"An Introduction to the Global" (Lecture C)

Lecture #2c: “An Introduction to the Global”
Jan Aart Scholte

Opening note: Today we will discuss normative concerns regarding globalization. Again, these concerns are both political and controversial.

Review: Yesterday we discussed six analytical theories that seek to explain globalization. These theories include: liberalism, political realism, Marxism, constructivism, poststructuralism and feminism. Each of these theories looks at globalization in terms of different issues, actors, structures and processes. Because so many theoretical explanations exist, theory is one of the most difficult things to pin down. Of course, without theory, you are lost. Theory tells you what evidence to collect and the causal connections between data. Thus, it is imperative to consider theory.

How do you choose?
- Here are five criteria that you can use to select a theory.
o Does the theory have logical coherence? A viable theory must hold together in its own terms, this is why it is so difficult to pick and choose between theories. Unfortunately, all of the explanatory theories presented have logical coherence. Therefore, this criterion is not of much help.

o Is it possible to empirically verify the theory? In other words, is it possible to relate the theory to concrete experiences and conditions? Unfortunately, this criterion is also not very helpful since all theories presented can be applied to concrete conditions. For example, it is possible to apply every theory to the upcoming G20 summit.


o Does the theory stand up to counterfactual questioning? Counterfactual question is a process of imagining outcomes in the absence of the theory. If the same outcome could not occur without your theory, the theory works. For example, imagine that capitalism did not exist and ask yourself if globalization would have occurred. If no, Marxism is a good explanatory theory for globalization.

o Does the theory promote desirable outcomes? The truth is not separate from reality. Theory and practice are interrelated. The theory you adopt has political consequences. During the Cold War, political realism was dominant. Many contend that political realism was a part of the Cold War. When the Cold War ended, realist theories subsided. Thus you need to ask yourself, do you like the world the theory helps to build?


o Whose voice is heard/suppressed by the theory? Different theories give different people more chance to speak and be heard. For example, feminism allocates more space for female voices. If you are studying a concept such as impoverishment, you need to ask yourself which theory will help you to better understand impoverishment and allow poor people to be heard? Again, this is a political choice.

Scholte’s Ecelctic Theoretical Combination
- Liberalism: I (Scholte) believe that multiple actors are at play and rules and institutions matter.

- Realism: I believe the state matters and there is no sign that states will disappear. However, I do not believe that states still resemble the Westphalian model.


- Marxism: I believe that capitalism is a major historical force and class relations shape our world. However, I believe that the classical Marxist notes of class are far too simple and it is impossible to reduce everything to capitalism.

- Constructivism: I believe identities are important and not reducable to capitalist relations. However, I do not believe that power is absent in the process.


- Poststructuralism: I believe that structures of knowledge and life-worlds have a real importance in social life. However, I do not believe that globalization is the same as westernization.

- Feminism: I believe that the gender question is valid but it is also important to ask questions of race, sexuality, etc.

Assessing Globalization
- Is globalization good or bad? This can be assessed by examining a sevenfold normative framework that highlights the values of ecological integrity, material well-being, distributive justice, cultural vibrancy, democratic self-determination, social peace and moral decency.

- Ecological Integrity
o Globalization is often seen as destructive leading to pollution, the depletion of natural resources including the stratospheric ozone and biodiversity and climate change.
o However, globalization has provided a context for global environmental movements and discourses.
o General challenge: How can we promote and secure eco-sustainability in a more global world?

- Material Well-Being
o Many liberals contend that globalization has increased efficiencies and well-being in the aggregate.
o Marxists argue that there is a link between globalization and impoverishment as manifested in malnourishment, illiteracy, poor sanitation, etc.
o General challenge: How can we secure material well-being in a more global world?

- Distributive Justice
o Is globalization more just? In general, urban areas and capitalist classes have reaped more benefits from globalization.
o Members of the Alter-Globalization movement argue that more just outcomes could occur if the course and manifestations of globalization were altered. In other words, policy choices make a difference.
o General challenge: How can we achieve distributive justice in a more global world?

- Cultural Vibrancy
o Globalization does not result in cultural homogenization. Both cultural destructions and innovations occur.
o Some argue that globalization is responsible for cultural diversity losses, spiritual poverty, fundamentalism as well as the violence of “othering.”
o General challenge: How can we preserve cultural diversity and vibrancy in a more global world?

- Democratic Self-Determination
o Globalization has created possibilities for the increase of a global civil society. In other words, some democratic liveliness has accompanied globalization.
o However, globalization has lead to democratic deficits as well. Most individuals don’t feel as though they have any global power.
o General challenge: How can we secure public participation and public control in a more global world?

- Social Peace
o Some theorists, specifically liberals, contend that globalization creates a more peaceful world.
o But intimacy can breed violence. Globalization doesn’t automatically create a more peaceful world as evidence by arms proliferation, warfare and terrorism.
o General challenge: How can we develop community and solidarity in a more global world?

- Moral Decency
o In many ways, globalization has promoted humanitarianism. For example, the tremendous outpouring of support and aid for the victims of the tsunami in 2004 demonstrated that people feel connected to and responsible for others.
o However, there remains a relative lack of compassion for suffering in today’s global community.
o General challenge: How can we promote moral decency in a more global world?

The Bottom Line
- If you are looking for a better world, it all depends on the policy choices you make.