Rob's Test
1. What are the three 'waves' of globalization? - correct answer-First Wave - "Age of
Discovery" (1450-1850) globalization was decisively shaped by European expansion and
conquest. Second Wave - (1850-1945) - Evidenced a major expansion in the spread and
entrenchment of European empires (Great Britain namely). Third Wave - 1960 - Present -
Microchip and the satellite are icons of this globalized world order. It is also associated with a
shift in economic power from the West to the East with the rise of China and India.
2. What is a disaggregated state? - correct answer-A disaggregated state is a state in which
its constituent agencies increasingly interact with their counterparts abroad, international
agencies and the NGos in the management of common and global affairs.
3. Name the main (four to six) patterns of contemporary globalization. (Robert) - correct
answer-There are four major patterns of contemporary globalization, all of which have to
do with further interconnectedness of the world. The first has to do with social, political,
and economic decisions in one region of the world having significance and impacts
elsewhere in other regions of the world. For example, Europe taking in refugees which
will ultimately cause more to follow suit. The second pattern is the acceleration of every
form of social interaction, from the spread of diseases to the escalation of world trade.
The third is the development of rapid communications and transportation which has led
to the faster conveying of ideas and technology. The final pattern has to do with the
intensification of the global affecting the local, and vice-versa. Better known as
Globalism, this process specifically entails local happenings such as the stock market
crash having global effects, and global happenings such as anything the UN does having
local effects. Pg 18 in Baylis book for reference.
4. Difference between sovereignty and territoriality? (Clifford) - correct answer-Sovereignty
and Territoriality are different concepts under the same umbrella of political rule. Territoriality
is the organizing of peoples into "exclusive territorial communities with fixed borders.
Sovereignty refers to the right to be exclusively rule, and be the supreme authority -
politically and, legally - within a certain territory. Sovereignty is recognized by other nation
states, and sovereign territories are less inclined to be challenged and interfered with by
other sovereign powers. The Westphalian ideal of sovereign statehood laid the framework
for this and it has continued over time.Globalization is currently challenging the Westphalian
ideal of sovereign statehood. The shifting political climate and the linking of classes and
peoples across international borders calls into question the effectiveness of some rulers and
may motivate certain peoples to revolt or begin to question the supreme rule within their
territory.
5. What, in your view, are the positive aspects of Globalization? (Ashley) - correct answer-·
The pace of economic transformation is so great that it has created a new world politics.
States are no longer closed units and they cannot control their economies. The world
economy is more independent, with trade and finances always expanding.
· We now live in a world where events in one location can be immediately observed on the
side of the world.
,· There is emerging a global polity, with transnational social and political movements and the
beginnings of a transfer of allegiances from the state to sub-state, transnational, and
international bodies.
A cosmopolitan culture is developing. People are beginning to think globally and act locally
6. What are the negative aspects of globalization? (Marc Daniel) - correct answer-There are
multiple negative aspects of globalization. First, the increasing growth of international trade
is worsening income inequalities. This observation is seen in both industrialized and less
industrialized nations. We also find that transnational corporations are dominating commerce
on the global stage. This tends to be problematic, as their goal is to maximize profits, and
maximizing profits are often done without taking into account the development or needs of
individual states. Third, on an environmental point of view, globalization rewards states that
take less credible approaches toward protecting the environment. The reason is that when
faced with the dilemma of choosing between attracting foreign investors and keeping their
environmental standards high. Less restrictions and regulations mean open markets. One
other negative aspect is that homogenization is favored over distinct individual cultures,
leaving American culture as essentially the driving force.
7. Briefly discuss the conceptual differences and overlaps between "globalism",
"globalization" and "internationalization". (Brandon Michael) - correct answer-Globalism is
the growing collective awareness or consciousness of the world as a shared social space.
Globalization is the continued increase in transnational and worldwide economic, social, and
cultural interactions that transcend the boundaries of states with advances by technology. It
breaks down what are thought as traditional state and nation borders. Internationalization
refers to the increasing importance of international activities between states like trade,
relations, treaties, alliances, etc. The basic unit is still the state even as ties and activities are
drawing them closer and closer.
