Concept of Globalism

The concept of Globalism generally refers to the collective awareness of the world as a shared social space. It entails the dismantling of the barriers to the free flow of resources (human, economic, and intellectual). Thus, Globalism is expressed through the worldwide diffusion of the very idea of ‘Globalisation’ itself.

GLOBALISM IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Being associated with significant changes and transformation in the world politics, the phenomenon of Globalism must be analysed in context of International Relations.
As the concept (Globalism) gains roots and relevance, the traditional distinction between domestic and international affairs begin to disappear. The International Relations today begin to affect the domestic scenario as much as a domestic scenario can have their implications on the International Relations of the country.
For example a genuine visit of Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia tends to build a trust between domestic Muslim Population and the government. While on the other hand, regional atrocities on minorities (ex Sri Lanka) can invite international criticism and sanctions.
Thus it becomes evident that the perception of the world as a shared social space is being used to steer the International Relations and vice-versa.
Even the multidimensionality of the Globalism can be visualised analogically in dimensions of IR. The phenomenon of Globalism transcends itself to the Economic, Military/Strategic, Legal, Ecological, and Socio-Cultural aspects which are in consonance with the aspects of IR.
THE DIMENSIONS:
Globalism to varying degrees is evident in the principle sectors of social interaction such as:

1) Economic: Trade has been the pivot to the international relations since time immemorial, be it the silk route trade in ancient times or the maritime silk route in contemporary era. The phenomenon of Globalism seeks to harness (or exploit) this aspect by dismantling the transnational barriers to the trade and generate a shared space for the economic prosperity to all. Organisations like WTO that regulate the trade barriers are the manifestation to this aspect. However, it must also be noted that sharing of space leads to conflicts as well and therefore economic domination of ‘North’ over ‘South’, strategies like ‘String of Pearls’ and concepts like neo-colonialism are often considered as the outcome of Economic Globalism.

2) Strategic/Military: Like trade, the military alliances have also been an integral part of International Relations. In fact it has been a phenomenon even before the time when the concept of Nation-States had gained prominence. Subsequent to the formation of Nation- states Globalism has sought to generate a space for military cooperation among nations so as to enhance their capabilities in dealing with the perceived threats.
This has led to cooperation as well as various conflicts. While on one hand growing military alliances raised apprehensions that culminated into the world wars, on the other hand strategic partnerships in contemporary times have enhanced the global solidarity among the nations so as to be prepared for any upcoming threat.

3) Legal: Relatively new dimension, the legal aspect of globalism entails expansion of transnational and international law from trade to human rights along with the creation of new world legal institutions such as International Criminal Court etc. Mutual respect for the legal institutions of each other steers the relation between the nations. The insurance of human rights round the globe depicts the cooperation while, the trespassing of certain laws such as IPR issues of WTO, UNCLOS violations in South China Sea etc depict conflicts regarding the same.

4) Ecological: World as being a shared social space entails a shared ecology which involves shared environmental problems, from climate change, to bio-diversity conservation, alongside the creation of multilateral responses and regimes of global environment governance. By virtue of Globalism, there has been rise in international cooperation to deal with ecological issues but simultaneously, various conflicts have also emerged (ex Historical Responsibility, Common But Differential Responsibilities etc)

5) Socio-Cultural: The most important factor that testifies the process of globalisation and the ideology of globalism is the fusion of culture. It is by virtue of this aspect that soft tactics have emerged to establish hegemony (regional and Global) rather than resorting to international bullying. Indian Cuisine restaurants, Influence of Sikhism, popularity of Yoga in Western Nations on one hand and popularity of western music and entertainment in Asia on the other hand are some elements that testify the cultural exchange among the nations. While such exchange has enhanced the global solidarity significantly, at the same time, there may be certain cultural elements of a foreign nation which may not be socially acceptable domestically. The example of Cultural gap between Islamic Refugees and European Society and the subsequent conflicts therein may be quoted as an example here.

TO SUM UP:
Thus, these dimensions depict the Globalism as being the central theme to the new emerging World Order. It not only justifies the ideals of cooperation among nations but also puts forward the underlying causes of various transnational conflicts, thereby emphasising on Antagonistic aspect of International Relations. Anything which is shared demands not only the cooperation but leads to conflicts as well, as a result of which, the moderation of transnational barriers will not only be the harbinger of desired cooperation (Ex Economic Avenues) but undesirable conflicts as well (Terrorism, Radicalisation etc). And it would therefore be the compromise between the two outcomes that would ultimately steer the International Relations.
 

By: Chandan Sharma