What is the relation between politics and globalization? - Jo YeSeul

 

1. Summary

Politics and globalization are more closely connected than ever, and this relationship continues to grow stronger. In the early stages of globalization, most attention was focused on economic benefits such as free trade and the movement of goods and ideas across borders. Political factors existed, but they were often seen as secondary. Today, however, politics plays a central role in shaping how globalization develops. Governments increasingly place national security, technology control, and supply chain stability at the center of their decisions.

Globalization has not weakened politics but has changed how political power operates. As Delanty and Rumford explain, political globalization redistributes power across multiple levels. Global norms such as democracy, human rights, and environmental protection have become more influential, while political actors now include not only states but also NGOs, international organizations, and networks. In this sense, politics actively structures globalization by setting rules, regulating global flows, and redefining authority beyond national borders.

2. New and Interesting Points

One thing I learned is that global connection can also create new political risks. I used to think globalization mainly encouraged cooperation, but I now realize that control over key technologies or supply chains can be used as political leverage. Competition today is not only about economic efficiency but about who controls critical resources such as data, energy, or semiconductors.

I was also interested in the growing political role of non-state actors, especially big tech companies and civil society networks. Global platforms influence communication, information, and public opinion across borders, which sometimes gives them power similar to political actors. At the same time, NGOs and international organizations shape global agendas through networks rather than territory. This shift from territorial politics to network-based power shows how political globalization is expanding beyond the traditional state-centered model.

3. Concerns and Discussion Questions

A concern I have is how states should balance security and freedom in a globalized world. Governments often justify regulating technology or blocking platforms as a way to protect citizens, but excessive control can limit communication, innovation, and individual rights such as privacy and free expression. This raises questions about how much political control over globalization is appropriate.

I would like to discuss whether a fair balance between the state and civil society is possible. Political globalization shows that power is no longer held only by governments, yet the state still plays a crucial role in accountability and protection. When dealing with global issues like digital governance or climate change, how should responsibility be shared among states, international institutions, and civil society without creating new inequalities or risks?


I used AI only when I had difficulties with translation and for minor sentence refinement. The ideas, structure, and analysis in this blog post are based on my own understanding of the course materials.

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