How has globalization changed the ability of the state to control its borders?

Summary

The transcript discusses the impact of globalization on the state, debunking the early belief that globalization would render states obsolete. Instead, globalization has paradoxically both weakened and strengthened states. While it has reduced state control over borders and internal affairs, it has also heightened public demand for state intervention and protection against global threats like cheap imports and terrorism. Consequently, the state's role has transformed, becoming more crucial yet less autonomous in the face of transnational forces.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Globalization was initially thought to diminish the role of the state, but it has paradoxically strengthened it in some ways.
• 📚 The speaker taught international relations 30 years ago when the idea of the state's decline was prevalent.
• 🔮 Early globalization literature predicted the end of the state as the main actor in international affairs.
• 🏛 The state was considered a temporary phase in history, set to be replaced by multinational corporations, terrorist organizations, and international bodies.
• 🔄 However, globalization has both strengthened and weakened societal forces, affecting the state's ability to control its borders and internal affairs.
• 📉 The state's control over its borders has weakened, but its population's awareness has increased, leading to demands for more state intervention.
• 🛂 People are asking the state to control borders, regulate the influx of goods and people, and prevent terrorism, thus increasing the state's perceived necessity.
• 🔒 Despite the call for protection, globalization makes it more challenging for the state to provide such security due to the ease with which transnational forces operate.
• 🔄 The state is both more needed and less autonomous, reflecting a complex relationship with globalization.
• 🌍 Globalization has transformed the nature of the state rather than simply sweeping it away, as was once predicted.
• 📉 The paradox of globalization is that while it demands more state action, it simultaneously reduces the state's autonomy in fulfilling those demands.

Q & A

What was the initial view of globalization according to the speaker?

The initial view of globalization was that it would change everything and sweep the state away, making it no longer the main actor in international relations.

How did people perceive the state in the context of globalization 30 years ago?

People perceived the state as a temporary phase that would be replaced by multinational companies, terrorist organizations, and international organizations.

What has actually happened to the state with the advent of globalization?

Globalization has both weakened and strengthened the state. While it is less able to control its borders and its population's demands, it is also being called upon more to address these issues.

What paradox does the speaker mention regarding the state and globalization?

The paradox is that globalization, which was seen as diminishing the state's role, has actually made the state more needed while also making it less autonomous.

Why is it more difficult for the state to protect against terrorism in the age of globalization?

Globalization makes it easier for international and transnational forces to operate, making it harder for the state to protect against terrorism.

What are some of the demands people make to the state in response to globalization?

People demand the state to control borders, stop cheap goods from coming in, regulate immigration with proper visas, and prevent terrorism.

How has globalization affected the ability of the state to control its borders?

Globalization has made it more difficult for the state to control its borders due to the increased movement of people and goods.

In what ways has globalization strengthened certain forces in society?

Globalization has strengthened certain societal forces by making populations more aware of global events and more demanding of state intervention.

How does the speaker describe the transformation of the state due to globalization?

The state has been transformed by globalization in that it is more needed by its population but less capable of acting independently due to global influences.

What is the overall message the speaker conveys about the relationship between globalization and the state?

The overall message is that globalization has a complex impact on the state, simultaneously making it more necessary and more constrained, thereby transforming its nature.