FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
COURSE CODE: POLS 203
COURSE TITLE: POLITICAL IDEAs
ASSIGNMENT
BY
GROUP “C”
QUESTIONS
Explore the multifaceted impacts of globalization on individual societies and the
international system.
GROUP MEMBERS ARE;
S/N NAME MATRICULATION NUMBER
ISTIFANUS NUMMI FRANCIS POL/23/0388
DENNIS SAVIOUR POL/23/1049
MOSHOOD MUIZ POL/23/1411
TURMAN DENIS HABILA POL/23/1525
RAMBUTNI A MORESU POL/23/0906
MARYAM AJOKE LUKMAN POL/23/0618
PATIENCE IBRAHIM DANGANA POL/23/0192
ANNABEL ANAP MOSES POL/23/0151
MAKO PRAISE POL/23/0921
AHMED MUHAMMED ADAM POL/23/0825
ABDULRAHMAN YUSUF ALIYU POL/23/1649
MATHEW MADUGU POL/23/1075
SALISU LABIRU BAKO POL/23/3070
JONATHAN JAPHATH AMINCHI POL/23/3602
JEFFERY E. TONY POL/23/3916
JANUARY, 2025
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INTRODUCTION
Political philosophy, or political theory, is the philosophical study of government,
addressing questions about the nature, scope, and legitimacy of public agents and
institutions and the relationships between them. Its topics include politics, justice, liberty,
property, rights, law, and authority: what they are, if they are needed, what makes a
government legitimate, what rights and freedoms it should protect, what form it should
take, what the law is, and what duties citizens owe to a legitimate government, if any,
and when it may be legitimately overthrown, if ever. Political theory also engages
questions of a broader scope, tackling the political nature of phenomena and categories
such as identity, culture, sexuality, race, wealth, human-nonhuman relations, ethics,
religion, and more.
Political philosophy is a branch of philosophy, but it has also played a major part in
political science, within which a strong focus has historically been placed on both the
history of political thought and contemporary political theory (from normative political
theory to various critical approaches).
TERM GLOBALIZATION
Globalization has become one of the defining forces of the 21st century, shaping
economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions across the globe. It refers to the
increasing interconnection and interdependence of nations through trade, investment,
technology, communication, and cultural exchange (Giddens, 2020). This process has led
to profound transformations, influencing individual societies and the international system
in complex and multifaceted ways. While globalization has facilitated economic growth,
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enhanced technological advancements, and promoted cultural integration, it has also
introduced significant challenges, including economic inequalities, political instability,
cultural homogenization, and environmental concerns (Stiglitz, 2021).
At the societal level, globalization has influenced labor markets, consumer behavior, and
social structures, often redefining traditional norms and values. The rapid spread of digital
technology and social media has revolutionized communication, education, and activism,
allowing individuals and communities to connect beyond national borders (Castells,
2020). However, these advancements have also exacerbated the digital divide, as many
developing nations struggle with technological access and infrastructure (Nye, 2022).
Additionally, cultural exchange has fostered global awareness and inclusivity, yet
concerns about cultural erosion and the dominance of Western ideologies persist
(Appadurai, 2020).
On an international scale, globalization has redefined power dynamics, shifting
governance structures from nation-states to global institutions such as the United
Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund (Held & McGrew,
2021). This has facilitated international cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and
climate change but has also challenged national sovereignty and fueled geopolitical
tensions (Rodrik, 2021). Furthermore, economic globalization has interconnected
financial markets, leading to rapid economic development in some regions while
widening disparities between developed and developing countries (Piketty, 2020).
The environmental impact of globalization is another critical dimension, as
industrialization and global trade have contributed to climate change, deforestation, and
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resource depletion (Sachs, 2021). While international agreements such as the Paris
Climate Accord aim to mitigate these challenges, global cooperation remains fragmented,
with varying levels of commitment from different nations.
In exploring the multifaceted impacts of globalization, it is essential to adopt a balanced
perspective that acknowledges both its benefits and its drawbacks. Understanding these
complexities can help policymakers, scholars, and individuals navigate the challenges of
globalization while maximizing its potential for sustainable and inclusive development.
This study examines the economic, political, cultural, technological, and environmental
dimensions of globalization, shedding light on its influence on individual societies and the
international system.
THE MULTIFACETED IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON INDIVIDUAL SOCIETIES AND THE
INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
Globalization has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping the modern
world, influencing economic, political, social, and cultural dynamics at both national and
international levels. It refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence
of countries through trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange (Giddens,
2020). While globalization has facilitated economic growth, technological advancement,
and cultural integration, it has also presented significant challenges such as economic
inequalities, cultural erosion, and geopolitical tensions (Stiglitz, 2021).
