GLOBALIZATION AND TRANSNATIONALISM:

Culture, Economic and Ecological issues

GLOBALIZATION
INTRODUCTION: Globalization can be described as the widening, deepening and
speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of contemporary social and
political life.
 Theodore Levitt, a former professor at the Harvard Business School widely credited
with coining the term ‘Globalization” in first time.
 Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of countries and societies in terms of
economic, cultural, political, and technological exchange.
 A globalized world is one in which political, economic, cultural and social events
become more and more interconnected and also one in which they have more impact.
 In other term, Globalization is the process by which PEOPLE, THEIR IDEAS and THEIR
ACTIVITIES in DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD become INTERCONNECTED or
INTEGRATED.
 It shows how the world has “shrunk” and how people, goods and information can be
moved easily around the world.
 The process of globalization had begun in 1970’s, itself but it gained maximum
momentum in the 1990s.
GLOBALIZATION

 Now, globalization is a ‘buzzword’ which is being discussed everywhere; by

businessmen, politicians, economists, academics, even common man on the
street.
 It affects all aspects of our modern lives, from what we eat, to what we watch on
television, to the type and amount of crime we experience and to how much
money we have in the bank, etc.
 Globalisation is a phenomenon which had resulted due to various developments
in the fields of science & technology and their use in industry and commerce.
 Through technological, cultural, economic and political processes globalization
marks a variety of changes and transformation in world politics.
 In terms of technology, the World Wide Web (especially social networks) and
satellite systems pave the way for the world to become a single place (Global
Village) wherein each single person is aware of what is going on around.
 THREE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT/APPROACH ON GLOBALISATION

The Hyper Globalist School of Thought, The Sceptical School of Thought & The
Transformationalist School of Thought
The Hyper Globalist School of Thought
 In this view, international markets and MNCs, have becomes strong driving
forces in the world and power of states is correspondingly declining.
 It simply means that states will be reduced in their authority and will
become institutions that do little more than facilitate these ‘borderless’
exchanges of the economy and also of culture, society and politics.
 Older welfare state policies and social democratic models of governance are
now of no use.
 The Sceptical School of Thought
 It argues that far from making nation states redundant,
globalization is dependent on the nation state as well as the
regulatory powers of governments.
 The forces of globalization are themselves dependent upon the
regulatory power of national governments to make states globalize,
liberalize and privatize.
 States are playing a more central role in the regulation and active
promotion of cross-border economic activity; they are shaping the
global system instead of being passive recipients of a seemingly
invincible force.
 The Transformationalist School of Thought
 This school views globalization is ‘transforming’ the world and see it as a
driving force behind the rapid social, political and economic changes that
are reshaping modern societies and a world order irrespective of
differences between international and national affairs.
 As per this school, globalization is conceived as a powerful transformative
force, which is responsible for a ‘massive shake-out’ of societies,
economies, institutions of governance and world order.
 They believe that contemporary patterns of global economic, political,
military, technological and cultural flows are historically unprecedented.
All these schools views a useful, multidisciplinary framework that assists
us in thinking further about globalization.
CAUSES OF GLOBALISATION OR DRIVING FORCES BEHIND GLOBALIZATION

IMPROVEMENT IN TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES: Developments of the

global transportation systems, particularly air transport, have brought
global travels to an ease. Improvements in transportation infrastructure,
including containerization, air travel, and efficient shipping, have made it
more cost-effective and efficient to move goods and people across the
globe that may not have been previously reachable as now.
DRIVING FORCES BEHIND GLOBALIZATION

IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES: Technological

advancement drives cost down, diminishes the barriers of distance of
international borders, and allows global companies to earn more profit.
Technological advancement made it possible for people, businesses, and
governments to connect and exchange information instantaneously
across borders, fostering global networks and interactions.
DRIVING FORCES BEHIND GLOBALIZATION

RISE OF TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS OR MNCs: Large corporations

with a global presence have played a pivotal role in driving globalization.
MNCs have the resources and capabilities to operate in multiple countries
and engage in international trade and investment.
CAUSES OF GLOBALISATION OR DRIVING FORCES BEHIND GLOBALIZATION

