Political Globalisation: Definition, Implications, and Limits

Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of political globalisation, shedding light on its definition, far-reaching implications, and inherent limitations. Globalisation, often defined as the interconnected mechanisms fostering a shift in human organization across continents and regions, has sparked extensive debate in both popular discourse and academic literature. The paper contends that existing definitions of globalisation often result in circular arguments, prompting the introduction of the concept of "globality" to capture the intricate web of global economic, political, cultural, and environmental interconnections that render traditional borders and boundaries obsolete.

A central focus of this paper is the juxtaposition of political globalisation against the backdrop of the nation-state. It challenges established notions of sovereignty and fundamental concepts associated with nation-states. The implications of political globalisation are far-reaching, particularly evident in the rise of supraterritorial institutions driven by common norms and interests. These institutions encompass a wide array of entities, including Non-Governmental Organizations, transnational corporations, security alliances, and trade coalitions, among others. Notable examples include the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, African Union, Amnesty International, and the International Criminal Court. These entities exert increasing influence, shaping global governance and contributing to the evolving landscape of international relations.

Political globalisation also raises significant concerns regarding the conditional nature of nation-state sovereignty, exemplified by initiatives such as the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. The paper discusses instances like the NATO intervention in Kosovo and the invasion of Iraq, showcasing how these actions, though not universally sanctioned, were deemed morally justifiable by Western allies. Moreover, regional organizations like the European Union and the African Union have gained substantial legislative and political power, impacting the economic and political landscapes of their respective regions.

Despite its far-reaching impact, political globalisation faces limitations. International organizations often lack the enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure compliance by nation-states, relying on goodwill for implementation. Moreover, political globalisation sometimes engages in abstract idealism that fails to address current political realities, as exemplified by the disconnect between Pan-Africanist visions and the prevalence of coups in Africa. Additionally, the paper argues that the cultural feasibility of cosmopolitan global democracy is often confined to Western capitalist systems, leading to the rise of opposition and resistance, manifested through the election of nationalist leaders and the formation of counter-Western alliances such as the BRICS.

Keywords: Global Communication, Political Globalisation, International Communication, Globalisation, Nation States, Superteritorrial Institutions