GLOBALIZATION

Globalization

Globalization

Globalization is a historical process of transnationalization, denationalization, and deterritorialization that encompasses different arenas, such as the economy, society, politics, culture, academia, and so on, with varying intensities and geographical differences. Loosely defined, it involves an increase in the scope, volume, and velocity of transactions across national borders, not all of which occur on a worldwide basis. It is misleading to speak of globalization as a linear development, a fixed situation, or an undifferentiated worldwide phenomenon. Certain processes are, depending on world regions, globalized (such as trade, production, and labor and financial markets in the industrialized world), while others are constrained by local, regional, and national identities and policies (such as identity and border politics in sub-Saharan Africa; Central, East, and southeast Asia; and large parts of the greater Middle East).

However, this status changes over time because the process of globalization is historically contingent. To take account of geographical differences, geographers have found the idea of globalizations (in the plural) increasingly relevant in recent years. Therefore, careful observation is necessary both to identify globalized arenas and to recognize the existence and assess the continuing relevance of nationalized politics and reasserting statehood. Thus, the idea of a “borderless world” signifies some of the tendencies of contemporary hyper-globalization; depending on an individual's standpoint, such globalization may be seen as either a positive or a negative development.

Those arenas that can be made out as globalized, however, are characterized by three single, though interconnected, processes: transnationalization and, in its consequences, denationalization and deterritorialization. These processes are not linear but are contested and resisted by governments, regional organizations, and non-state antiglobalization movements. Such resistance is directed at all kinds of globalizations, but it typically emphasizes economic issues such as labor rights, economic injustices, environmental degradation, and human rights violations. This entry examines these processes and their implications for local places.

Is globalization primarily a cultural or an economic phenomenon?

Although globalization is often seen as an economic phenomenon, it represents multiple processes whereby local populations are influenced by events that take place in different regions, different countries, and even different continents. It refers to the economic, political, social, environmental, cultural, discursive, and ideological elements of human existence. Each of these domains of globalization is intimately connected and is emphasized differently, depending on the particular perspective. This article highlights the nature of environmental elements in globalization. Humanity's influences on environmental problems are recognized as being linked to the generation and distribution of wealth, knowledge, and power, and to patterns of energy consumption, industrialization, wealth, and poverty. Initially, a brief history of the processes that have led to the rise of globalization with particular reference to environmental issues is outlined. Following this the nature of current global environmental problems is presented.

What do you understand by the idea that globalization produces a 'shrinking world'?

In a similar vein, Rosecrance claims that a “virtual state” is replacing the real one. Giddens argues that contemporary globalization characterized by the collapse of spatial and temporal distance has irretrievably diminished the power of ...