8. What are the main differences between "hyperglobalist", "globalization sceptic", or a
transformationalist positions? (Owen) - correct answer-The hyperglobalist perspective sees
globalization as a new epoch in human history. The declining relevance and authority of
nation-states brought about through the economic logic of a global market. With increasing
economic globalization, transnational governance organizations become increasingly
important. The result is that national governments lose influence.
The skeptical perspective on globalization holds current international processes as more
fragmented and regionalized than globalized. The third world is not being drawn into a global
economy. The third world is becoming increasingly marginalized according to this
perspective.
Hyper globalist authors believe that the power of national governments is waning. Skeptic
authors argue that the power of national governments is growing. Transformationalist
authors view the nature of national governments as changing but view a description of this
change as merely growing or waning as oversimplified.
There is no single cause behind globalization and the outcome of its processes of
globalization is not determined.
, 9. What are the main facets of Cosmopolitan democracy? Do you see such a democracy
evolving (David)? - correct answer-Cosmopolitan democracy is a form of global governance
without global government. It is a theory which explores the application of norms and values
of democracy at the transnational and global sphere. Cosmopolitan democracy advocates
argue that popular global governance is possible and needed.
In the cosmopolitan democracy model. Decisions are made by those affected, avoiding a
single hierarchical form of authority. This model takes into account the will of the
stakeholders either through direct participation or through a representative process. Do you
see such evolving? There is ample evidence of cosmopolitan democracy in institutions such
as the European Union, the proliferation and effectiveness of international and
non-governmental institutions and the International Criminal Court.
10. What are main defining features of the post-cold war world? (Tracy) - correct answer-In
looking at the post cold war, 1989 Present day, my first reaction is that this period itself is
clearly defined into two sections; 1989, 2001 (aka "Pre 9/11") and 2001 to present (aka "Post
9/11"). With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the pre 9/11 decade saw the world moving from
its bipolar existence to more of a unipolar function, with the US becoming, or remaining, as
the Hegemon. This period of time was highlighted by Fukuyama's essay "the end of history".
In Fukuyama's thinking, the liberalist ideal of democracy and worldwide adherence to a
shared value system, was essentially complete. Unfortunately, 9/11 proved that theory to be
a bit premature. The post 9/11 world clearly demonstrated that non state actors, terrorists
specifically, were able to alter our way of life in ways that we had not imagined. The Iraq war
in 2003, which had hoped to bring about change to a part of the world that had been ruled
through authoritarian style power, failed to do just that and sadly,allowed the division
between Sunni and Shia Islam to enter a more openly violent phase of existence. In addition,
with the rise of China, the idea that states could only achieve success
through a western style participative democracy, was largely proven untrue. Russia too,
through the influence of Putin, has broken away from its road to democracy and instead is
heading back towards authoritarianism and power politics. Finally, while 1989 saw the
emergence of the "unipolar "world ,2015 is well into a "multipolar" world with the rise of other
economic powers, including the BRICs.
11. What International relations discipline rose in prominence around the time of the end of
the cold war and why? (Ian) - correct answer-Constructivism. With the failures of Realism
and Liberalism in explaining the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union, a new discipline
arose to help shine light on the social factors that played a vital part. Constructivist argue
that "social forces such as ideas, knowledge, norms, and rules influence states' identities
and interests, and the very organization of world politics" (Bayliss 156). They reason that the
peaceful Soviet collapse was largely due to the evolution of relations between the USSR and
the US from confrontational to more engaged and peaceful. Arms reduction talks, nuclear
reduction talks, among other phenomena, evidences this social change. Also internally in the
USSR, policies such as Glasnost and Perestroika changed social dynamics in Russia to
allow for more freedom to voice criticisms of the government.
