PowerPoint Presentation

Political Dimension of Globalization

Introduction

• Political Globalization: Expansion of political interrelations across the world.

• Key issues: state sovereignty, intergovernmental organizations, global governance, migration.

Evolution of the Nation-State

• 14 Points of National Self-Determination:

o Woodrow Wilson’s vision for national identity in sovereign states.

o Difficult to enforce → Led to WWII.

• Nation-State & Identity:

o "Us vs. Them" mentality fosters national loyalty but also exclusion.

o Rise of patriotism, nationalism, and demonization of outsiders.

United Nations & Political Interdependence

• League of Nations (Wilson’s idea) → United Nations (1945).

• Supranational organizations (UN, WTO, IMF) shape governance.

• 1970s-1990s: Globalization weakens traditional sovereignty.

Hyperglobalists vs. Skeptics

• Hyperglobalists:

o Nation-states are powerless against global capitalism.

o Politics is secondary to economics.

o “Borderless world” – power in global networks, not territorial states.

• Skeptics:

o Politics remains central in shaping globalization.

o Governments still control migration, foreign policy, and security.

Political Globalization & Migration

• Rising Global Migration:

o 258M migrants (2017), +85M since 2000.

o Governments impose restrictions, especially on the Global South.

 • Syrian Refugee Crisis (2010s):

o Civil war → 5M refugees, 6M internally displaced.

o Germany (Merkel): Took in 1M refugees (2015).

o Brexit (2016): Anti-immigration sentiment used in the campaign.

• National Security Concerns:

o Migration linked to terrorism risks (ISIL attacks: Manchester 2017, Sri Lanka 2019).

o Security Dilemma: Balancing humanitarian aid and national security.

Challenges to the Nation-State

• Global Issues Blur Domestic & Foreign Policies:

o Cybercrime, pandemics, climate change require global cooperation.

• Rise of Supranational Institutions:

o UN, WTO, IMF influence national policies.

o WHO led COVID-19 & Ebola responses.

• Regional Blocs (EU, ASEAN, APEC):

o EU integration (1950s-2000s) vs. Brexit (2016).

Global Governance & Democracy

• Shift from National to Transnational Power Centers:

o International NGOs (MSF, Greenpeace) challenge state policies.

o Doctors Without Borders led Ebola response.

• Cosmopolitan Democracy (David Held):

o Future global governance model:

1. Global Parliament connected to regions & localities.

2. Charter of rights & duties across all political levels.

3. Political-economic separation.

4. Integrated global legal system.

• Criticism:

o Too idealistic; real politics remain national.

Conclusion

• Nation-states still matter but must cooperate internationally.

 • Political globalization is not irreversible (Brexit, national populism).

• The future: Balance between global governance and national interests.

Presenter 1: Introduction & Evolution of Political Globalization

(Attention-Capturing Introduction)
"Imagine waking up one day to find that your country’s policies are no longer decided solely by its government
but are influenced by foreign leaders, international organizations, and even multinational corporations. Sounds
extreme? Well, this is the reality of political globalization. Nations are no longer isolated entities; instead, they
are part of a complex global web of political influence and governance. But how did we get here? Let’s take a
journey through history and explore the evolution of political globalization."

(Definition of Political Globalization)

"Political globalization refers to the increasing interconnection of political institutions, decision-making
processes, and governance structures across national borders. It involves the expansion of international
organizations, global treaties, and policies that transcend individual nation-states. But political globalization is
not without its challenges—issues like state sovereignty, global governance, and political interdependence
shape the global landscape."

(14 Points of National Self-Determination & The Nation-State System)

"A major historical milestone that shaped modern political globalization was U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s
‘Fourteen Points’ speech in 1918. It emphasized the principle of national self-determination—the idea that
nations have the right to govern themselves. While this principle helped redraw global maps, it also reinforced
the idea of a ‘common us’ versus ‘foreign them’ mentality, which has continued to shape international
relations."

(The Founding of the United Nations & Political Evolution)

"Fast forward to the 20th century, where we see the birth of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. The UN was
formed to prevent future global conflicts after the devastation of World War II. But as globalization
accelerated, new political challenges emerged. In the 1970s and 1980s, increased economic interdependence
made it harder for nations to maintain absolute sovereignty. By the 1990s, we witnessed a radical shift—the
deterritorialization of politics, where national borders mattered less, and global cooperation became
essential."

