Technology, Globalization, and Culture

Table of Contents

Critique 1: Dani Rodrik: The Globalization Paradox3

A. Key Argument3

B. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument3

Strengths3

Weaknesses3

C. Second Argument4

D. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument4

Strengths4

Weaknesses5

Critique 2: Richard Longworth: Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism5

A. Key Argument5

B. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument6

Strengths6

Weaknesses6

C. Second Argument7

D. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument7

Strengths7

Weaknesses7

References9

Critique 1: Dani Rodrik: The Globalization Paradox

A. Key Argument

The main argument found in the book is that there is the presence of 'trilemma' that has been discovered in the global economy. The author has argued that it is difficult to practice national autonomy, democracy and hyper-globalization at the same time. If nations go for hyper-globalization, then they have to compromise on their democracy or sovereignty (Rodrik, 2012).

B. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument

Strengths

A deep economic and trade integration in an economy would require zero transaction cost in order to help the merchants in doing cross border trade. The elimination of such costs will affect the sovereignty of a nation. It leads to mismanagement of the policies and regulations set up by a nation on its borders and create several difficulties for the financial agents of the country. This is the reason that certain economies restrict international trade and globalization at their borders. Some countries have their own culture and demographics, and they do not want to modify or transform them according to the values and styles of some other nation.

Weaknesses

This argument denies the efficiency of the combination of three factors in an economy if they go simultaneously in a certain economy. The argument is justified by discussing the present scenario of the global economy but it does not provide solutions to the problem of trilemma that has occurred due to globalization. The author must have identified the actual problems and issues that exist due to the integration of hyperglobalization, national sovereignty and democracy. There is a lack of justifiable arguments in terms of the relationship among these three variables. Every nation has to confront with this trilemma to some extent. Countries must know that how this trilemma works in global economy so that they can modify their strategies according to the scenario. Several countries have devised strategies in order to promote free trade without compromising on their national autonomy and modification of cultural and traditional values (Aseem, 2000).

C. Second Argument

Rodrik also argued that the succession of open market depends upon the integration of juridical, social and governmental institution in it. It must ensure the equal sharing of the advantages of capitalism among the countries (Rodrik, 2012).

D. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Argument

Strengths

The author gave reasons that the integration of environmental factors is helpful for globalization and free trade among the nations of the world. There are several examples that show the benefits obtained by several countries due to free trade. The prevalence of free trade among the countries does not affect the national sovereignty and autonomy of the countries. This argument draws attention towards the relaxation of rules ...