Discussion Sheet #7

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Rutgers University *

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Political Science

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Manfred Steger’s chapter dealing with the future of globalization discusses if the fight against terrorism will ultimately lead to an international cooperation or if it will put a stop on globalization. He also uses the analysis of political economist Karl Polanyi to enhance his argument with the use of economics embedded in a society and culture. Mel Gurtov’s “Averting War,” focuses on the tension between the northeast countries of Asia. He emphasizes that economic development must be accompanied by political development or else war will begin. In this discussion sheet, I will be discussing how the future of globalization can either form an international cooperation between countries or it can start war and put a halt to globalization. Steger proposes an option that says war on terrorism can expand international cooperation and interdependence. He proposes that the Global North might change their agenda of dominant globalization and focus more on the inequalities in global wealth and well-being. This action cannot happen unless world leaders reform the problems of global climate change, economic inequality, and political and social violence. “World leaders must design and implement a comprehensive Global New Deal that builds and extends genuine networks of solidarity around the world” (Steger 134). This New Deal should have all the elements that would make globalization carry on without any disturbances. Gurtov discusses a proposal of a group, called Northeast Asia Security Dialogue Mechanism, that can focus on economic, environmental, and security issues only with Southeast Asia. Instead of the United States acting as the global police, let this organization take care of the issues dealing with Southeast Asia. “A NEASDM might finally bring strategic stability and peaceful relations to a region that is on the edge. But it will take acts of political courage to confront rising nationalism and historic grievances that generate mistrust” (Gurtov). This organization as a whole can focus on the problems the Southeast Asian countries are facing, but this relies on all of the countries’ governments to cooperate. This is only one of many possible outcomes that could help international cooperation and interdependence. Steger proposes another option that says war on terrorism will temporarily bring a halt to globalization. He spots early warning signs of this by looking at the world today. He sees international restrictions such as strong border control, tough security at airports and seaports, sharp global cultural divisions, and the use of the word “terrorism” by politicians to demote their opponents. After the attacks of 9/11, George Bush declared that the United States would enforce market order globally or become global police. With this mindset, according to Polanyi, the United States considers the whole world to be its geographical sphere of influence. “’Imperial globalism’ might, therefore, be an apt characterization of this neoconservative inclination to shape the globe in the American image by military means” (Steger 132). This puts a burden on our economy because we have to increase our spending on defense to help other countries fight their problems. Gurtov discusses the relationships between Northeast Asian countries with each other and with the United States. Some of these relationships are unstable and at any point a war can break out. “And China-US relations are increasingly contentious, going beyond the longstanding differences over currency valuation and human rights to include a host of security matters” (Gurtov). The relationship between China and the United States is tense because the United States assessed the Chinese policies and both of these countries increased their military forces on the Taiwan Strait. China, particularly, believes the United States is trying to contain China again. This tension between countries can temporarily put a halt to globalization because globalization needs to have cooperation between countries. If there is tension between these countries, globalization will be a hard concept to enforce. 1
Steger and Gurtov both agree that the future of globalization will be directly correlated between war and interdependence between countries. Steger proposes two options as a result of the war on terrorism; it could lead to interdependence and international cooperation or it could bring a temporary stop to globalization. Questions 1. Do you think the Northeast Asia Security Dialogue Mechanism is the only way we can solve problems in Northeast Asia? Or is the United States acting as the global police the best solution? 2. What do you think the future of East Asia is particularly North Korea? Do you think a war will be started between North Korea and the United States/South Korea/Japan? 2
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