Ir Session 1 and 2 Part 1

Initially there was only one paradigm to study the world affairs i.
e,
“International paradigm”. So, if we succeed in understanding the factors that
influence the way a state interacts with other states, we can then understand world
politics.
But, in 1980s new “globalization” paradigm has also become prominent in
understanding global politics. Neither the states have lost their importance, nor can
we say that globalization has no role to play in global politics. The states are now
interconnected.
This chapter explores the difference between critical and mainstream
perspective on global politics.
FROM “THE INTERNATIONAL” TO “GLOBAL”
Four dimensions of global politics: Regional, International, Subnational,
worldwide.
The international and global paradigm are not rival, rather complement one
another.
Although the states are involved in the phenomenon of global
interdependence, but still remain the main key actors in the global politics.
Only the international paradigm is now insufficient to understand the global
politics. The most significant changes have been:
• The emergence of new global actors
• The rise of global governance
• The erosion of domestic or international divide
• The growth of inter-dependence and inter-connectedness
The Westphalian State System
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) ended the 30 years long period of war in
central Europe. It laid the foundation of the modern state system of the Europe.
The peace treaty was based on two principles:
1- State enjoys sovereign jurisdiction in its territory (no other group,
organization with in the state is superior to the state)
2- Relations among the states are structured by the acceptance of sovereign
states of all states (all sates are equal).
Cooperation and conflicts are two forms of interaction between the states.
The Billiard Ball Model
It says that the pattern of cooperation and conflict between the states is
directed by the distribution of power in the states.
As all balls are not equal, similar is the situation with the states. Although all
the states are considered equal, but in reality, they are not. One state might
be more powerful, and practice dominance over the weaker sates.
The Cobweb Model
On the other hand, the globalization provides with inter-connectedness and
inter-dependence of the states, therefore leading to a cobweb structure of the
world states. This model claims cooperation between the states to be
mandatory.
Whereas, we still see coercion going on in world, thus validating both models.
Interdependence does not always lead to cooperation. Sometimes, it can also lead
to conflict due to asymmetrical interdependence (use of power to influence
weaker).
From Domestic/International divide to Transnationalism
If we use “international perspective” to study the politics, then the politics has
spatial and temporal characters. The domestic and international spheres are
separated. The sate regulates the domestic politics and maintains law and order.
While, in the international politics, there is no such central body governing the
world politics. Therefore, there is a hard shell diving the domestic politics(inside)
from the international sphere (outside0.
However, the globalization has made this shell porous due to interdependence and
trades. The event occurring outside are also affecting inside of the state. This is
transnationalism. The media, global market recession etc., on which the state ahs
minimum or no control.
Environmental issues and human rights are becoming prominent issues in the
global politics and one state cannot deal with these issues.
However, it can’t be said that the borders are now useless. Rather their importance
has increased (homeland security after 9/11).
From International Anarchy to Global Governance

The implication of using the “International” approach is that it states that world
operates in the state of anarchy (there is no higher power above the states).
Therefore, the states are to rely on self-help against any danger to its sovereignty.
This danger can only be mitigated by balance of power, so the state with bad
intension doesn’t attack. This balance of power can be achieved either by
diplomacy or by coincidence of equal power.
However, this idea of global anarchy has become vague by the emergence of
global governance; especially after 1945. The global institutions like UN, IMF,
WTO are playing their part in global governance. Their governance is rationalized
by the emergence of collective dilemmas like environment, mass destruction
weapons, human rights etc.
Globalization and its Implications
Globalization is difficult to define. Although, it is clear that it roots to the idea of
inter-connectedness. Therefore, it is defined as “the widening, intensifying,
speeding-up and the growing impact of world-wide interconnectedness.”
The interconnectedness that globalization has caused has many dimensions, of
which three are as follows
• Economic Globalization: the individual economies are ow turned into a
single global economy
• Cultural globalization: the images, info and commodities in one part of
world have crossed borders and flattened the cultural differences.
• Political Globalization: the policy making responsibility is now lifted from
national policy makers, and lies upon global institutions like UN etc.
Globalization Myth or Reality?
No sooner the world seemed to believe that the globalization is changing
everything than it became fashionable to proclaim end of globalization,
Following are the three positions regarding the globalization:
1- The Hyperglobalists
2- The Sceptics
3- The Transformationalists
The Hyperglobalists:
They are pro globalization and claim that globalization has been intensifying
since 1980s. they emphasize the digital development, the invent of global financial
system. They claim that the national economic strategies and the borders are
useless. And the forces directed towards global single economy have become
irresistible.
However, it overstates the extent to which the policy makers are dominated
by the “irresistible” economic and technological forces, underestimating the
importance of beliefs, perception and values and ideological orientations. Also, the
perception of end of sovereignty and twilight of the nation states, are also among
the myths of the globalization.

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Initially there was only one paradigm to study the world affairs i.

From International Anarchy to Global Governance

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