Globalization and Glocalization - Political Sociology

1. Globalization and Glocalization
(Political Sociology)
Submitted to:
Sir Asad Shahzad
Prepared by:
Shahtaj Khan
Zain Ul Abideen
Abdul Aziz Afzal Siddiqui

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Abstract
Global and local represent opposite sides of a similar coin. This paper analyzes the evaluation and
change of the concept of globalization to glocalization. The paper will likewise follow the history
and the improvement of the idea of ‘glocalization’.
Utilizing a few speculations and discussions the paper needs to concentrate on Trump's view on
Globalization. Either he is practice globalization or opposed to it.

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Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 2
Historical Introduction........................................................................................................ 4
Globalization................................................................................................................... 4
Glocalization................................................................................................................... 4
Literature review................................................................................................................. 5
Is globalization a new phenomenon or an old one?........................................................ 5
Historical review......................................................................................................... 5
Dimensions of globalization ............................................................................................... 8
Economic dimension....................................................................................................... 8
Social dimension............................................................................................................. 8
Political dimension.......................................................................................................... 8
Cultural dimension.......................................................................................................... 9
Impacts of globalization...................................................................................................... 9
Intensification of uneven socio-economic distribution................................................... 9
Time space compression............................................................................................... 10
Understanding Glocalization............................................................................................. 10
Examples of Glocalization.............................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................... 15

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Historical Introduction
Globalization
The term globalization appeared in the 1960s. It has been used in both popular and
academic literature to describe a process, a condition, a system, a force, and an age. It refers to “a
set of social processes”. The popular phrase “globalization is happening”, leads the shifting of
human contacts, has three sides: first, we are slowly leaving behind the condition of modernity;
second, we are moving toward the new condition of postmodern; third, we haven’t yet reached it.
Globalization is the interaction, integration and influence over the people, businesses, and trade of
the different nations. Following are the definitions of globalization:
“The concept of globalization reflects the sense of an immense enlargement of world
communication, as well as of the horizon of a world market, both of which seem far more tangible
and immediate than in earlier stages of modernity”.
“Globalization as a concept refers both to the compression of the world and intensification
of consciousness of the world as a whole”. (Robertson, 1992)
“Globalization compresses the time and space aspects of social relations”. (David, 1990)
Glocalization
The term was coined in the Harvard Business Review, in 1980, by sociologist Roland
Robertson. He wrote that glocalization meant "the simultaneity – the co-presence — of both
universalizing and particularizing tendencies." (Blatter, 2013)
It is not appropriate to say that glocalization is only because of local things; global
converted into local and local converted into global. Glocalization is the result of combining the
word ‘global’ and ‘local’. In glocalization, the mixture of global and local things depicts that
without one of them glocalization can’t be possible.

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Therefore, Glocalization is the adaptation of globally marketed products and services to local
markets. Glocalization is a mixture of and the end result of combining the words globalization and
localization.
Literature review
Is globalization a new phenomenon or an old one?
Everyone has different perceptions about the phenomenon of globalization that it is the old
or new phenomenon but a quick glance on the modernity will make sense about globalization.
According to the past decades, the fast-growing technological innovations played a crucial role in
every field which shows the existence of globalization. No one can deny these tangible changes
especially internet in the technological world, connected people, their activities, exchanges, made
strong relation, provide strength to private sectors and government as well. Made many other
changes in different fields such as cellular phones, social media, satellites, machines, digital
cameras, computers, televisions, online shops etc. these all innovations will compel to the persons
to agree who claim that globalization is a new phenomenon.
Historical review
The prehistoric period (10,000BCE -3,500BCE)
In the beginning phase of globalization, hunters and gatherer spread all over the world and
stepped of producing their own food. Food abundance achieved by these farmers and herders led
to the establishment of permanent villages, and the construction of fortified towns. Then this group
was replaced by centralized and highly stratified by chiefs and priests who were exempted from
hard manual labor. They separated into two groups; full –time craft specialist who directed their
creative energies toward the invention of new technologies, such as powerful iron tools, beautiful
ornaments made of precious metals, complex irrigation canals, sophisticate pottery and basketry,