12. Is the international system likely to be more peaceful or more conflictual than
1989-2001? Briefly, why? (Lais) - correct answer-The international system has changed a lot
since the Cold War years, the post war decade came with a wide range of economical
treaties being signed and various news countries shaping the new layout for the international
1. What are the three 'waves' of globalization? - correct answer-First Wave - "Age of
Discovery" (1450-1850) globalization was decisively shaped by European expansion and
conquest. Second Wave - (1850-1945) - Evidenced a major expansion in the spread and
entrenchment of European empires (Great Britain namely). Third Wave - 1960 - Present -
Microchip and the satellite are icons of this globalized world order. It is also associated with a
shift in economic power from the West to the East with the rise of China and India.
2. What is a disaggregated state? - correct answer-A disaggregated state is a state in which
its constituent agencies increasingly interact with their counterparts abroad, international
agencies and the NGos in the management of common and global affairs.
3. Name the main (four to six) patterns of contemporary globalization. (Robert) - correct
answer-There are four major patterns of contemporary globalization, all of which have to
do with further interconnectedness of the world. The first has to do with social, political,
and economic decisions in one region of the world having significance and impacts
elsewhere in other regions of the world. For example, Europe taking in refugees which
will ultimately cause more to follow suit. The second pattern is the acceleration of every
form of social interaction, from the spread of diseases to the escalation of world trade.
The third is the development of rapid communications and transportation which has led
to the faster conveying of ideas and technology. The final pattern has to do with the
intensification of the global affecting the local, and vice-versa. Better known as
Globalism, this process specifically entails local happenings such as the stock market
crash having global effects, and global happenings such as anything the UN does having
local effects. Pg 18 in Baylis book for reference.
4. Difference between sovereignty and territoriality? (Clifford) - correct answer-Sovereignty
and Territoriality are different concepts under the same umbrella of political rule. Territoriality
is the organizing of peoples into "exclusive territorial communities with fixed borders.
Sovereignty refers to the right to be exclusively rule, and be the supreme authority -
politically and, legally - within a certain territory. Sovereignty is recognized by other nation
states, and sovereign territories are less inclined to be challenged and interfered with by
other sovereign powers. The Westphalian ideal of sovereign statehood laid the framework
for this and it has continued over time.Globalization is currently challenging the Westphalian
ideal of sovereign statehood. The shifting political climate and the linking of classes and
peoples across international borders calls into question the effectiveness of some rulers and
may motivate certain peoples to revolt or begin to question the supreme rule within their
territory.
5. What, in your view, are the positive aspects of Globalization? (Ashley) - correct answer-·
The pace of economic transformation is so great that it has created a new world politics.
States are no longer closed units and they cannot control their economies. The world
economy is more independent, with trade and finances always expanding.
· We now live in a world where events in one location can be immediately observed on the
side of the world.
,· There is emerging a global polity, with transnational social and political movements and the
beginnings of a transfer of allegiances from the state to sub-state, transnational, and
international bodies.
A cosmopolitan culture is developing. People are beginning to think globally and act locally
6. What are the negative aspects of globalization? (Marc Daniel) - correct answer-There are
multiple negative aspects of globalization. First, the increasing growth of international trade
is worsening income inequalities. This observation is seen in both industrialized and less
industrialized nations. We also find that transnational corporations are dominating commerce
on the global stage. This tends to be problematic, as their goal is to maximize profits, and
maximizing profits are often done without taking into account the development or needs of
individual states. Third, on an environmental point of view, globalization rewards states that
take less credible approaches toward protecting the environment. The reason is that when
faced with the dilemma of choosing between attracting foreign investors and keeping their
environmental standards high. Less restrictions and regulations mean open markets. One
other negative aspect is that homogenization is favored over distinct individual cultures,
leaving American culture as essentially the driving force.
7. Briefly discuss the conceptual differences and overlaps between "globalism",
"globalization" and "internationalization". (Brandon Michael) - correct answer-Globalism is
the growing collective awareness or consciousness of the world as a shared social space.
Globalization is the continued increase in transnational and worldwide economic, social, and
cultural interactions that transcend the boundaries of states with advances by technology. It
breaks down what are thought as traditional state and nation borders. Internationalization
refers to the increasing importance of international activities between states like trade,
relations, treaties, alliances, etc. The basic unit is still the state even as ties and activities are
drawing them closer and closer.
