What is globalization? - Soeun Kwon

 

1) 

The author of the text emphasizes that globalization is a contentious concept. Such debates stem from differences in regional perspectives. In general, views on globalization have remained within a primarily economic dimension. The concept of globalization originated from a simple observation that the world is becoming "one," and this notion of unity has influenced various social sciences. Similar to unity, connectivity is often considered one of the most significant features of globalization. However, if we only view globalization from this perspective, we may overlook subjective and cultural factors. To analyze the rise of global consciousness, we need to address the issue of consciousness alongside connectivity. Samuel Huntington, in *The Clash of Civilizations*, focused on civilizational issues as the main cause of global conflicts, and in a similar vein, the author argues that globalization theory should be viewed from a cultural perspective. Connectivity and global consciousness should not be viewed merely from an economic (material) perspective or as a simple issue of resources tied to related ideologies.

Additionally, globalization takes on a specific form and should focus on four key elements: the state, global politics, individuals, and humanity. Rather than discussing the decline of the state, the focus should be on how its nature is changing. Also, individuals should not be excluded from the scope of globalization. In other words, it is inappropriate to think of globalization merely as a macro process. While phenomena where the state adjusts individual identities are observed, we also find increasing diversity in the ways self-identity is shaped and expressed. Meanwhile, the current international situation is unstable and chaotic, and the world is often perceived through the binary lens of the West and terrorism. Finally, focusing on humanity, we see that both humanity and the natural environments surrounding it are undergoing changes, and the concept of human rights is evolving.

Globalization consists of four major aspects: cultural, social, political, and economic. These four aspects influence each other, and depending on the era or location, one or two of these aspects may merge. When understanding globalization, we must not see it as a fixed concept but recognize that ongoing discussions are still taking place. Nevertheless, we must strive to find an Archimedean point regarding globalization simultaneously.

2) 

When learning about globalization, much of the discussion has focused on the perspective of the world becoming increasingly connected and integrated. However, through this reading, I was able to gain insight into various other aspects. What I found particularly interesting was Huntington’s argument that explained the 9/11 attacks from the perspective of a clash of civilizations. Unlike the usual explanations that cite resource issues as the fundamental cause of conflicts, he approached it from a civilizational standpoint, and it was fascinating to see how some of his predictions have come true.

Additionally, the explanation of "glocalization" was new to me. When I first learned about the concept of glocalization, I understood it as a binary contrast between the local and the global. However, I found it interesting that recent discussions suggest that this dichotomous thinking is not very productive. While I had heard of the localization strategies employed by multinational corporations, I had never considered how glocalization might be explained from an academic perspective.

3) 

When looking at the process of globalization from the perspective of the nation-state, what I was most curious about was how the concept of the state would change if the world increasingly becomes more unified through globalization, such as through immigration or cultural exchanges. I began to wonder whether the concept of a nation-state would even exist in the future.

However, through this reading, I came to understand that it is more productive to discuss how the nature of the state is changing rather than its decline, and I agreed with that viewpoint. Additionally, I realized that the issue of national identity is becoming increasingly contentious as globalization progresses.

Acknowledging that national identity is expanding, I then became curious about how individuals' personal identities within the state might change. The author argues that individuals cannot be excluded from the scope of globalization, and that personal identity will be expressed in more diverse forms and through various means.

Currently, national identity still plays a significant role in shaping personal identity. Therefore, I would like to discuss what role the state will play in individuals' expressions of identity if the nature of the state continues to evolve.