Presenter 2: The Debate on Political Globalization

(Opening Statement)
"As nations become more interconnected, one big question arises—does globalization weaken or strengthen
the power of the nation-state? Political scientists and world leaders are divided on this issue. On one side, we
have hyperglobalists who argue that nation-states are losing power to global institutions. On the other,
skeptics believe that despite globalization, politics remains at the heart of decision-making. Let’s dive into this
debate."

(Hyperglobalists vs. Skeptics: The Nation-State Debate)

"Hyperglobalists argue that globalization has made national governments nearly powerless. They believe that
multinational corporations, international organizations, and economic forces have eroded the control of
nation-states. However, skeptics counter this by saying that politics still plays a critical role in shaping
globalization. Governments control key aspects such as education, infrastructure, and foreign policies, ensuring
that politics remains a central force."

(The Demise of the Nation-State?)

"One of the strongest arguments from hyperglobalists is that financial and economic globalization have
surpassed political control. Take the Panama Papers scandal in 2016, for example. It revealed how the world’s
elite and corporations used offshore tax havens, evading government regulations. This illustrates how global
financial networks sometimes operate outside state control, challenging the traditional role of governments."

(Shifting Authority: National vs. Supranational Institutions)

"We also see a shift in authority from national governments to supranational organizations like the United
Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These institutions
influence national policies, sometimes overriding domestic decisions. At the same time, a counterforce is
rising—nationalist movements that seek to reclaim sovereignty and resist globalization. Brexit, for example,
was fueled by concerns over immigration, economic policies, and national independence."

(Conclusion & Transition to Presenter 3)

"So, where does this leave us? Is globalization eroding the power of nations, or is politics still in control? The
debate continues. But one thing is certain—political globalization has reshaped how nations interact, govern,
and influence each other. Up next, we’ll explore a key aspect of this transformation: global migration and its
impact on national and international policies."

Presenter 3

Governments’ Continued Influence on Globalization

Despite increasing global interconnectedness, national governments maintain control over key aspects of
globalization. They regulate education systems, develop infrastructure, and establish foreign policies that
determine how their nations engage with the world. Government policies dictate who can enter a country,
how resources are distributed, and how international trade agreements are shaped. This influence remains a
defining factor in how globalization unfolds.

Global Migration Trends

Migration is one of the most visible effects of globalization. In 2017, an estimated 258 million people—3.4% of
the world’s population—were classified as international migrants. While globalization has facilitated
movement, many wealthier nations have imposed strict migration policies, particularly targeting migrants from
the Global South. These restrictions highlight the tension between economic globalization, which often
requires labor mobility, and political decisions that prioritize national interests.

Case Study: The Syrian Refugee Crisis

One of the most defining migration crises of the 21st century was the Syrian refugee crisis. Due to war and
political instability, millions of Syrians were displaced in the 2010s, seeking asylum in neighboring countries
and beyond. Under Chancellor Angela Merkel’s leadership, Germany accepted nearly 1 million refugees,
demonstrating a humanitarian approach to migration. However, not all European nations shared this stance.
The Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement across EU borders, became a point of contention, with
some countries tightening border controls. Additionally, migration fears played a significant role in the UK’s
decision to leave the European Union, with Brexit campaigns emphasizing concerns over immigration.

Global Migration & National Security

Migration is also closely linked to national security. Terrorist attacks, such as the Manchester bombing in 2017
and the Sri Lanka bombings in 2019, intensified debates on border security and immigration policies. In
response, nations have increased intelligence-sharing and border surveillance, relying on international security
alliances to track potential threats. While security concerns are valid, the challenge remains: How can nations
balance security with humanitarian responsibilities?

Presenter 4

Blurred Boundaries Between Domestic & Foreign Policies

In today’s interconnected world, many challenges no longer stop at national borders. Cybercrime, climate
change, and economic crises are no longer just national issues—they are global problems requiring
international solutions. A cyber-attack in one country can compromise the security of businesses and
governments worldwide. Environmental disasters in one region can have ripple effects across continents. The
2008 global financial crisis, for example, began in the U.S. but sent shockwaves through economies across the
globe.

This reality forces governments to cooperate, making foreign policy an extension of domestic policy.
Agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and global trade deals highlight the necessity of working together.
However, this also raises concerns: How much sovereignty should nations give up in order to address these
global issues effectively?

