Republic of the Philippines

Tarlac State University

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Main Campus Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax. No. (045) 982-0110

Social Science 1D – Contemporary World

CHAPTER 2
COMPETING THE THEORETICAL APPROACHES

Learning Objectives:
After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss the definition of three leading theories explaining
globalization.
2. Familiarize the known leading theorists and standpoint on
globalization.
3. Discuss the origin of the three theories and its relevance to the study
of globalization.
4. Apply the three theories on the current political, economic, and
technological situations of the world.

We see globalization in the field of international relations through number of perspectives

and explanations. Examining the causes of events and analyzing the levels of events require
sufficient facts to better explain the narratives of the situation. In our understanding on the lens
and interpretations, it would be more interesting if we are going to look into the three prominent
theories. The three sociological perspectives that will best explain globalization are realism,
liberalism, and idealism.

2.1 Realism CAPITALISTIC AND SECURITY

The realist perspective explaining globalization focuses on the shifting distribution of
power among states (Walt, 1998 and Synder, 2004). They explained that the core idea of
dominating the world through the employment of power. This force comes from different angles,
depending on the power availability of a nation. However, realists warn that countries may suffer,
and struggle to maintain its power it will be overreached and used wrongly.
Realists argue that countries open their economies to the world is because of two
contending reasons:
1. CAPITALISTIC- Financial returns of expanding markets offer new economic opportunities
to the capitalist (origin country). (Examples: McDonald’s, Chevron, Ford, Coca-Cola,
Citibank, Microsoft, and H&M)
2. SECURITY - The continued centrality of political power and military strength are obvious
forces of interdependence and realistic behavior of the more and most powerful countries.
 Republic of the Philippines
Tarlac State University
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Main Campus Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax. No. (045) 982-0110

Social Science 1D – Contemporary World

Realists see economic alliance and corporation as medium of flourishing activities under
favorable security conditions. Economies tend to forge partnership if they see advantages from
other countries. In some cases, political-military alliances are sometimes used especially within
the bipolar world where economic power is utilized to strengthen military capability.
2.2 Liberalism CONNECTEDNESS
Liberalism is a perspective in international relations where actors and institutions
emphasize relationships, and negotiations. Liberalists observe the importance of interaction
and communication and focus on solving problems and conflicts affecting them. This idea is
very evident in countries where democratic governance and institutions play major roles in
maintaining national cohesiveness in managing domestic and international affairs.
Example:
When Chinese government asserted its rights over the contested West Philippine Sea,
Realist China has shown its military strength to its neighbors through giving signal of its
advantageous capability. On the other hand, Liberalist Philippines utilized soft approaches
through protesting in the International Criminal Court the act of China pertaining to its
aggressiveness over the West Philippine Sea.

Liberalists believe that to avoid international conflict and problems, and negotiations and
dialogues are potential mechanisms in confronting issues among parties.
Three Factors that describe the Transformation of Political-Economic Structure and
Development of Global Interconnectedness:
1. Spread of Democracy and Institutions
Democracy as a frontline of liberalism has been utilized as a sociopolitical
apparatus in challenging political actors who act beyond their power and control. The
strong participatory presence of citizens in key issues affecting the interest and welfare of
the public could be used as a reference in balancing the interest of stakeholders.
Liberalists see that democracies are venues of not using threat to intimidate and
harm other nations. Many liberals believe in the vital function played by the rule of law as
safeguard of self-respect and social stability.

2. Global Economic Ties

Liberalists see economic ties and cooperation such as market integration and
economic alliances are fitting fixtures of globalization. The core belief of liberalism is that
economic alliance and integrating the domestic economy into a regional or economic bloc
will deliver prosperity and security. Opening to markets to other countries is described as
an act of country’s commitment to global consciousness and moral understanding of
 Republic of the Philippines
Tarlac State University
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Main Campus Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax. No. (045) 982-0110

Social Science 1D – Contemporary World

multistate interests. (Examples: European Union’s Eurozone and Association of

Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community (AEC)).
3. International Organizations
Liberals believe that the formation of leading regional and international
organizations like global commerce and governance are main instruments in the
maintenance of peace and solidarity. (Examples: Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO))

2.3 Idealism
Idealists and constructivist hold the notion that values, and norms play pivotal roles in
sustaining and reforming the process and works of individuals, group, and nations. This theory
emphasizes on the functions of ideologies, frameworks, systems, and identities in understanding
globalization and international order. Its core beliefs centers on the centrality of ideas, beliefs,
emotions, and collective values that shape the political and economic landscapes of the world.
Alexander Wendt and Hugh Ruggie are the two most prominent founders of this school of
thought. Idealism presents the changing norms and evolutions of individuals, groups, and states
with the goal of influencing the dynamics and pattern of social structure.
Furthermore, they value the importance of “appropriateness” and “transparency” in
reshaping and framing rules affecting the general welfare of its members, may it be individual or
collective. Idealists emphasize appropriate policies and decisions during the state of conflict as it
advances the moral aspects and ethical dynamics of actions.