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and monumental building structures. The other group was professional bureaucrats and soldiers
who would play a key role in the monopolization of the means of violence in the hands of the
rulers, the precise accounting of food surpluses necessary for the growth and survival of the
centralized state, the establishment of permanent trade routes, and the systematic exploration of
distant regions.
The most part of globalization period was severely limited. There were not any obstacles
in the way of developing and the growing technology was making them enable to overcome the
existing issues. It was end of this epoch that centralized administration became the key agent of
growing number of societies in many regions of the world.
The premodern period (3,500BCE – 1,500CE)
Invention of the wheel around 3,000BCE in Southwest Asia that moved globalization to a
new level. The wheel spurred crucial infrastructural innovations such as animal–drawn carts and
permanent roads that allowed for the faster and more efficient transportation of people and goods.
The long list of major technological innovations achieved in China during the premodern
period include redesigned plowshares, hydraulic engineering, gunpowder, the tapping of natural
gas, the compass, mechanical clock, paper, printing, lavishly embroidered silk fabrics, and
sophisticated metalworking techniques. The construction of vast irrigation system enhanced the
region’s agricultural productivity while at the same time provided the best river transport system
in the world. The laws about weights, measures, and values of coinage fostered the expansion of
trade and market.
The early modern period (1,500-1,750)
The term ‘modernity’ has become associated with the 18th century of European
enlightenment. Having contributed little to a technology and other civilizational achievements

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before about 1,000CE, Europeans northwest of the Alps greatly benefited from the diffusion of
technological innovations originating in Islamic and Chinese cultural spheres.
The monarchs of Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and England all put significant
resources into the exploration of new worlds and the construction of new interregional markets
that benefited them much more than their exotic ‘trading partners’.
Ultimately evolving from the Westphalia states system, the sovereign, territorial nation-
state had emerged by 1648 as the modern container of social life. As the early modern period drew
to the close, interdependencies among nation-states were multiplying as well as increasing in
density.
The modern period (1750-1970)
By the late 18th century, Australia and the pacific islands were slowly incorporated into
European-dominated network of political, economic, and cultural exchange. Europeans and their
descendants assumed themselves world’s guardians of universal law and morality. However, they
remained oblivious to their racist practices and odious conditions of inequality which have fed by
western capitalist enterprises through material and resources. Economic entrepreneurs started
proliferating a philosophy of individualism and rational self-interest that dignified the attributes of
idealized capitalist system based on providential workings of the free market and its „invisible
hand‟.
Ultimately, the volume of world trade increased between 1850 and 1914. Global pricing
system applied trade in commodities, some brands appeared in globalization first time and
advertising agencies launched promotional campaigns for glorifying the global visibility of brands.
In 19th century explosion of science and technology made possible to intensifying the
global interconnections through new industrial regimes. The 20th century was the epoch where

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television, radio, films, magazines and newspapers further provided the consciousness of
globalization.
The modern period is witnessed the migration of the population. That immense migration
escalated the cultural exchanges and traditional social patterns. For controlling the migratory flows,
new techniques designed to gathered more information about nationals.
Dimensions of globalization
Economic dimension
“Economic globalization refers to the intensification & stretching of economic interrelations across
the globe”. (Steger, 2009).
Because of acceleration in technology, investors can reinforce their capital and capture the
markets around the world. Since the world is reachable therefore corporations could array the
topers traders and then exploited the commodities, exchange the commodities and produced on a
large level.
Social dimension
“In social terms, globalization represents greater interconnectedness among global populations ”.
(Rosaldo R., 2002)
Since economic transformation is intensifying rapidly day by day therefore people of the
different nations make the relations stronger. The technological changes, especially internet, are
happening which further provision to mustering the people or organizations in one place, in one
sec. It’s just because of economic globalization.
Political dimension
“Political globalization refers to the intensification & expansion of political interrelations across
the globe”. (Manfred, 2003).

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Globalization in politics signifies that the activities of one country are implemented over
the countries of the world through intergovernmental organizations such as WTO (world trade
organization) and UN (United Nations). Activities of one country refer those activities which
would provide the benefits on the global level like maintenance of peace and security, settlement
of disputes, reduce the threats, develop friendly relations among nations, co-operation in solving
international problems, promote the income growth, reduce poverty etc.
Cultural dimension
“Cultural globalization refers to the intensification & expansion of cultural flows across the globe”.
(Manfred, 2009).
Because of growing technology, the one person can easily travel anywhere while a person
could talk anywhere in the world by internet. Since the economic growth caused to strengthen the
social relations resulted exchanging the cultural activities on the worldwide such as language,
some of languages are being used in international communication while some are losing their
prominence, foods are also exchanging on the globally, specific commodities, trends, values,
events are also exchanging globally.
Impacts of globalization
Intensification of uneven socio-economic distribution
Capitalist society has many classes; globalization fosters the classes of capitalist society in
this sense that economic development enables the bourgeoisie class (industrial class)
To stand in the market for the long time, strengthen the relations with many developed countries,
make their stature in the minds of global nations, and enrich the roots of their business.
Since proletariat class relies on the bourgeoisie class. Proletariat (working class) has false
conscious that they are being treated as they deserve therefore, they don’t take any step in the

