Role of State in Era of Globalisation - Part I

Summary

This lecture explores the role of the state in the era of globalization, examining how globalization impacts state sovereignty and governance. Drawing on various academic works, reports, and theories, the lecture discusses globalization's multi-faceted dimensions, its key actors, and the rise of non-state actors. It highlights the transformation in the state's role due to factors such as technological advancements, economic interdependence, and international agreements. Despite these challenges, the state remains a critical actor in global governance, and the lecture critically assesses the tension between globalization and the traditional Westphalian system of sovereignty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Globalization is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon, influencing various academic disciplines such as political science, sociology, international relations, and business.
• 😀 The UNDP 1999 Human Development Report defines globalization as the interdependence of people worldwide, integrating not only economies but also culture, technology, and governance.
• 😀 Key drivers of globalization include deregulated financial markets, 24/7 global markets, and advanced tools like the internet, AI, and the Internet of Things.
• 😀 New actors such as multinational corporations, the World Trade Organization, and international NGOs play a significant role in driving globalization, altering global governance structures.
• 😀 Globalization has various characteristics, including increased global integration, rapid flow of goods and services, circulation of ideas, and emergence of new social and political movements.
• 😀 The impact of globalization on the state is contested: while it may reduce the importance of the state in some aspects, states still remain central actors in governance and security.
• 😀 Anthony Giddens and David Held define globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations, shaping local happenings through events far away.
• 😀 Technological advancements, such as the rise of the internet and online banking, have diminished states' control over currency, information, and other key resources.
• 😀 The Peace of Westphalia (1648) laid the foundation for modern state sovereignty, emphasizing the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, which is now being challenged by globalization.
• 😀 Globalization has led to new forms of global governance, where supra-national regulations and international laws sometimes compel states to adjust their policies to global norms, even if they contradict traditional sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lecture?

The lecture focuses on the role of the state in the era of globalization, analyzing its impact on state activities and governance in light of globalization's causes and effects.

How does the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) define globalization?

The UNDP defines globalization as the interdependence of the world’s people, integrating not just the economy but also culture, technology, and governance, with people becoming connected and affected by global events.

What new actors are identified in the UNDP’s 1999 Human Development Report in the context of globalization?

New actors identified include multinational corporations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), international NGOs, regional blocs like the European Union, and policy coordinating groups such as the G77 and OECD.

What tools are driving globalization, according to the UNDP report?

Tools driving globalization include the internet, cellular phones, computer-aided designs, and current technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

What are some characteristics of globalization discussed in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' World Public Sector Report (2001)?

Globalization is characterized by increased global integration and interdependence, rapid flows of goods, services, ideas, and the emergence of new social and political movements. It also has economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions.

What are the key factors influencing the changing role of the state due to globalization, as mentioned by Baylis and Smith?

Factors influencing the role of the state include the rise of interdependence, the emergence of non-state actors, technological advancements, and the increased use of the internet, which limit state control over traditional areas like currency, education, and language.

What does Anthony Giddens' definition of globalization emphasize?

Anthony Giddens defines globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations where local events are shaped by occurrences far away, demonstrating the interconnectedness of global processes.

How does globalization challenge state sovereignty, according to M. Steger?

M. Steger argues that states, traditionally sovereign, often give up their sovereignty in favor of global cooperation, with authority shifting towards economic power rather than political power in the globalized era.

What role does the Peace of Westphalia (1648) play in the context of globalization?

The Peace of Westphalia is significant because it established the modern system of state sovereignty, defining states' rights to govern their own territory and affairs without external interference, a principle that is now being challenged by globalization.

What is Stephen Krasner's view on the violation of the Westphalian model in the era of globalization?

Stephen Krasner discusses how globalization leads to the violation of Westphalian sovereignty through conventions, contracting, coercion, and imposition. While these violations can undermine state sovereignty, they are sometimes beneficial, especially for weaker states in need of international support.