Globalisation is one of the most debated topics of our times and is said to transform the economic and social spheres around the globe in a drastic manner. However, globalisation is a highly complex concept and not easily graspable. There are two extreme points of view regarding the phenomenon of globalisation. One, termed ‘Hyperglobalist’ claims that the world is becoming inevitably borderless and that truly global companies are the primary actors in this globalised world; states are only required to provide basic infrastructure and public goods needed by the companies (See Ohmae: “The Borderless World”). A second extreme point of view, referred to as ‘Sceptical’, maintains that states are still the main actors in the global political economy and that the worldwide economic integration of today is not unprecedented in history (See Hirst and Thompson: “Globalization in Question”).
It will be the task of this work to thoroughly analyse the phenomenon of globalisation and to uncover its underlying causes and its consequences for states, companies and societies around the world. One of the essential questions to answer will be, whether globalisation is a ‘natural’ phenomenon connected to advancements in technology or a project driven by certain actors, namely the ‘Lockean heartland’ (primarily the United States and Great Britain). The introduction and analysis of the Lockean state/society complex will be vital in this respect.
In the first chapter, earlier forms of globalisation in history will be examined and embryonic forces that enabled future globalisation will be exposed. Following is a chapter about the changes in the global political economy since the end of the Second World War; various decisions and processes will be analysed that shaped the world in which we life today to a large extent.
Subsequently in the third chapter, the process of globalisation itself will be examined on both theoretical and practical levels in order to understand what brought it about and what will be its consequences. This is preceded by the addressing of the ‘agent-structure debate’ and its role in understanding globalisation. Finally the phenomenon of globalisation will be linked with the state/society complex of the ‘Lockean heartland’, which will provide new insights into globalisation, its causes and possibly even some about its future.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Globalisation in history
II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII
III. Understanding globalisation:
1. The agent-structure debate
2. Underlying forces that enabled globalisation
3. Effects of globalisation
4. Globalisation and the ‘Lockean heartland’
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This dissertation examines the phenomenon of globalisation, exploring its complex origins, driving forces, and consequences for global states and societies. The central research objective is to determine whether globalisation is a natural technological progression or a specific project driven by the "Lockean heartland" and its associated state/society complex.
- Historical evolution of globalisation from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
- Structural transformations in the global political economy post-World War II.
- Theoretical analysis of the agent-structure debate and forces enabling globalisation.
- The role of the "Lockean heartland" in promoting neo-liberal values and marketisation.
- Critical assessment of the impact of financialisation, digitisation, and the rise of multinational corporations.
Excerpt from the Book
III.4. Globalisation and the ‘Lockean heartland’
Therefore it is necessary at this point to analyse these two countries in detail and to find out which factors lead them to behave the way they did. Crucial in this respect is the introduction of the concept of the ‘Lockean heartland’ coined by Kees van der Pijl. The main characteristic of the ‘Lockean’ state/society complex is that in general the role of the state is subordinated to civil society (the bourgeoisie); the important things the state has to provide are stability and the enforcement of property rights and contracts, which are essential to the free pursuit of business. The civil society, lead by a transnational ruling class closely affiliated with capital, lays emphasis on the free pursuit of capital interests over the interests of the collective. The ‘Lockean’ state/society complex emerged in the 17th century in England and established itself by the end of the century. Van der Pijl writes: ‘The Glorious Revolution of 1688 sealed the series of transformations by which the vestiges of royal absolutism and feudal forms of social protection in England had been torn down.’ The two main results of the Glorious Revolution were the constitutional limitation of state power and the protection of the genuinely ‘private’ – implementing the influence of the civil society over the state.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter defines globalisation as a complex phenomenon and introduces the research question regarding the role of the "Lockean heartland" in shaping its trajectory.
I. Globalisation in history: This chapter traces the early origins of trade integration, from medieval merchant networks to the embryonic capitalism of 16th-century England.
II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII: This chapter analyzes the post-war liberal economic framework, the Bretton Woods system, and the subsequent move towards deregulation and neo-liberalism.
III. Understanding globalisation: This chapter explores the theoretical underpinnings of global change, focusing on the agent-structure debate, the forces of rationalism and capitalism, and the emergence of the "Lockean heartland" as a global power structure.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes findings, arguing that contemporary globalisation reflects a "triumph" of the Lockean model, while noting its inherent risks regarding socio-economic inequality and ecological sustainability.
Keywords
Globalisation, Lockean heartland, Global Political Economy, Neo-liberalism, Capitalism, Transnational Capitalist Class, Bretton Woods, Financialisation, Multinational Corporations, Consumerism, State/Society complex, Marketisation, Deregulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The work explores the phenomenon of globalisation, investigating its complex historical origins, driving forces, and its profound impacts on the modern global political economy.
What are the primary themes discussed in the dissertation?
The dissertation covers historical trade development, the evolution of the global financial system post-WWII, the rise of multinational corporations, and the influence of the "Lockean" state/society model on global policy.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to determine if globalisation is a "natural" result of technological advancement or a project intentionally driven by specific actors, namely the "Lockean heartland."
Which methodology is applied in this research?
The work employs a theoretical and empirical analysis of sociohistorical developments, adopting the "structuration postulate" to explain how agent choices and structural dispositions mutually constitute social outcomes.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the history of globalisation, the shift towards a neo-liberal financial order, the factors enabling globalisation (rationalism, capitalism, technology, regulation), and the expansion of Lockean values.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Globalisation, Lockean heartland, Neo-liberalism, Capitalism, Transnational Capitalist Class, and Marketisation.
What does the "Lockean heartland" represent in this context?
It refers to a state/society complex where civil society—dominated by the bourgeoisie—is prioritized over the state, focusing on the protection of private property and the free pursuit of capitalist interests.
How does the author explain the shift in authority from states to private actors?
The author argues that deregulation, the liberalisation of financial markets, and the rise of multinational corporations have undermined the state's capacity to regulate, effectively shifting power to private financial actors and transnational entities.
- Quote paper
- MA Internationale Beziehungen Jan Fichtner (Author), 2004, Does globalisation represent a triumph of the 'Lockean Heartland'?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33969
