GEVAN DATOLAYTA
CONTEMPORARY WORLD
LESSON 1 – What is Globalization?
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. agree on a working definition of globalization
for the course;
2. differentiate the competing conception of
globalization; and
3. narrate a personal experience of globalization
All this talk of large, intersecting processes
may be confusing. Indeed, it may be hard to assess
globalization or comment on it because it is so
diffuse and almost fleeting. Some scholars have,
therefore, found it simpler to avoid talking about
globalization as a whole. Instead, they want to
discuss “multiple globalizations,” instead of just
one process.
For anthropologist Arjun Appadurai,
different kinds of globalization occur on multiple
and intersecting dimension of integration that he
calls “scapes”. An “ethnoscape,” is about the flow
of culture. A “technoscape” refers to the
circulation of mechanical goods and software; and
an “ideoscape” is the realm where political ideas
move around. Although they intersect, these
various scapes have differing logics. They are thus
distinct windows into the broader phenomenon of
globalization.
Appadurai’s argument is simple: there are
multiple globalizations. Hence, even if one does
not agree that globalization can be divided into
five “scapes,” it is hard to deny Appadurai’s
central thrust of viewing globalization through
lenses.
Depending on what being globalized, a
different dynamic (or dynamics)?” Depending on
what is being globalized, the vista and conclusions
change.
The structure of the lessons that follow
will reflect his multidimensional understanding of
globalization. Each of the lessons will focus on a
particular kind of globalization. Every one of them
will be about different networks and connections
that are expanding and intensifying in the
contemporary world.
Treat each lesson not as an end in itself but
as window to the broader phenomenon
globalization.
LESSON 2 – The Globalization of World
Economics
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. define economic globalization;
2. identify the actors that facilitate economic
globalization;
3. narrate a short history of global market
integration in the twentieth century; and
4. articulate your instance on global economic
integration.
International economic integration is a
central tenet of globalization. In fact, it is crucial
to the process that many writers and
commentators confuse this integration for the
entirely of globalization. As a reminder,
economics is just one window into the
phenomenon of globalization; it is not the entire
thing.
Nevertheless, much globalization is
anchored on changes in the economy. Global
culture, for example, is facilitated by trade.
Filipinos would not be as aware American culture
if not for the trade that allows locals to watch
American culture if not for trade that allows locals
to watch American movies, listen to American
music, and consume American products.
The globalization of politics is likewise
largely contingent on trade relations. These days,
many events of foreign affairs are conducted to
cement trading relations between and among
states. Given the stakes involved in economic
globalization, it is perennially important to ask
how this system can be made more just. Although
some elements of global free trade can be scaled
back, policies cannot do away with it as a whole.
International policymakers, therefore, should
strive to think of ways to make trading ideals
fairer. Governments must also continue to devise
ways of cushioning the most damaging effects of
economic globalization, while ensuring that its
benefits for everyone.
LESSON 3 – A History of Global Politics: sovereign states. On the other, they are
Creating an International Oder organization with their own rationalities and
agendas. It is this tension that will continue to
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: inform the evolution of these organization.
identify key events in the development of
international relations; However, note that there are many
differentiate internationalization from institutions, groups, and ideas that hold
globalization; international global politics together. In your own
define the state and the nation; time, you may want to explore these topics on
distinguish between the competing conceptions of your own.
internationalism; and
discuss the historical evolution of international
politics.

` This lesson examined the roots of the

international system. In tracing these roots, a short
history of internationalism was provided.
Moreover, internationalism is but one window
into the broader phenomenon of globalization.
Nevertheless, it is the very crucial aspect of
globalization. Nevertheless, it is are heightened by
the increased interdependence of states. This
increased interdependence manifests itself not just
through state-to-state relations. Increasingly,
international relations are also facilitated by
international organizations that promote global
norms and policies. The most prominent example
of this organization, of course, is the United
Nations.

Lesson 4. The United Nations and

Contemporary Global Governance

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Define global governance;
2. Identify the roles and functions of United
Nations; and
3. Determine the challenges of global governance
in the twenty-first century.

Global governance is such a complex issue that

one can actually teach an entire course in itself.
This lesson has focused on the IOs and the United
Nations in particular. International organizations
are highlighted because they are the most visible
symbols of global governance. The UN, in
particular, is the closest to the world government.
What is important to remember is the international
institutions like the UN are always in a precarious
position. On the one hand they are groups of