Why is globalisation a contentious term?

The notion of globalisation, or increasing interconnectivity, is, broadly speaking, the idea that the international order has become more interdependent in a range of areas pertaining to economic, social, and cultural interdependence. Foreseen by Karl Marx in his ground-breaking work Das Kapital in the early twentieth century, globalisation became more pronounced with the onset of the liberal international order and the promotion, in the 1990s, of more aggressive neoliberalist economic policies. In light of such a promotion, which has been continuous since the 1990s and the onset of a more unipolar global order, there has likewise been critics questioning the efficacy of the ideas underpinning globalisation. Critics of globalisation have surfaced in both countries driving the process (such as in the U.S. through the World Trade Organisation Protests in Seattle in 1999), and those countries that have been most ardently shaped by it (such as in Mexico through strong remonstrations from anti-globalisation groups such as the Zapatista Army of National Liberation). Given the emergence of a wave of dissenters against globalisation, this essay seeks to impart nuance to the debate by determining the extent to which globalisation is a contentious concept. In that, this essay defines contentious in this context as meaning whether the intended implications of globalisation – increased interdependence and the decline of economic disparity - have been universally realised. Thematically, this essay will first proceed by briefly surveying arguments suggesting globalisation is not a controversial idea before both exploring the arguments problematising globalisation and offering my own thoughts.

PLAN

Introduction - Introducing the debate/topic

Briefly explore the counter argument - i.e. arguments pertaining to the idea that globalisation is not contentious

Explain how this argument has been rebuked and why globalisation is now seen as a contentious concept - the imblance of trickle-down benefits; the politics of globalisation; and, identity issues re state sovereignty. 

Conclusion - Summarise the debate; offer own thoughts regarding the arguments put forward in the body of the essay.