ECONOMIC IMPACT
One of the most evident effects of globalization is its impact on economic systems.
Globalization has facilitated free trade, foreign direct investment, and multinational
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business expansion, leading to economic growth and job creation (Bhagwati, 2019). Many
developing countries have benefited from access to international markets, improved
infrastructure, and technological advancements. However, globalization has also
contributed to economic disparities, with wealth concentrated in developed nations and
elite classes, exacerbating income inequality and marginalizing small-scale enterprises
(Piketty, 2020). Furthermore, economic crises, such as the 2008 financial collapse,
demonstrated the vulnerabilities of interconnected economies, where financial instability
in one region can have global repercussions.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
Globalization has influenced governance structures, shifting power dynamics from
nation-states to international institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade
Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. This has led to the diffusion of
democratic values, human rights advocacy, and cooperative security initiatives (Held &
McGrew, 2021). However, it has also challenged national sovereignty, with governments
struggling to regulate multinational corporations, transnational crime, and cyber threats.
Additionally, globalization has fueled populism and nationalist movements, as seen in
Brexit and the rise of anti-globalization sentiments in several Western democracies
(Rodrik, 2021).
CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
Cultural exchange is a defining feature of globalization, fostering greater exposure to
diverse traditions, languages, and ideologies. The spread of media, fashion, cuisine, and
entertainment has contributed to cultural hybridization, where local and global cultures
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blend (Appadurai, 2020). However, critics argue that globalization promotes cultural
homogenization, often favoring Western values at the expense of indigenous traditions
and languages. The dominance of global brands such as McDonald's, Netflix, and
Hollywood films exemplifies this phenomenon, raising concerns about the erosion of
cultural identities (Tomlinson, 2019).
TECHNOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Advancements in communication technology, particularly the internet and social media,
have revolutionized information exchange, education, and activism. Globalization has
enabled real-time connectivity, enhancing collaboration in science, health, and education
(Castells, 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, digital globalization allowed
for knowledge-sharing and vaccine distribution across nations. However, the digital divide
remains a significant challenge, as many developing nations struggle with limited internet
access and technological infrastructure (Nye, 2022). Furthermore, the rapid spread of
misinformation, cybercrime, and privacy concerns highlight the darker side of
technological globalization.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Globalization has intensified environmental challenges, as industrialization,
deforestation, and carbon emissions have increased due to economic expansion. Climate
change, pollution, and resource depletion are now global concerns requiring multilateral
cooperation (Sachs, 2021). Organizations such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
exemplify efforts to address these issues, but disparities in responsibilities between
developed and developing nations continue to hinder progress. Additionally,
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globalization-driven consumerism has exacerbated waste production and environmental
degradation (Goodman & Sage, 2020).
CONCLUSION
Globalization is a double-edged sword, offering significant benefits while presenting
profound challenges. It has fostered economic growth, technological advancements, and
cultural exchange, yet it has also widened economic inequalities, weakened national
sovereignty, and contributed to environmental degradation. As globalization continues to
evolve, societies and policymakers must navigate its complexities to ensure that its
benefits are equitably distributed while mitigating its adverse effects. The future of
globalization depends on creating sustainable economic policies, fostering cultural
inclusivity, and promoting cooperative governance to address global challenges
effectively.
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REFERENCES
Appadurai, A. (2020). Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. University
of Minnesota Press.
Bhagwati, J. (2019). In Defense of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
Castells, M. (2020). The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business, and Society.
Oxford University Press.
Giddens, A. (2020). Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives. Routledge.
Goodman, J., & Sage, C. (2020). Food Transgressions: Making Sense of Contemporary Food
Politics. Routledge.
Held, D., & McGrew, A. (2021). Globalization/Anti-Globalization: Beyond the Great Divide.
Polity Press.
Nye, J. (2022). The Future of Power. PublicAffairs.
Piketty, T. (2020). Capital and Ideology. Harvard University Press.
Rodrik, D. (2021). Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy. Princeton
University Press.
Sachs, J. D. (2021). The Age of Sustainable Development. Columbia University Press.
Stiglitz, J. E. (2021). Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited: Anti-Globalization in the
Era of Trump. W.W. Norton & Company.
Tomlinson, J. (2019). Cultural Imperialism: A Critical Introduction. Bloomsbury Publishing.
