GLOBALIZATION October 16 th Globalization l What is

GLOBALIZATION October 16 th

Globalization l What is it? l What causes it? l What are its effects? l How is it similar to/distinct from Americanization?

Globalization: Various Strands. . l economic integration l l l political integration l l foreign investment trade macroeconomic policy labour market integration integrated production processes EU, NAFTA WTO, OECD, IMF NORAD, NATO, UN cultural integration l cultural homogenization

Globalization: Causes technology l interlinkages between strands l – economic integration creates incentives to create cultural integration l Coca-Colonization – cultural integration creates demand for economic integration l political l l globalization as a “political project” expand the scope of markets

Globalization: Effects l Retribalization vs. Mc. World l power of the state – up, down and out l power of various groups in society polarization l additional power resources for some marginalized groups l

Americanization and Globalization. . . l distinction l similarities (from a Canadian perspective) – Americanization is similar to globalization l similar constraints on public policy/role of government – globalization is similar to Americanization globalized culture is heavily American l “race to the bottom” l

Americanization and Globalization. . . l distinction l similarities (from a Canadian perspective) l different implications asymmetry of continental integration (overemphasizing globalization) l cultural paranoia (overemphasizing Americanization) l

Americanization/Globalization and the Canadian Political Context l Canada cannot make decisions as if it exists in isolation l effects of globalization/Americanization – direct effects – symbolic effects l these processes may have major effects simply because Canadian policy-makers and public believe they are having these effects l central elements of the political landscape