Introduction
Globalization can be defined as a process of redesigning the earth in terms of integrating the economic, political and cultural systems at a global level. It may also be described as an intensification of the knowledge of how the world is through increased consciences. With globalization, integration of economies, cultures and societies have been achieved through diverse means such as communication, trade and transportation (Steger, 2010).
Various factors i.e. technological, political, biological, social, economic and cultural in consolidation make globalization a reality (Dierks, 2001).
Globalization deduces the present events globally in terms of economic, social, political and cultural developments (Reyes, 2001). Some of the trends that indicate globalization include vigorous communication systems, economic growth in terms of global financial reach, and trade at an international level.
Effects of Globalization
Globalization has led to many nations relying on international forms of trade, communication and finance. Today, the world has become more integrated in the way they carry out their transactions. Globalization has enabled the world become like a village in that reaching any part of it has become more cheap, easy, deep and fast through the amalgamation of technologies, markets and governments.
These trends have not been witnessed in the past and are things of the twentieth century up to date. It is with globalization that the social and cultural constraints across geographical boundaries have drawn back and all human activities have been coined to the globe as the focus.
Various theories exist such as the Marxist, realist and liberalist all of which attempt to explain the concept of globalization. Two of the above-mentioned theories are discussed below in order to bring out the meaning of the term explicitly.
Marxist Theory
This is a theory that was first formulated in 1848 by a socialist theorist Karl Marx. He expressed how territories have been integrated and his explanation was a great fascination to his colleagues. To him, capitalism is crucial as it enabled bourgeoisie flexibility in the sense that they settled, established connections and located all over the globe (Scheuerman, 2002).
Capitalists are ever in the race of gaining competitive advantage over each other by a means of accelerating gains while lowering costs. This possibility is made real by the expansion of markets through liberated flow of goods and services.
Marx incorporated the idea of historical materialism in which history is a chronological event whereby, economies of higher production eradicate those of low production through a natural process (Chatterjee, 2001). Marx heavily focused on capitalism, which is the system with high production whose detection was by use of an economic lens. According to this theory, capitalism has two classes, that is, the capitalists and the proletariat.
Capitalists are those who own production means and the proletariats are those who survive by offering labor for pay. Because of this division, capitalism is seen as contradicting in that understanding the two groups by determining the position and role of each of them play in the society led to class struggle theory (Rupert and Smith, 2002).
According to this theory, the two classes are not in terms whereby the proletariat takes up the role of production from the capitalists eventually leading to communism.
The Marxists see globalization as a realization of predictions by Karl Marx. Marx’s predictions have become true because history goes through stages whereby the current advanced production processes replaces the old ones.
In his theory, Marx elaborates an advanced capitalist society in the sense that the bourgeois continuously improve their production with an aim of getting a cheaper, quicker and proficient means of raising their capital. In order to reach a wider market for their products, the bourgeois have to stretch all over the globe.
Capitalism has to be in a continuous change whereby the competition between the capitalists is expected to create products, advance the old ones and thus improve on the consumer’s intake (Callinicos, 2009).
Capitalism is an international concept in that, firms compete with both the foreign and the local ones and a chance for selecting which products to buy and who to buy from is available; this is very common in the industrialized world. With increased production advancement, no country in the third world can be left without a chance to advance its economy (Robinson, 2008).
With capitalism, there remains a choice for the countries to either join or be left out in the struggle for the advancement of their economy.
All are seen as consumers irrespective of their ethnicity though this does not imply that they have to transact with the international market but it has a bearing that these countries are capable of making payment of which they do. This conversion of their ability into money makes them consumers (Ervin & Smith, 2004).
Nationality and ethnical backgrounds are not to hinder transactions in what so ever. In capitalism, it doesn’t matter whom or which country based on such differences such as religion, culture or language a transaction is carried out with, provided it is carried out well and the goods and services required are obtained (Callinicos, 2009). Classes with common interests merge and this leads to healthy competition in the markets.
According to Marx theory, all must pass through capitalism, which in itself is a dictatorship over the proletariat (Callinicos, 2009). Unlike the other theorists, Marx saw capitalism as a costly and destructive system but he more concentrated on the creativeness this destruction causes.
Capitalism is the final stage in the society which gave a basis for socialism in two major ways; firstly by introducing the technology that could be used to ensure maximum production and secondly, by creation of human beings responsible for supervising this technology.
Marx explains capitalism as a crucial stage that human beings must pass through it. This is because destruction deals with the abolishment of the old in order to attain the new systems of production (Steger, 2011).