Role of Ideas and Technology in Globalization

Ideas are non-material entities of culture; it embodies one’s perception of his social world
or environment. It defines on how values, norms, and beliefs are used by governments and
institutions in hold and exercising of power (Nau, 2008).
When ideas are used well based on their intended application, development takes place.
It could be utilized for linking and transfer of knowledge in a transnational community of nations,
scientific, and social innovation, and increase in the understanding of people in their day-to-day
life. Ideas are necessary in this particular scene because the definitions and concepts constructed
are used in interpreting how people act and behave.
 Republic of the Philippines
Tarlac State University
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Main Campus Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax. No. (045) 982-0110

Social Science 1D – Contemporary World

Three Important Technological Trends that made Significant Changes in the Interaction of
Nations and People:
1. Knowledge and technology are significant determinants of wealth and power. The
success of economy of a country requires pool of resources like ideas and technology.
The technological advancement of a nation is an identity of its economic power.

2. The fast pace of technological change. From industrialization to modernization,

technology has taken a significant role in business, government, and individuals. The
countless forms of technological breakthrough change the cycle of the 21 st century. The
advent of fourth industrial evolution, the global community is expected to embrace multiple
technical changes and technological developments.

3. Dispersed knowledge and technology. The increasing trends in communication

revolution make it more possible to move data and ideas from people to people and
country to country at faster and more convenient way.

Innovation as a product of technological advancement have rendered national borders

irrelevant in international system. Discoveries and changes in science and technology make
markets around the world a borderless contact, making the global economic structure more
intertwined. Because of global reach, economies find this trend as a ground of tough competition,
with rivals’ states and institutions who have vast resources of wealth and power. In addition,
resource-poor countries are prone to the damage of these changes. Technology in this day of
postmodernity can be used to project global power at the same time intimidates countries that are
technologically behind. For example, African States and countries from part of the global south
have the difficulty to rise and compete with resource-rich countries.

2.4 Institutions and Globalization

Institutions consist norms, set of activities, and regulate structures that provide meaning
and stability to the social behavior of a group (Peter, 2012). Norms like the rules, guidelines,
programs, and the types of activities constitute the operation of an institution. They are understood
as structures that are parts of a society.

Meyer and Rowan (1977) describe the formation of institution as a symbolic manifestation
on the needs of society. The actions and behavior of the group members can change and alter
the movement of community and its people.

A different view explained by Giddens (1979), states that institutions will not be recognized
as institutions if they do not shape the behavior of individuals. As a set of systems and norms,
institutions convey individuals on how to behave and conform to the practices of the group as a
way of accepting the legitimacy of the norms and values of the organization.
 Republic of the Philippines
Tarlac State University
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Main Campus Tarlac City
Tel. No. (045) 493-0182; Fax. No. (045) 982-0110

Social Science 1D – Contemporary World

Global governance is directed by two important institutions: political and economic

institutions. The operation of the political and economic life of globalization depends on how
plans are implemented and how accountable theses institutions are in their actions. Liberalists
emphasize the importance of institutions in international order and stability. Domestic and
international institutions have various roles in maintaining growth and development in both
political and economic realms.

International institutions are classified intergovernmental organizations that are formed

by national governments. These are international formal organizations that set rules and with the
purpose of regulating the flow of communication and movement of resources. Governments
engaged in internationalizing their organizations because of retaining and asserting control over
global activities and networks brought by global changes and transformations.

Example:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) performs globally and countries around the world
depend on the common rules set by the body. Like IMF, World Trade Organization (WTO) is an
international institution that plays key role in the management of global trade. Its member-
economies are bound to adhere and behave in accordance to its guidelines in the conduct of
international trade.

REFERENCE:
De, Ocampo F., Ramos, B., Llonora, R., Macaraeg, A., & David, M.E. (2018). Introduction to
Contemporary World. St. Andrew Publishing House.