What is Globalization?—JIA YUAN

As discussed by Roland Robertson and Katherine E. White, globalization is a complex and contentious concept that spans multiple disciplines and worldviews. It involves global processes such as governance, citizenship, human rights, and transnational connections. Although globalization lacks a universally accepted definition, it is often regarded as a singular process, a perspective, and a direction for global development. The concept has evolved over several centuries but gained widespread attention only after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Globalization remains a subject of debate.

First, the dual perspective of globalization is emphasized: on one hand, globalization driven by neoliberal economic policies, symbolized by multinational corporations; on the other hand, an alternative globalization propelled by grassroots anti-globalization movements. This dual perspective discusses the rise of global consciousness and enhanced global interconnectedness, prompting disciplines such as sociology, political science, and anthropology to question traditional notions of sovereignty, territory, and isolated societies.

Secondly, the various dimensions of globalization are explored, particularly emphasizing Huntington's notion of the "clash of civilizations," especially the conflict between the Western world and the Islamic world. It critiques the excessive emphasis on the economic-material perspective, arguing that cultural and social factors are equally important for understanding global conflicts and connections. Ultimately, globalization encompasses economic, political, cultural, and social dimensions, with none being superior to the others.

Next, Wallerstein's world-systems theory is used to examine the forms of globalization, highlighting that the expansion of capitalism over the past few centuries has been a primary driving force of globalization. Wallerstein rejects a singular economic perspective, advocating for a multidimensional view of globalization. The author asserts that globalization involves multiple aspects, including the international system, humanity, individual identity, and nation-states.

Then, the role of the individual in globalization is discussed, emphasizing that global changes also affect daily life and personal identity. While individualization is more pronounced in Western countries, it also impacts global society, making individuals more accountable for their actions while also making them more susceptible to state manipulation.

The concept of "glocalization" addresses the relationship between the global and the local, indicating that they are not oppositional but interconnected. Glocalization essentially restricts globalization by adapting global products to local environments, while global homogenization represents a continuous force of uniformity. This distinction challenges the idea of a fully globalized world, as globalization cannot achieve complete uniformity due to the varying adaptation needs of different environments.

Globalization reshapes historical perspectives, prompting historians and social scientists to explore the antecedents of global interconnectedness and consciousness. Globalization consists of two main trends: the enhancement of global interconnectedness and the increase in global awareness, the latter of which does not imply consensus. The four aspects of globalization—cultural, social, political, and economic—are intertwined. When understanding globalization, it is crucial to view it as a concept rather than a fixed entity.

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