SZABIST

SZABIST

GLOBALIZATION AND NATION STATESLecture 3

Concept of Globalization Three significant features:

InterconnectednessIntegrationAn ongoing process not a completed condition

Concept of Nation StateThere were three important pillars:

Supremacy of the SovereignStates sovereigntyNon-intervention

Globalization vs Nation StateIt directly involves the very concept of interdependence, may be integration, and a sovereign unit: Nation State.The academic discourse includes two major arguments: Globalization is gradually altering the concept of nation states (critics)Globalization advances in line with sovereign units (pro-globalization)

CriticsGlobalization and StatesGlobalization permits non-state actors exercise greater influence in economic, political, social and environmental domains; where they tend to undermine states interests by fulfilling theirs.With the integration of all the important units, especially economy, of a state with the greater international system, states sovereignty is gradually eroding.People tend to gain benefits and hence associate their loyalties not with the sovereign but non-state actors.

Globalization and NationsGlobalization fosters socio-cultural homogeneity and hence tends to endanger states customs, values and culture (especially language).The blending of cultures erodes individual socio-cultural, ethno-lingual identities.With the gradually eroding states sovereignty; nations identities also tend to vanish.Generally, major powers trends and values set their foothold in every region.

Pro-Globalization argumentGlobalization and StatesStates still enjoy preeminence and are the driving force in international politics.Since states are very much associated with the institution of international law; their relevance can never be invalidated.Non-state actors are actually dictated and guided by host state in terms of its principles within states borders hence conforming to states soveriegnty. Regardless of the pressure exerted by interest groups, INGOs and IGOs, economic institution and groupings, transnational corporations, states do retain final policy decisions.

Globalization and NationsGlobalizations impact on social-cultural fragmentation has been minimal.With the technological advancement and increasing exposure, accessibility to information societies are getting interconnected essentially. They retain their socio-cultural and ethno-lingual identities, while promoting the distinct features of particular tradition, customary practices and values in their culture.Since states sovereignty is intact, nations do retain their national identities.

Whither Nation States in the age of Globalization?Nation states and globalization are a reality.Both exist in the same world.Some argue that globalization is a consequences of the process of development that major states have been indulged in for at least past three hundred years; others argue that its a kind of a natural process that began with the earliest human interactions since time immemorial.Globalization still has to go a long way.If nation states would vanish they would by the will of people only. If non-state actors override nation states; they themselves may turn into state actors, that testifies nation states cannot be invalidated. Similarly, globalization cannot be undone.

ReferencesJames Lee Ray and Juliet Kaarbo, Global Politics (New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005).Buffin Partners, Globalization and Nation States, Commentary, http://www.buffinfoundation.org/Commentary_2008_08.pdfJayantha Dhanapala, Globalization and Nation States, http://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/HR/docs/2001/2001Apr07_Colorado.pdf