8. What are the main differences between "hyperglobalist", "globalization sceptic", or a
transformationalist positions? (Owen) - correct answer-The hyperglobalist perspective sees
globalization as a new epoch in human history. The declining relevance and authority of
nation-states brought about through the economic logic of a global market. With increasing
economic globalization, transnational governance organizations become increasingly
important. The result is that national governments lose influence.
The skeptical perspective on globalization holds current international processes as more
fragmented and regionalized than globalized. The third world is not being drawn into a global
economy. The third world is becoming increasingly marginalized according to this
perspective.
Hyper globalist authors believe that the power of national governments is waning. Skeptic
authors argue that the power of national governments is growing. Transformationalist
authors view the nature of national governments as changing but view a description of this
change as merely growing or waning as oversimplified.
There is no single cause behind globalization and the outcome of its processes of
globalization is not determined.
, 9. What are the main facets of Cosmopolitan democracy? Do you see such a democracy
evolving (David)? - correct answer-Cosmopolitan democracy is a form of global governance
without global government. It is a theory which explores the application of norms and values
of democracy at the transnational and global sphere. Cosmopolitan democracy advocates
argue that popular global governance is possible and needed.
In the cosmopolitan democracy model. Decisions are made by those affected, avoiding a
single hierarchical form of authority. This model takes into account the will of the
stakeholders either through direct participation or through a representative process. Do you
see such evolving? There is ample evidence of cosmopolitan democracy in institutions such
as the European Union, the proliferation and effectiveness of international and
non-governmental institutions and the International Criminal Court.
10. What are main defining features of the post-cold war world? (Tracy) - correct answer-In
looking at the post cold war, 1989 Present day, my first reaction is that this period itself is
clearly defined into two sections; 1989, 2001 (aka "Pre 9/11") and 2001 to present (aka "Post
9/11"). With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the pre 9/11 decade saw the world moving from
its bipolar existence to more of a unipolar function, with the US becoming, or remaining, as
the Hegemon. This period of time was highlighted by Fukuyama's essay "the end of history".
In Fukuyama's thinking, the liberalist ideal of democracy and worldwide adherence to a
shared value system, was essentially complete. Unfortunately, 9/11 proved that theory to be
a bit premature. The post 9/11 world clearly demonstrated that non state actors, terrorists
specifically, were able to alter our way of life in ways that we had not imagined. The Iraq war
in 2003, which had hoped to bring about change to a part of the world that had been ruled
through authoritarian style power, failed to do just that and sadly,allowed the division
between Sunni and Shia Islam to enter a more openly violent phase of existence. In addition,
with the rise of China, the idea that states could only achieve success
through a western style participative democracy, was largely proven untrue. Russia too,
through the influence of Putin, has broken away from its road to democracy and instead is
heading back towards authoritarianism and power politics. Finally, while 1989 saw the
emergence of the "unipolar "world ,2015 is well into a "multipolar" world with the rise of other
economic powers, including the BRICs.
11. What International relations discipline rose in prominence around the time of the end of
the cold war and why? (Ian) - correct answer-Constructivism. With the failures of Realism
and Liberalism in explaining the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union, a new discipline
arose to help shine light on the social factors that played a vital part. Constructivist argue
that "social forces such as ideas, knowledge, norms, and rules influence states' identities
and interests, and the very organization of world politics" (Bayliss 156). They reason that the
peaceful Soviet collapse was largely due to the evolution of relations between the USSR and
the US from confrontational to more engaged and peaceful. Arms reduction talks, nuclear
reduction talks, among other phenomena, evidences this social change. Also internally in the
USSR, policies such as Glasnost and Perestroika changed social dynamics in Russia to
allow for more freedom to voice criticisms of the government.
12. Is the international system likely to be more peaceful or more conflictual than
1989-2001? Briefly, why? (Lais) - correct answer-The international system has changed a lot
since the Cold War years, the post war decade came with a wide range of economical
treaties being signed and various news countries shaping the new layout for the international