REMOVAL OF GOVERNMENT RULES AND CONTROLS; RELAXATION OF TRADE

BARRIERS: Both economic theory and empirical evidence have shown that more
open economies perform better than those that are more closed. This
encourages countries to remove barriers to trade, capital and even labour. With
the abolition of entry barriers and trade restrictions, such as tariff and quota,
the process globalization accelerates dramatically.
IMPROVED POLITICAL RELATIONSHIPS & INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: Stable
global political environment facilitated international cooperation. Agreements
and organisations were introduced to promote international trades and
investments. Regional and international organizations, such as the European
Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), have promoted economic
and political integration among member states.
GLOBAL COMPETITION: Companies expand their business overseas for new
customers and markets. Manufacturers around the world put production in the
most economical locations/countries. Competitors do the same and try better
position themselves.
FEATURES OF GLOBALIZATION
Liberalization: The freedom of the industrialist/businessman to establish
industry, trade or commerce either in his country or abroad.
Privatization: The policy of transferring govt ownership and control of any
sector of economy to private ownership and control in order to improve the
standard of its management and to prevent loss to the public exchequer.
Free Trade: It means free flow of trade relations among all states. Each state
grants MFN to others and keeps away from regulatory and protective regimes.
Increased Interconnectedness: Globalization has led to greater
interconnectedness among countries, as people, goods, services, information,
and capital flow more easily across borders.
Increased International Cooperation & collaboration or Emergence of MNCs,
TNCs: Encouraging the process of collaboration among the entrepreneurs with
a view to secure rapid modernization, development and technological
advancement. (Microsoft Corporation, Nokia Cop, Nestle, Coca Cola, IBM, Pepsi,
Nike, Mach Donald, Sony Corp, etc).
FEATURES OF GLOBALIZATION

Borderless Globe and Connectivity: Breaking of national barriers and

creation of inter- connectedness; the ideal of 'borderless globe'
articulated by Kenichi Ohmae. Localities being connected with the world
by breaking national boundaries; forging of links between one society
and another, and between one country and another through
international transmission of knowledge, literature, technology, culture
and information.
Economic Reforms: Encouraging fiscal and financial reforms with a view
to give strength to free world trade, free enterprise and market forces.
The increasing human migration:
Wide diffusion of technology:
Greater international cultural exchange i.e., Spread of multiculturalism:
TRANSNATIONALISM
 The term transnationalism became popular during the 1990s as a way to
explain the migrant diaspora, complicated economic relations, and culturally
mixed communities that increasingly characterize the modern world.
 Transnationalism embodies the dynamic processes through which individuals,
groups, and institutions transcend the confines of national borders, forging
connections, identities, and networks that extend across multiple territories.
 In the contemporary globalized world, transnationalism has emerged as a
fundamental aspect of social, cultural, economic, and political life, reshaping
notions of belonging, citizenship, and identity.
 Transnationalism encompasses a diverse array of phenomena, including
transnational migration, diaspora communities, global activism, multinational
corporations, and international organizations.
 At its core, transnationalism challenges the traditional understanding of nation-
states as bounded entities, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of
social, cultural, economic, and political landscapes.
 Globalization and Transnationalism are often used interchangeably,
even though there are some differences.
 Globalization refers specially to the removal of barriers to free trade,
thus allowing for closer integration of national economies.
 While globalization primarily focuses on the integration of
economies, cultures, and political systems across borders at a macro
level, transnationalism emphasizes individual and group activities
across borders, such as migration, diaspora communities, and global
activism, highlighting the fluidity of identities and connections in our
interconnected world.“
 Transnationalism refers to the exchange of human beings, along with
their activities, cultures, and social institutions. It is a process by
which immigrants build multiple social, economic and cultural
relations across geographic and or political boundaries.
 Transnational movements have changed the nature of international
relations. For a long time nation-states were the only actors whose
mutual relations constituted the core of international relations.
 Today various transnational agents operating in a boundary-crossing
fashion. The variety of transnational movements include the
interaction between traditional nation-state and many non-state
actors.
 These actors include religious organizations, multinational
corporations, international aid providers, migrants & refugees,
ethnic diasporas, business networks, social movements, criminal
networks & terrorist outfits, etc.
 Today, the forces of globalization allow many immigrants and their
communities to maintain close ties with their homelands.
 New technology connecting long-distance networks with increasing
speed and efficiency, Broadband Internet, Instant Messaging, Email,
Skype, Google-meet, Zoom, Low-cost Air Travel, etc. make it easier to
maintain contact and to visit friends and family “back home.” Money
can be transferred to almost any place in the world easily and quickly.
 Immigrant communities do not de-link themselves from their home
country; instead, they keep and nourish their linkages to their place of
origin.
 According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in 2022 there are
over 13.4 million Non-Resident Indians world wide. (The Hindu, May 10,
2022, p.7).
 FEATURES OF TRANSNATIONALISM

