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Navigating the Global Landscape:
Challenges and Opportunities for
Developing Countries
Introduction to Globalization
The Structures of Globalization
The contemporary world is characterized by the phenomenon of globalization, which encompasses the emergence of economic, political, social, and cultural systems on a global scale. Globalization is a multifaceted process that has transformed the way people, organizations, and nations interact and relate to one another.
The Global Economy
Globalization has had a significant impact on the global economy. The global economy refers to the interconnected financial activities among different countries, which can have both negative and positive outcomes. The concept of a world economy is linked to the interdependent nature of various nations around the world. Trade relationships are crucial indicators of the global economy. The growth of globalization of the world's economies is largely dependent on the advancement of science and technology.
Despite the drawbacks, globalization is still transforming the world. Socially, it has facilitated the exchange of ideas and cultures, contributing to a worldview where people are increasingly open and tolerant of one another.
Market Integration
The global economy is characterized by the integration of national markets, leading to the emergence of a single, interconnected market. This process has been facilitated by advancements in transportation, communication, and information technologies, as well as the liberalization of trade policies and the reduction of barriers to international trade and investment.
The Global Interstate System
Globalization has also had a significant impact on the global interstate system. The traditional nation-state model has been challenged by the rise of supra-national institutions, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and various international organizations. These institutions have played a crucial role in shaping global governance and addressing transnational issues.
Contemporary Global Governance
The contemporary global governance landscape is characterized by the involvement of a diverse range of actors, including nation-states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multinational corporations. These actors collaborate and compete in the pursuit of their respective interests, leading to a complex and often contested global governance system.
A World of Regions
Globalization has also led to the emergence of regional blocs and alliances, such as the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the African Union. These regional entities have become important players in the global arena, shaping economic, political, and cultural dynamics.
The Global Divides: The North and the South
Globalization has also contributed to the widening of the gap between the Global North and the Global South, with the former generally enjoying higher levels of economic development, political stability, and social well- being, while the latter often faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
Understanding Global Stratification
The global stratification system is characterized by the unequal distribution of resources, power, and opportunities among different countries and regions. This stratification is influenced by historical, political, and economic factors, as well as the dynamics of globalization.
A World of Ideas
Globalization has also had a significant impact on the realm of ideas, with the intensification of cultural exchanges, the spread of information and knowledge, and the emergence of global media networks. These developments have influenced the way people perceive and engage with the world around them.
Media and Globalization
The global media landscape has been transformed by the rise of transnational media corporations, the proliferation of digital technologies, and the increasing interconnectedness of information flows. These changes have had profound implications for the dissemination of ideas, the shaping of public opinion, and the dynamics of cultural exchange.
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Food Security
Globalization has also had a significant impact on food security, as the global food system has become increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to disruptions. Ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all is a critical challenge in the context of globalization.
Global Citizenship
Globalization has also given rise to the concept of "global citizenship," which emphasizes the idea of individuals having a sense of belonging and responsibility to the global community, beyond their national or local affiliations. This concept has implications for how people engage with and address global issues.
Economic Globalization
Definition and Characteristics
Economic globalization is characterized by the increasing integration of economies around the world through the movement of goods, services, and capital across borders. These changes are the products of people, organizations, institutions, and technologies. According to the United Nations, economic globalization refers to the increasing interdependence of world economies as a result of the growing scale of cross-border trade of commodities and services, flow of international capital, and wide and rapid spread of technologies. It reflects the continuing expansion and mutual integration of market frontiers, and is an irreversible trend for the economic development in the whole world.
International Trade
The conclusion of World War II signaled the beginning of trade facilitation around the globe. Economies set rules and guidelines for international trade which led to the formation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). International trade is the process and system when goods, commodities, and services cross national economies and boundaries in exchange for money or goods of another country. Global trade has grown dramatically since the post-cold war era as a result of increasing demand for goods and services across countries.
Trade Theories
There are two main types of trade theories:
Descriptive Theory
This theory deals with the natural order and movement of trade. It describes the pattern of trade under the idea of laissez-faire, where individuals are seen as the best economic agents to solve problems through the "invisible hand" rather than government policies. Descriptive theory addresses questions of which product to trade, how much to offer and produce, and which country to trade in the absence of government restrictions.
Prescriptive Theory
This theory prescribes whether the government, as an important economic institution, should interfere and restrict the movement of goods and services. This theory views the government as having a role in deciding which countries to alter the amount, composition, and direction of goods.
Three Perspectives on International Trade
Economic Liberals
Economists like David Ricardo and Adam Smith were critics of the abuses of mercantilism in England. Their liberal ideas and contributions, such as Ricardo's Law of Comparative Advantage, are still relevant today. The advantage of this theory is that it derives from the principle of specialization and division of labor, where countries have different resources and talents, and can be more efficient by focusing on what they do best.
Mercantilism
Mercantilism was an economic theory that emerged from around 1500-1800, during the formation of nation-states and more central governments. It was characterized by a focus on maintaining a higher export than import, exporting less high-valued products and importing less high-valued products, and the benefits of colonial powers.
