What is the relation between politics and globalization? Wu Wenhao

                                                                                                             Name：Wu Wenhao 
                                                                                                                                    Hanyang ID: 2021080464

1. Summary of the Reading

I think Gerard Delanty and Chris Rumford’s "Political Globalization" provides a detailed look at how globalization is reshaping political power, governance, and identity. They argue that political globalization isn’t just about international relations; it also influences domestic politics, civil society, and global institutions. I think their key point is that globalization challenges state sovereignty and creates new forms of political organization and governance at both regional and global levels. For instance, the text highlights the increasing power of transnational organizations and non-state actors in areas traditionally dominated by governments.

One of the main arguments in the text is that political globalization is not a one-way process. Instead, it’s a dynamic and contested phenomenon where global forces and local responses interact in complex ways. I think this approach helps explain why globalization sometimes leads to integration and collaboration but can also spark resistance and conflict. The authors emphasize that political globalization changes not only how power is exercised but also how people and states perceive their roles in the global system.

In terms of political institutions, I think the text makes an important point about how globalization is challenging traditional governance structures. For example, global problems like climate change and pandemics require coordinated efforts that go beyond national borders. At the same time, I think the authors are right to note that some states use globalization strategically, leveraging international institutions to enhance their own power and influence.

2. What is the Relation Between Politics and Globalization?

I think the relationship between politics and globalization is central to understanding the modern world. Globalization influences politics by expanding the scope of governance, introducing new actors, and changing the priorities of political systems. For example, globalization has blurred the boundaries between domestic and international politics. Issues like climate change, migration, and cybersecurity cannot be addressed by any single nation and require global cooperation. This means politics now involves not only states but also international organizations, multinational corporations, and even individuals who engage in transnational activism.

At the same time, I think politics shapes how globalization unfolds. Political decisions determine the rules and institutions that govern global interactions. For instance, trade agreements, international laws, and treaties reflect political choices that influence how countries engage with each other. I also think political ideologies play a role in shaping public attitudes toward globalization. For example, populist movements often criticize globalization for undermining national sovereignty and economic security, which influences how governments approach global issues.

Another key point I learned is that globalization can both empower and constrain political actors. On the one hand, I think globalization gives states access to new resources and networks. On the other hand, it also creates dependencies and vulnerabilities. For example, economic globalization ties countries together, but it also means that crises in one region can quickly spread to others. I think this dual nature of globalization makes the relationship between politics and globalization both complex and important to study.

3. New, Interesting, or Unusual Insights

I think one of the most interesting ideas in the reading is how globalization changes identity politics. The authors argue that political globalization isn’t just about institutions; it’s also about how people see themselves and their roles in the world. For instance, I think the rise of transnational movements, such as those advocating for environmental or human rights issues, shows how globalization creates new spaces for political engagement. These movements often challenge traditional political structures, which I think highlights the transformative power of globalization.

Another insight I found compelling is the concept of "glocalization," which I think is a helpful way to understand the interaction between global and local forces. Instead of erasing local traditions, globalization often reshapes them in ways that reflect both local and global influences. For example, the spread of democracy as a political ideal often takes different forms depending on the cultural and historical context of each region. I think this idea shows that globalization is not a uniform process but one that adapts to different circumstances.

I also think the authors’ argument about state power is worth noting. Many people assume that globalization weakens states, but the text argues that states often adapt and find new ways to exercise power. For example, I think the way some states use international institutions to advance their own agendas demonstrates that globalization doesn’t eliminate state power—it just changes how it’s used.

4. Question or Discussion Angle

I think one area that could have been explored more is the role of digital technology in political globalization. While the text briefly mentions communication technologies, I think it misses how platforms like social media create new spaces for political activity. For example, I think digital platforms have played a major role in organizing global movements like #MeToo or Black Lives Matter, which transcend national borders. Digital networks have transformed how political movements emerge and spread, making them a crucial part of modern globalization.

（ Castells, M. (2012). Networks of Outrage and Hope: Social Movements in the Internet Age. Polity Press.）

Another question I have is about the unequal impacts of globalization. I think the authors could have discussed more how smaller or less developed countries often struggle to benefit from global governance structures. For example, global trade agreements often favor wealthier nations, which I think raises questions about how inclusive these systems really are. I also wonder how international organizations can address these inequalities without reinforcing existing power imbalances.

Finally, I think the text could have elaborated on how globalization affects authoritarian regimes. While much of the discussion focuses on democratic states, I think it would be interesting to explore how globalization challenges or reinforces authoritarian governments. For example, I think access to global markets and technology can sometimes strengthen authoritarian regimes by giving them more resources to maintain control.

5. Suggestions for Future Students

I think this reading is both relevant and thought-provoking, especially for understanding how politics operates in a globalized world. Future students should read it because it offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing global political changes. However, I think it’s also important to pair this reading with additional material on digital technology and economic inequality to get a fuller picture of political globalization.