Rise of Supranational Institutions

With globalization comes the increasing influence of supranational institutions—organizations that transcend
national governments and shape policies on a global scale. Institutions such as the United Nations (UN), World
Trade Organization (WTO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) create frameworks that member states
must follow, often influencing national policies and economic decisions.

One key example is the World Health Organization (WHO). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO played a
central role in coordinating global responses, advising nations, and facilitating vaccine distribution. While these
institutions promote stability and cooperation, they also face criticism. Many argue that such organizations
undermine national sovereignty, imposing regulations that may not align with a country's individual needs.

Regionalization & Political Federations

While globalization fosters international cooperation, regionalization is also gaining momentum. Countries are
forming regional organizations to strengthen economic ties, enhance security, and coordinate policies.
Examples include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), and the European Union (EU).

The EU, in particular, is a prime example of regional governance. Originally founded as an economic alliance,
the EU has evolved into a political federation with shared policies on trade, security, and human rights.
However, this integration is not without challenges. Brexit, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, marked a
significant reversal of integration, driven by concerns over national sovereignty, immigration policies, and
economic independence.

Meanwhile, former communist countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have joined the EU,
benefiting from economic growth and political stability. However, tensions remain, as some of these nations
push back against certain EU regulations that they perceive as limiting their national authority.

Presenter 5

Global-Level Political Cooperation

At the heart of global governance are institutions that facilitate cooperation between nations. Organizations
such as the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the World Trade
Organization (WTO) play crucial roles in maintaining peace, regulating international trade, and addressing
global security threats. These institutions are designed to provide a framework for collective decision-making
and conflict resolution beyond national interests.

Beyond government bodies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Doctors Without
Borders play a critical role in global governance. While states negotiate treaties, NGOs provide humanitarian
aid, medical assistance, and advocacy that often surpass governmental limitations. Their influence
demonstrates that governance is not limited to state actors—it extends to civil society and the private sector.

Case Study: Ebola Epidemic Response (2014-2019)

A clear example of political globalization in action is the response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. The
outbreak, which began in 2014, quickly became a global crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) took
charge of coordinating international efforts, while organizations like Doctors Without Borders played a
frontline role in providing medical aid.

Countries around the world, through the UN and regional bodies, mobilized resources, funding, and expertise
to contain the disease. This case study demonstrates that in a globalized world, no single country can handle
large-scale crises alone. It requires a unified, coordinated response that transcends national borders.

Future of Political Globalization: David Held’s Cosmopolitan Democracy Model

One of the most ambitious visions for global governance is David Held’s Cosmopolitan Democracy Model.
Held proposes that the future of democracy must extend beyond the nation-state and incorporate global
institutions with democratic legitimacy. His model includes the following key features:

1. A Global Parliament – A democratic institution that represents global citizens, ensuring that political
decisions reflect international interests, not just national priorities.

2. A Charter of Rights & Duties – A universal legal framework that protects human rights and outlines
global responsibilities, much like an international constitution.

3. Political-Economic Separation – A system that prevents economic interests from dominating political
decisions, ensuring fairness in global governance.

4. A Global Legal System – An enforceable structure that holds governments, corporations, and
individuals accountable beyond their national jurisdictions.

Held’s model envisions a world where sovereignty is redefined, and decision-making is based on democratic
representation on a global scale.

Criticisms & Challenges

While cosmopolitan democracy presents an idealistic future, it faces significant political and practical
challenges:

• Idealism vs. Reality – Many nations resist surrendering sovereignty to global institutions, fearing loss of
autonomy and national identity.

• Political Resistance – Nationalist movements and populist leaders push back against global governance,
arguing that it weakens domestic control over policies and economies.

• Enforcement Difficulties – Without a central governing authority, enforcing global laws and agreements
remains a complex challenge.

Despite these challenges, the trend toward greater international cooperation is undeniable. As global issues
become more complex, the need for effective governance that transcends borders grows stronger.
The world is at a turning point. The decisions we make today will not define our present but shape the political
landscape for generations to come. Political globalization is no longer a question of if but how. We live in an
era where global governance is essential for tackling challenges that no single nation can solve alone—but the
question remains: Will we use it to unite and strengthen our world, or will we allow it to deepen the divides
that already exist?