In his theory, Marx states that today’s globalization is a form of capitalist imperialism through which the globe continues to experience both economic and social crisis because of the continuous exploitation of the natural resources I order to maximize on the profits (Ervin & Smith, 2004). Globalized capitalism is not sustainable, as it cannot meet the environmental and human needs in sustainably.
Capitalism is anchored on gluttony and profit and therefore, there is need for another societal system that will cater for the environmental and economic factors ensuring sustainability and equity (Robinson, 2008). From a Marxist point of view, Global capitalism is because of dictation from the IMF and World Bank through integration of the financial structure.
Realist theory
Realist theory became entrenched and well understood after the Second World War; where most states embraced formal discipline (Booth, 2011). As the countries strived to pull resources together, it was vital to enhance unity and peace.
Unlike other globalization theories, realist theory endeavor to focus on addressing national security over ideology. This school of thought perceives globalization as power politics.
According to this perception, there is no single actor above the state and therefore the state should always focus mainly on issues that promote national understanding and cohesion. By extension, the two stimulates factors operating within the country and beyond.
The realist theory is founded on six main principles, which are that first human nature is self-seeking, and power inclined (Booth, 2011). Secondly, it is based on an autonomous sphere action, which is purely engraved on politics and its demands. The third principle is differing country interest that stems controversy and other misunderstandings (Booth, 2011).
Fourth principle is conflict that emanates from private morality and political ethics, escalation of the public morality stir misunderstanding and potential unrest. The fifth principle is the political realism that states that no single state has the jurisdiction to govern the entire world.
In addition, no single state has the discretion to transcend its geographical boundary and impose rule upon another. Finally, the six principle is the statecraft; the state of being sober where individuals acts within the stipulated limitations (Chatterjee, 2004).
According to (Chatterjee, 2004) realist theory is built on prevailing peace on the global arena. Despite the importance of peace, it is worth understanding that peace is not the panacea for all problems.
On the same note, globalization does facilitate mobility of factors of production and resources but does not generate solution to all problems. Besides helping in mobilizing generation of wealth, globalization has also been blamed for causing huge economic and social disparities among nations.
According to Niccolo Machiavelli as discussed by Chatterjee (2004), rulers should strive to rule with an iron rod. He further argued that since the world was anarchic in nature only ruthless leadership world bring the world together.
On their side classical realist suggested that the world operated in the state of lawlessness. However, the situation was somehow different with domestic politics where the rule of law as practiced. In larger perspective, political instability has really inhibited globalization due to constant wrangles and differences.
Erwin and Smith (2004) suggested that the problem of hard power is responsible for the recurrence of war and tension in the international arena. They further assert that hard power is used by countries to achieve national interests as well as projecting them to cover international world.
Conflicting interests held by each country cause most of these conflicts. At some times, lack of irreconcilable and differing interests has caused worst political nightmares. For instance, the conflict between the Ancient Greek and Athens was characterized by such disagreements, which could not be dealt with.
According to liberal realists, norms and interest have lead to development of peace and stability in many countries. Their perception reveals that despite emergence of major political unrest, the international society will persist. With this approach the international society that is founded on peace will always strives to focus on existence of such understanding (Booth, 2011).
Conclusion
In conclusion, globalization is a concept that brings integrates political, economic and cultural aspects in order to make more and more profits. In it, the globe has become accessible at a very easy, cheap, deep and efficient means.
This is seen through the intensification of transport and communication systems whereby information is passed across through in seconds without much stress. Trade and finance have been made international and all the activities of a country are carried at a global perspective.
References list
Booth, K. (Ed) (2011). Realism and World Politics. London: Taylor & Francis.
Callinicos, A. (2009). Imperialism and Global Political Economy. London: Polity.
Chatterjee, A. (2004). International Relations Today. New Delhi: Pearson education.
Dierks, R. G. (2001). Introduction to Globalization: Political and Economic Perspectives for the New Century. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
Ervin, J. & Smith, Z. A. (2004). Globalization: A Reference Handbook. Linworth: ABC- CIO.
Reyes, G. E. (2001). Theory of Globalization: Fundamental Basis. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh.
Robinson, A. (2008). A Marxist- Leninist Theory of Globalization. Perihelion. Web.
Rupert, M. & Smith, H. (2002). Historical Materialism and Globalization. London: Routledge.
Scheuerman, W. (2010). “Globalization“. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (summer 2010 Edition). Edward N. Zalta (ed). Web.
Steger, M. (2010). Globalization; a Brief Insight. Illinois: Sterling Publishing Company.