 Cross-Border Connections: Transnationalism involves interactions,

relationships, and connections that transcend national borders. These
connections can be social, cultural, economic, or political in nature.
 Mobility and Migration: One of the key manifestations of
transnationalism is transnational migration and mobility, where
individuals and families move across borders, maintaining ties and
affiliations with both their countries of origin and their host countries.
 Diaspora communities, formed by migrants and their descendants,
often serve as bridges between different cultures and societies,
facilitating the flow of ideas, goods, and resources across national
boundaries.
 Global Networks: Transnationalism involves the formation of global
networks and communities that facilitate communication,
collaboration, and cooperation across borders. These networks can
include diaspora communities, global activist groups, or international
organizations.
 Transnationalism is evident in the rise of global activism and advocacy
networks, where individuals and organizations collaborate across
borders to address pressing global issues such as human rights,
environmental sustainability, and social justice.
 These transnational movements leverage digital technologies and
social media platforms to mobilize supporters and amplify their impact
on a global scale.
 Fluid Identities: Transnationalism challenges fixed notions of
national identity by emphasizing the fluidity and complexity of
identities that emerge from cross-border interactions. In other
terms, transnationalism challenges traditional notions of citizenship
and identity, as individuals and communities navigate multiple
affiliations and allegiances that transcend national boundaries. This
fluidity of identity poses both opportunities and challenges,
fostering multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism while also raising
questions about belonging, integration, and social cohesion.
 Technological Facilitation: Advances in technology, particularly in
communication and transportation, play a significant role in
facilitating transnational interactions. Digital technologies enable
instant communication and information sharing across vast
distances, while improved transportation infrastructure facilitates
travel and migration.
 Global Financial Networks: Transnational financial networks involve
the movement of capital, investments, and financial services across
borders. This includes activities such as international banking,
foreign direct investment (FDI), currency exchange, and the
operation of global stock exchanges.
 Cultural Transnationalism: Cultural transnationalism involves the
flow of ideas, values, symbols, and practices across national
boundaries. This can include the spread of popular culture, such as
music, movies, fashion, and cuisine, as well as the exchange of
artistic expressions, literature, and religious beliefs.
 Transnationalism is linked to Globalization forces, Transnational
connections deepen interdependence, and normally promote peace
because cultural and civilizational people-to-people contacts act as a
brake on political conflict, and accelerator of positive cooperation.
 However, transnationalism, which is frequently used as a vehicle for
globalization, presents a challenge to policy makers in today’s
increasingly global world.
 Today, transnationalism forcing world leaders to look beyond the
interests of their nations when creating policies and procedures.
 The critics of transnationalism arguing that it is increasingly
weakening the host country’s control over its borders and people.
ISSUES/IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION

ECONOMY

ENVIRONMENT/ SOCIETY &

ECOLOGY GLOBALIZATION CULTURE

POLITICS
 ISSUES/IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION
Globalization and transnationalism have brought about significant
changes to economies, cultures, and ecological systems
worldwide. While they have led to opportunities for growth and
development, they have also raised concerns and challenges
across these domains.
ECONOMIC ISSUES/IMPACT:
 Globalization has facilitated the expansion of international trade,
investment, improvement in standard of living and financial flows,
contributing to economic growth and development in many parts
of the world.
 However, it has also led to concerns about inequality, job
displacement, and exploitation. Transnational corporations,
operating across borders, often face criticism for their impact on
local economies, labour practices, and environmental standards.
 Reduced Economic Autonomy: States have seen a decrease in their
ability to independently control their economies. With the
globalization of financial markets, capital flows, and multinational
corporations, states often find it challenging to implement
protectionist measures or control their currency values. This has
limited their economic policy options.
 The unequal price of raw material product and manufacturing
product in the global market results widening income gap
(inequalities) between the rich and poor. Profits usually do not stay
in developing countries – they are returned to developed world.
 Jobs are being outsourced from developing countries to more
developed countries resulting in higher unemployment in
developing countries.
 Local businesses, hand-loom industry, Cottage and small-scale
industry suffered a lot due to globalization. The highly specialized
and efficient multi-national companies take advantages of large-
scale production and put products at throw away prices. The local
industries could not compete with their global counterpart.
 The global economy is now inter-connected. Fluctuations in the
financial market of one nation can affect the value of currency in
another. The economic downfall of one major economic nation
adversely affects the entire global community.
 The more technologically advanced and developed countries are
able to sell their products to less-developed countries easily. Hence,
the rich country became richest and poor country became poorest.
 SOCIAL & CULTURAL ISSUES/MPACT OF GLOBALIZATION
 Cultural Exchange: Globalization facilitates the exchange of ideas, values,
and cultures across borders. It increased the awareness of foreign cultures
and thus different cultures are becoming increasingly accessible and
interconnected.
 Migration and Diversity: Increased global mobility results in more culturally
diverse societies. The presence of diverse cultural groups can pose
challenges and opportunities for social integration and cohesion.
 Challenges to Traditional/local Cultural Identity: The influence of global
media, entertainment, and consumer culture can challenge traditional
cultural values, sometimes leading to resistance and backlash.
 Many communities failed to preserve their old tradition, custom, and
culture. Being attracted by the culture of developed nations, many people in
under-developed nations have shed their traditional dress, food, rituals,
etc,. (They misunderstood Modernization culture with Westernization
especially through media).
 The spread of communicable diseases from one country to another
country (SARS, AIDS, Swin-flue, COVID-19, etc). Diseases spread to
local places when a diseased person from a foreign country comes in
contact with local inhabitants.
 Due to Globalization, the values and norms of developed countries
are gradually rooted in developing countries. This leads to the growth
of a hegemonic culture (cultural hegemony) - the culture of the north
(developed countries) being imposed on the South (developing
countries).
 This involves the erosion and loss of the identity and the cultures of
developing countries. Globalization is thus a one-way traffic: it flows
from the North to the South or from Developed countries to
developing countries.
 ECOLOGICAL ISSUES/IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION

