Lecture 15

Globalization
The fall of the Soviet empire and the disintegration of the former Soviet Union
had dramatic impacts on world power configuration , and on the principal
characteristics of the international system . Unipolarity as the principal feature of the
emerging system has paved the way for American hegemony on international
politics , that began to be labeled instead as
“ Global Politics “ .
Benefiting from this historical moment and unexpected advantage , the United
States , while calling for the establishment of a “ New World Order “ has tried to
impose its will on the majority of international actors , and to extend or to stretch its
political , economic , social and cultural criteria and values on the whole global level
. These strategic transformations have opened the door for a new era in international
relations known as the age of “ Globalization “.
Since its emergence as a new phenomenon on the world stage , Globalization –
as a term - has acquired a variety of meanings , and has been perceived in different
ways or through contradicting paradigms . The majority of these definitions were
revolving around : the intensification of global interactions , the De-territorialization
of world politics , the retreat of National borders constraints , the demise of the
notion of “ Sovereignty” that represented the cornerstone of world Order and
international relations since the Peace of Westphalia . Globalization had also other
connotations such as the compression of time and space differences ,
Universalization , Global Uniformalization and Standardization , Political and
Economic Liberalization , Westernization or more precisely the Americanization of
the world , Cosmic Unity , and global Hegemony of the United States over the whole
world .

1
To sum up the various meanings or definitions of Globalization , we can conclude
that : “ Globalization could be perceived as an intentionally managed , and a goal-
oriented process , through which the dominant powers , on the global level ( and
mainly the United States ) , are trying to benefit from the conditions that resulted
from the fall of the former Soviet Pole and Empire , as well as from the huge
developments in Communication and Transportation technology , the intensification
of international interactions , the increasing levels of interdependence , in achieving
global hegemony , through the imposition of its political , economic , cultural norms
and values , as well as their societal structures and ways of life , on the rest of the
world , depending on an integrated circuit of tools , instruments or devices , in a way
that serves the interests of those dominant powers , whether they are State actors or
Non-State actors , such as : Non-Governmental Organizations ( NGO’s) ,
Multinational Corporations ( MNC’s ) , or even individuals .”
Globalization versus Globalism :
It is vitally important to make the distinction clear between the concept of “
Globalization “ as previously defined , and the neighboring concept of “ Globalism
“ , that refers to a sound , natural human orientation , or propensity towards
international interaction among various systems of values , or different cultures and
civilizations , that may lead to a sound process or dynamics of cooperation ,
integration , complementarity , mutual support , knowing each other on the global
level.
This tendency is usually based on the global commons shared by humankind ,
without jeopardizing national identities , interests , or threatening the cultural or
national privacy of other peoples , and which is built on equality , mutual respect
and balanced interests , without any intention or dominance , subordination , or
subjugation , and without any attitudes of superiority or ethnocentrism .

2
 Accordingly , Globalism is reflecting the legitimate search , and rightful
aspiration of rising from the local towards the global . Globalism , in this sense , is
a tendency that helps various peoples to know each other , to be open towards other
cultures and civilizations . It is a give and take process of exchange , in order to
mutually enrich each other , and to mutually benefit from each other , through
hybridization and integration . Therefore , Globalism refuses or negates the
hegemony of someone on another , or dictating or imposing the values of someone
on the other , it is not of process aiming at depriving the “ other “ from his identity
or privacy. This conception of globalism is totally in accordance with what Almighty
God has said in the Coran ; “ We have made you peoples and tribes , in order to get
to know each other . “
The Various Conceptions of Globalization:
As any social phenomenon, there are various ways to perceive globalization.
These conceptions could be summarized in two principal views or interpretations as
follows:
Firstly : The Integrative Interpretation :
That reflects the point of view of the developed world , and that of the
advocates of globalization . It assumes that globalization is a natural process, or a
historical becoming that leads towards world integration, thus it represents a positive
process, aiming at the optimal allocation of resources , or the utmost benefit for
humankind . Such an understanding reflects the optimistic perspective of
globalization.
Secondly : The Conflictive Interpretation :
Which reflects the point of view prevailing in most of the developing
countries in the southern world.