Question

One major theme has been the interaction between globalizing/cosmopolitan forces on one hand, and isolationist, nationalist, or localizing forces in the world (e.g., Jihad and McWorld). What are some examples of each of these forces? Can these two forces be accommodated within a democratic framework? If so, how?

Answer 1

globalization has been defined as the "acceleration and intensification of economic interaction among the people, companies, and governments of different nations."

The forces that have long claimed the world was divided into two areas of influence: commerce and government.Now organizations representing the cultural sphere—the environment, species preservation, rural life, health, food and cuisine, religion, human rights, the family, women's issues, ethnic heritage, the arts and other quality-of-life issues—are pounding on the doors at world economic and political forums and demanding a place at the table. They mark the birth of a modern "civil-society politics" and an alternative to globalization-pushing forces.

One of the key worries regarding the current globalization of society that is expected to take place is that it not only contributes to a homogenization of world culture but also reflects the "Americanization" of world cultures in large part. The expansion of American corporations worldwide has various consequences for local communities, some very obvious and others more subtle.

Common example can be seen with the worldwide influence of McDonald'd and Starbucks.Principles of fastfood restaurant are beginning to influence more and more areas of American society as well as in the rest of the world.  McDonalds has grown to more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide over the last 50 years.

Starbucks coffee disrupting the traditional coffee culture in Italy. This sometimes leads to negative reactions, such as in the case of the Starbucks coffeehouse in the Forbidden City in central Beijing. This particular Starbucks branch, which opened in 2000, was shut down in 2007 due to heavy protests. Critics called it a stain on China’s historical legacy.

About every country in the world has had to deal with multiculturalism due to the growing levels of diversity and displacement brought on by globalisation. Despite the issues of race and ethnicity, many people around the world look at the United States as an example of how to encourage unity and acceptance amongst diverse communities within a common community.

International policy actions in the modern world are often influenced by tv photos that are broadcast around the globe by satellites and show drought or war in other countries. Globalization makes it possible for a newscaster to humanize an incident abroad.

Seeing pictures on television of hungry children and other human suffering produces a far more strong emotional response in an person than reading in a newspaper that 100,000 people have died as a result of a natural disaster abroad.

Globalization leads to consequences beyond merely increasing people's consciousness and compassion for other nations and activities. There's even a convergence of principles on topics like civil rights, equality, and also on very common issues like environmental issues.

In pledging loyalty to conventional "Asian ideals," East Asian nations have boldly declared an antidote to the Western cultural paradigm.Asian values are traditionally defined as embodying the Confucian principles of authority loyalty, hard work, thrift, and the belief that the society is more important than the citizen. This is said to blend economic, social and cultural rights with political rights.

Some analysts have cited Asian ideals as leading to the impressive economic success of a number of East Asian countries. This is also implied that in the face of utilitarian modernity, loose values and globalisation, Asians have been able to preserve and cultivate their practices.

Globalization is pushing up the fears of certain people about the influx of Western ideals in Islamic countries.
The Shah of Iran aimed for accelerated reform in the 1960s and 70s — regardless of conservative Muslim opinion. His proposal called for land reform aimed at benefiting the vulnerable, broadening women's voting rights and promoting political party formation. His plan, along with other social and economic changes, led to increased resentment and hostility toward the Shah. The reform efforts were rightly or wrongly representative of what was wrong with Iranian culture.

On September 11, 2001, the aforementioned clash between Western ideals and Islamic society hit an all-time peak with the terrorist attack on the New York City World Trade Centre. The incident broadened the divide between communities, exemplified by anti-American uprisings in many Islamic nations, or the post-9-11 'anti-Muslim reaction' in the US.

Efforts to defend local identity from globalization's homogenizing consequences are also mixed with certain motivations, often dubious, including commercial protectionism and the political suppressing of ideas.As the scope of culture can include virtually any human activity by itself, it is also difficult to draw boundaries about what are valid cultural practices deserving of special protective measures.

As a result, more elected officials and civic members are gradually feeling the need to establish a more comprehensive approach to addressing these important issues. The International Network on Cultural Policy (INCP) is an informal association of governments already formed to seek to find alternatives to cultural problems. Its goals include: to establish an strategic approach to cultural issues , protecting cultures endangered by globalization, and raising awareness of the importance of culture