Structuralists
The earliest wave of mercantilism was described as classical imperialism, where European countries explored and colonized underdeveloped countries. This idea was extended to the practice of modern capitalist- imperialist approaches by countries and economies with immense resources, using hard power over developing and less developed countries. The Modern World System (MWS) theory developed by Immanuel Wallerstein explains the contact of economies between core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral countries, where the core states have the absolute advantage over others through unequal exchange and extraction of raw materials.
not intervene in the affairs of that state unless there are extraordinary reasons to do so. Globalization has, in a way reshaped the role and functions of nation-states as governing bodies in their particular territories.
Globalization is seen to impose a forced choice upon nation-states. Either they conform to the neo-liberal ideas and free-market principles of deregulation, privatization, and free trade or run the risk of being left behind in terms of development. Nation-states, in this contemporary age, are forced to submit themselves to the demands of globally accepted free-market principles.
The establishment of economic and political integrations, such as the European Union (EU) and the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). EU has a single currency and monetary system, parliament with legislative powers, with common citizens' rights to live, work, vote and run for office. The statehood of the members is not dissolved, what has changed is only how the nation-states function, in terms of economy and politics, as part of a whole.
The establishment of international laws and principles, such as the United Nations (UN) that operates as a forum for nation-states to air their differences and try to resolve them.
The rise of transnational activism (TNA), where activist groups of nation-states connect with their counterparts in other states to pressure governments to realign their stance and actions.
Institutions that Govern International Relations
There are several international organizations that governments of countries around the world and individuals participate in. In order to facilitate connections among nation-states, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) were established. Their aim is to foster strong economic, political, cultural, educational, and technical intergovernmental relationships. There are also nongovernmental organizations promoting social and economic growth.
Peace Treaties and Military Alliances: The UN and NATO
The United Nations (UN) is one of the leading political organizations in the world where nation-states meet and deliberate. It functions in four areas: military issues, economic issues, environmental issues, and human protection. It is made up of close to 200 countries from around the world, 193 member states to be exact.
Global Economic Associations: The WTO and NAFTA
The World Trade Organization (WTO) was created with the goal of increasing free trade. Countries can buy and sell goods from one another without placing taxes on imports or tariffs. Another famous economic organization is NAFTA, an economic treaty between the United States,
Canada, and Mexico in which the three countries trade freely without taxing each other.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Established in 1967, ASEAN now has 10 member states. Its aims are to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region; promote regional progression; advance peace and sustainability; promote active and beneficial cooperation and mutual assistance on matters of common interest.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are not tied to any country, allowing them to operate freely throughout the world. They provide emergency relief such as food, water, and medical supplies for those whose homes or towns have been destroyed by disaster or war. They also monitor the treatment of prisoner of wars and go to conflicts to make sure that no war crimes are taking place.
ACTIVITY
Write a position paper on the Philippines' territorial and economic relations with China. The position paper should include:
A brief introduction to the country and its history concerning the topic How the topic affects the country The country's policies with respect to the issue and the country's justification for these policies Quotes from the country's leaders about the issue Statistics to back up the country's position on the issue Actions taken by the government with regard to the issue Conventions and resolutions that the country has signed or ratified UN actions that the country supported or opposed What the country believes should be done to address the issue
References
Aldama, P. (2018). The Contemporary World. Rex Book Store, Inc. Claudio, L., Abinales, P. (2018), The Contemporary World. C & E Publishing, Inc. Goldstein, J.L., Rivers, D.& Tomz, M. (2007). Institutions in international relations: Understanding the effects of the GATT and the WTO. International Organization. United Nations. (2011). Basic facts about the United Nations. New York, USA: United Nations Department of Public Information.
Understanding Global Stratification
Overview
The world is hierarchically arranged based on the distribution of resources, status, and power among countries. This global arrangement is known as
According to this theory, the exploitation of peripheral countries by core and semi-peripheral countries has hindered the former from developing on their own.
Global Stratification and Peripheral Nations
Haiti, Cape Verde, and Honduras as Examples of Peripheral
Nations
Haiti, Cape Verde, and Honduras are examples of peripheral nations that are dependent on core countries for capital. These countries have very little industrialization, which is a characteristic of peripheral nations in the global stratification system.
The Case of Haiti
The case of Haiti provides an example of global stratification and global inequality. Readers are encouraged to refer to the provided resource, a Google Drive file titled "Haiti: A Case Study of Global Stratification," for a more detailed discussion of Haiti's situation.
Global Stratification and Poverty
A summary of global stratification and its relationship to poverty is further discussed in the YouTube video "Global Stratification & Poverty."
Post-Assessment
Quiz
A post-assessment quiz is available in the provided Google Drive file.
Feedback
Synchronous Meetings and Chat Rooms
Instructors are encouraged to schedule synchronous meetings to discuss the output of students based on the provided rubrics. Additionally, comments can be discussed through chat rooms.
Homework
Poverty in the Philippines
Students are asked to watch the BBC News video "Would you eat recycled landfill meat?" to gain insights into the situation of poverty in the Philippines. They are then required to write a short reaction/reflection paper discussing their thoughts on how the country can mitigate poverty.
Rubrics
The provided rubrics outline the criteria for evaluating student essays.
References
The following references are provided:
Barkan, Steven E. (2011). "Sociology, Understanding and Changing the Social World." Ferraro, Vincent. (2008). "Dependency Theory: An Introduction," in The Development Economics Reader, ed. Giorgio Secondi. Explaining Global Stratification from the University of Minnesota's open textbook. McClelland, David C. (1961). University of California: Van Nostrond.
