Reading Assignment 3:Political Globalization(YANGPEIFU)

 1.Summary

According to the information and Wikipedia, I understand that political globalization refers to the expansion and complexity of the global political system, involving national governments, 

intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental actors such as international non-governmental organizations. Its main characteristics include the gradual weakening of national sovereignty, the rise of global institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, and the emergence of transnational advocacy networks. Political globalization is manifested in the intensification of global political relations, the rise of global multilateralism, and the formation of a global governance system. It is one of the three main dimensions of globalization, the other two being economic globalization and cultural globalization. Political globalization is usually measured by factors such as diplomatic relations, membership in international organizations, participation in UN peacekeeping operations, and the signing of international treaties. Political globalization has led to the gradual weakening of national sovereignty and promoted the formation of a global civil society. Some scholars believe that political globalization may lead to a global democracy similar to a world government, but this view has been criticized as being too idealistic. There is a fierce debate about the relationship between political globalization and the nation-state. Hyperglobalists believe that globalization has gradually made national borders meaningless, while skeptics believe that nation-states are still the dominant force in international relations. The change of the global order is usually described as a cyclical process, with each cycle lasting about 100 years, involving stages such as global war, the rise of world powers, loss of legitimacy, and decentralization. The alternation of global hegemony has experienced countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and may face challenges from countries such as China in the future. It has to be said that political globalization is a complex and evolving process. It has reshaped global governance. Although it challenges national sovereignty, it has also promoted the formation of transnational networks and global civil society.

2.Project

According to the data, political globalization involves interconnections across national borders, emphasizing post-nationalization and transnational processes. It includes the tension between global geopolitics, global normative culture and multi-center networks, shaping a complex global political field.

Global geopolitics:

Since 1991, global democratization has accelerated. Although democracy has become a universal form of governance, it has spawned diverse political cultures and ideologies. The United States' attempt to dominate the world faces challenges from rising powers, breaking the unipolar world order.

Global normative culture:

This dimension covers issues such as human rights and the environment, transcending the influence of geopolitics. Global political communication breaks through national boundaries, places national politics in a global discourse framework, and challenges national sovereignty. Global normative culture provides reference for political actors and influences the formation of political struggles and anti-public spheres.

The transformation of the state and the impact of globalization:

Globalization has not led to the disappearance of the nation-state, but has promoted its transformation. The state has enhanced efficiency by sharing functions (such as financial supervision and trade management) through transnational cooperation. The concept of transnational state emphasizes that the state is deeply integrated with global capitalism and has become an integral part of the global system.

Adaptation of the nation-state:

Although globalization has led to the gradual shift of the nation-state to transnationalization, the nation-state remains an important form of political organization. The sense of national sovereignty has been strengthened in some regions (such as Europe) through the expansion of the European Union.

The rise of new nationalism and the transformation of the public sphere:

Globalization has challenged the traditional nation-state and promoted the rise of new nationalism and sub-national politics. Global cities have become the product of non-territorial politics. The public sphere has also gradually shifted from state-led to global, involving global topics such as human rights and environmental issues.

Global civil society and spatial transformation:

As a field of citizen activities that transcends national boundaries, global civil society has promoted global political communication and facilitated the exchange of transnational issues. Global civil society has challenged the state-led global capitalist order and promoted the popularization of democracy, accountability and human rights.

3.Question

Regarding this question: How has political globalization changed the role of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund? Professor Piotr also gave the website address of the United Nations WVS and Hofstede country comparison which can be viewed.