acceleration since 1950 or 1980
Globality in future
Natural power sources, pre-1800
Wind, water, and muscular energy of animals and humans
Modern Revolution Waves of innovation
Transportation, Phase 1, 1800s
Steam engine (coal)
Steamboat, locomotive
Electronic, Phase 1
Telegraph, 1850s
Transportation, Phase 2, 1900s
Internal combustion engine (petroleum)
Automobile, airplane
Electronic Phase 2, 1920-
Radio/Phone/TV
Modern Revolution/Great Convergence, since 1980s
Transportation, Phase 3
Commercial jet travel
Massive cargo ships with containers
Electronic Phase 3
Personal Computer/Internet/Smartphone
In the World Industrial Potential chart, what trend can you see in world total industrial potential from 1750 to 1980?
In the Relative Population and Economic Growth chart, what trend can you see in the relationship between economic growth (in GDP) and population growth from 1500 to 1990?
Sustained economic growth
Definition: Economic growth outpaces population growth
Effects:
“Mass society”
Accelerated globalization
Social changes
Sustained population growth
Improved diet & medicine
Urbanization
Historical uneven acceleration of globalization in 4 social forms
Example of COVID-19 pandemic
Embodied (-)
Disembodied (+)
Object-extended (-) then (+)
Organization-extended (-)
1) Further acceleration of economic growth and cultural innovations
2) Disruption to existing economies, governments, cultures and the natural environment, leading to intensified national and international conflicts.
Winner vs. Losers