 Global Environmental Agreements: Globalization provides a platform

for international cooperation on environmental issues. States can
engage in global environmental agreements and initiatives to address
transboundary environmental challenges, such as climate change and
biodiversity conservation.
 Sustainable Development: On the positive side, globalization can
provide access to technology, expertise, and funding for
environmental projects. States can benefit from international
partnerships and collaborations to promote sustainable development,
renewable energy, and conservation efforts.
 Environmental Degradation: Globalization has led to increased
industrialization, urbanization, and consumption patterns, resulting
in heightened demands for natural resources. This has led to
widespread environmental degradation, including deforestation,
habitat destruction, soil erosion, and pollution. Transnational
corporations, seeking cheap labor and resources, often exploit
ecosystems without regard for sustainability or environmental
regulations.
 Climate Change and Global Warming: The expansion of global trade
and transportation has significantly contributed to greenhouse gas
emissions, exacerbating climate change and global warming.
Increased industrial activity, transportation emissions, and
deforestation linked to globalization have intensified the
greenhouse effect, leading to rising temperatures, melting polar ice
caps, and extreme weather events worldwide.
 Loss of Biodiversity: Globalization has facilitated the spread of
invasive species, habitat destruction, and overexploitation of
natural resources, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Transnational
corporations involved in industries such as agriculture, forestry, and
fishing often disregard conservation measures, resulting in the
decline of species and ecosystems. States may experience the
negative effects of air and water pollution, as well as habitat
destruction from infrastructure development.
 Environmental Injustice: Globalization often exacerbates
environmental injustices, disproportionately affecting marginalized
communities, indigenous peoples, and developing countries.
Transnational corporations often exploit resources and pollute
environments in these regions, leading to health problems,
displacement, and social unrest among affected populations.
 Resource Extraction: The demand for raw materials and resources has
surged with globalization. States with abundant natural resources often
face increased extraction activities, which can lead to deforestation,
habitat loss, water pollution, and soil degradation. These activities can
have severe environmental consequences.
 Thus, globalized business has exploited the natural resources of the earth
beyond the tolerable limit. Some places on earth, which was once rich in
minerals and forests can no longer claim their richness. Pollution in one
country can affect the environment of another.
 Electronic waste/e-waste: One of the significant ecological issues stemming
from globalization and transnationalism is the proliferation of electronic
waste, or e-waste. As the global economy becomes increasingly
interconnected, the production, consumption, and disposal of electronic
devices have surged, leading to environmental and health hazards
associated with e-waste.
 India scored the lowest among 180 countries in the Environment
Performance Index (EPI) 2022, published by researchers from Yale and
Columbia Universities. Denmark ranked first with an overall score of 77.90,
while India scored 18.90. (The Hindu, June13, 2022, P7).
 The government of India Says the Environment Performance Index (EPI)
2022 is based on ‘unscientific methods.’
Mounting e-debris (e-waste)
 About 1000 kilotons of e-waste were produced in 2019-20 across India,
according to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) study, mentioned
in a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
 However, data from the Global E-waste Monitor report by the UN
showed that the e-waste produced by India in 2019 was over three times
the CPCB figure.
 The data from the UN report were estimated based on the
consumption and the lifespan of electronic and electric equipment in
India.
 Worryingly, only 10% of the e-waste generated in 2018-19 was
collected.
 India was the third largest producer of e-waste, behind China and US
in 2019, according to the UN data. (The Hindu, June 8, 2022, p.9).
 The improper handling and disposal of e-waste result in severe
environmental degradation and health impacts.
 Toxic substances released during e-waste recycling and disposal
contaminate ecosystems, harm wildlife, and pose risks to human
health, leading to respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and
reproductive issues among exposed populations.
 CONCLUSION
 While globalization and transnationalism have brought about
economic, cultural, and ecological changes with both positive
and negative implications, addressing the challenges they pose
requires concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels.
 This may involve implementing policies to promote equitable
economic development, fostering cultural diversity and
dialogue, and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate
the environmental impact of globalized economic activities.
 So, the adequate care, caution, and measures should be
taken to mitigate the ill effects of Globalization so that every
nation can take the fullest advantage of Globalization.
The End..