COMPETING THEORETICAL

PRINCIPLES

Prepared by: Fevvie Von G. Asistio, M.A., M.A.

Leading Theoretical Explanations
a.Realism

- the realist perspective explaining globalization focuses on the

shifting distribution of power among states.

- the core idea of dominating the world is through the

employment of power. Realist warns that countries may suffer and
struggle to maintain its power if it will be overreached and used
wrongly.

- in globalization, the countries that have the power to dominate

and control the world are those economies that have powers to affect
and influence the operation worldwide.
 - realist see economic alliance and cooperation as a
medium of flourishing activities under favourable security
conditions.

1. Economies tend to forge partnerships if they see

advantages from other countries.

2. The political explanation behind globalization is best

described with the application of its founders.
Liberal accounts describe the transformation of political-
economic structures and the development of global
interconnectedness in terms of following factors:

1.Spread of Democracy and Institutions

- Discounted realism
- They see that democracy are venues of not using threat
between.
- Transparency is also identified as a measurement in
sustaining international cooperation and global
understanding.
b. Liberalism

- is a perspective in international relations where actors and

institutions emphasize relationships and negotiations.

- liberalist observe the importance of interaction and

communications 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.
2. Global Economic Ties

- Share common currency in explaining globalization

within the scope of economic acceleration.

- They see economic ties and cooperation such as

market integration and economic alliances are fitting
fixtures of globalization.
3. International Organizations

- To continue the stability of the global order, states are

expected to adhere and show allegiance in its willingness
and commitment to follow international norms set by
international bodies.

- 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.
Sigleton (2008) elaborated three important technological trends:

1.Knowledge and technology are significant determinants of

wealth and power.

2.The pace of technological change.

3.Dispersed knowledge and technology.

c. Idealism
- holds 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 centres on the centrality of ideas, beliefs,

emotions and collective values that shape the political and economic
landscapes of the world.
Roles of Ideas and Technology in Globalization

- ideas = are the 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 power.

- 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 transactional community of nations scientific and social
innovation and increase in the understanding of people in their day to
day life.
Institutions and Globalization

- global governance is directed by two important

institutions: political and economic institutions.

- there is a wide body of literature explaining the

meaning of this term globalization:

a. (Peters 2012 and Scott 1995) institutions consists norms,

set of activities and regulative structures that provide meaning
and stability to the social behaviour of the group.
 b. (Meyer and Rowan 1977) describe the
formation of the institutions as a symbolic
manifestation of the needs of the society.

c. (Giddens 1979) states that institutions will not

be recognized as institutions if they do not shape
the behaviour of individuals.
Activity no. 1 (Competing Theoretical Principles)

1. What makes an institution “global” Do international institutions harmful or

beneficial to a certain society? Justify your point.

2. Explain the importance and function of ideas and technology in globalization.

3. Visit an institution like organization, group or firm. Observe the overall

operation of the institution.
a. How people behave?
b. What are the common norms?
c. Are the procedures and rules very common in the interaction of the
institution?