Sociology · Ch 11 — Globalisation and Social Change
Globalisation and Political Changes
Globalisation and Political Changes
The Political Side of Globalisation
Globalisation is often seen as an economic phenomenon, but it was a major political change — the collapse of the socialist world — that accelerated it. That collapse gave a specific political and economic direction to the policies that now underpin globalisation. These policies are called neo-liberal economic measures.
Neo-liberalism is not just an economic idea; it carries a clear political vision. It believes that giving free rein to market forces will produce both efficiency and fairness. As a result, it is critical of state regulation and state subsidies. The liberalisation policies adopted in India (discussed earlier in the chapter) are concrete examples of this approach.
The current process of globalisation has both an economic vision and a political vision. However, the possibility of a different kind of globalisation also exists — one that is inclusive, meaning it includes all sections of society.
Growth of Regional and International Political Mechanisms
Globalisation has also led to the growth of regional associations and international bodies for political collaboration.
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Regional associations have become more important. Examples include:
- The European Union (EU)
- The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
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International Governmental Organisations (IGOs) have risen in prominence. An IGO is a body established by participating governments and given responsibility for regulating or overseeing a particular domain of activity that is transnational in scope.
- Example: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) now has a major say in the rules that govern global trade practices. …