The first part of the course deals with the various theoretical perspectives with regard to the processes of globalization
The second part of the unit examines the impact that globalization processes are having upon domestic and international political arrangements. Globalisation is purportedly unsettling the Westphalian order and, in so doing, challenges the relations between states and society, and our understandings of their respective roles in the international order. We will examine current debates within the globalisation literature concerning the fate of the welfare state. Several scholars argue that the pressures exerted by globalisation will inevitably lead to lower levels of spending by the industrialised states as a result of a reduction in their tax revenues. Others argue that state spending in certain areas brings significant social and economic benefits which are recognised and appreciated by these companies. The lectures therefore evaluate both viewpoints. At the same time, the lectures alert the students to the fact that a very different set of dynamics are affecting the welfare state in the developing world.
The final set of lectures examines the financial crisis, its impact on globalization and the resulting financial architecture that has been put in place.