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opponent of industrial class. And they do whatever the bourgeoisie class says to do; due to power
result unequal distribution of wealth, means of production, power, unequal accessibility of
commodities, unequal standard of living, unequal income rate etc. refer uneven socioeconomic
distribution. On the other hand, globalization enriches the classes rather than terminating the
classes.
Time space compression
Globalization compresses time and space simply means that things are getting faster and
distances are shrinking. It happened because of technological revolution such as internet,
information and transportation technologies. Such types of changes opened the new chapter in
human life that a person can contact to anyone from anywhere by clicking the button once. Some
things are very easy to grab like, sending and getting information in a single moment, operate
businesses practices in many countries at a same time, produce commodities in a bulk quantity,
exchange commodities in an abundance form, and establish business in many countries,
availability of products all over the world and day to day inventions and innovations.
Understanding Glocalization
Glocalization works for organizations with decentralized authority structures, and for
organizations that exist and contend in numerous, diverse cultural contexts. The procedure can be
costly, and asset concentrated, but it often pays off for companies that practice it, as it allows for
greater access to a larger, more culturally varied target market. It likewise makes those countries
more effective competitors in those business sectors.
In the event that globalization was accused of social homogenization, glocalization is
something of a response to it. Glocalization can be thought of as the inverse, or the converse, of

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Americanization which is the impact that American culture and business has on another nation's
way of life.
Examples of Glocalization
 In the UK, McDonald’s strategy is to listen more to local consumers and then act on it. The
company strives to do this around the world.
 Starbucks is trying out locally designed franchises in stores. Starbucks invests in programs
designed to strengthen local economic and social development.
 Nokia responded to local customer needs with the introduction of dust-resistant keypad, anti-
slip grip and an inbuilt flash light for rural consumers (specifically targeting truck drivers).
 KFC has a vegetarian thali (a mixed meal with rice and cooked vegetables) and Chana
Smacker (burger with chickpeas) to cater to vegetarians in India.
 The Subway chain does not have beef in its stores in India because they don’t want to lose
each local area in any country.
 In 2005, Disneyland was not that successful in Hong Kong with park attendance and growth
revenues. Disneyland then made an effort to cater to the local Chinese taste by reducing prices,
adapting to local Chinese customs and labor practices and also changed the decors and settings.
Glocalization was successfully applied to the theme park in Hong Kong.
 Luxury retail brands like Bottega Veneta, a unit of PPR, and Canali, an Italian man’s fashion
brand launched limited-edition of clutch (Knot India) and closed neck jacket (bandhgala worn
by Indian men) specifically for the Indian market.
We can also say that ‘think globally and act locally’. But often products or services
designed to benefit a local market while at the same time being developed and distributed on a
global level.

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Trump and Globalization
There are two school of thoughts one says Trump is Pro-globalist and another says he is
anti-globalist. Arguments of both perceptions are as follows;
Trump as a pro-globalist
Trump commented on US climate change report that 'I don't believe it' thus he said Climate
change scientists have 'political agenda'. These statements are considered as trump promotes more
business and industries to be established which lead to globalization.
It seems that Trump is in favor of globalization. He runs a global business empire. Some
of his businesses is Donald Trump casinos, Donald Trump golf courses, Donald Trump towers,
Donald Trump memes as well as manufacturing clothing in China, Honduras, Vietnam,
Bangladesh, Turkey, India, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Slovenia, Germany, South Korea, and
Mexico. Even two of Trump’s three wives were born abroad.
Trump as an anti-globalist
Although Trump imposed many sanctions to Iran, China and other countries that apparently
looks like he is not embracing globalization, but reality is that those sanctions were imposed due
to political benefits which Trump wants to achieve. Trump’s goal in reinstituting the sanctions is
to kill the nuclear deal, to bring Iran’s economy to the point of total collapse, to contain Iran’s
regional involvement in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and despite Washington’s denials, presumably to
celebrate the collapse of Iran’s ruling regime. The White House’s official position is that, by
increasing economic and political pressure, it aims to bring Iran back to the negotiating table to
replace the JCPOA with a new deal that bears Trump’s name. While rejecting globalism, Trump
has evidently stigmatized a well-celebrated virtue of engagement and collaboration among nations

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and international institutions. He has associated globalism with the negative connotations of
‘ideology’. This could be Trump’s new cold war.
We reject globalism and embrace the doctrine of patriotism,” Trump said in a clear rejection
of the half-century old international institutions that emerged from the devastation of World War
II. It was a declaration of the supremacy of sovereignty, and the idea that all nations should embrace
their own versions of his “America First” foreign policy approach. From there, Trump’s speech
went around the globe reprimanding ungrateful allies, lambasting bad trade deals and criticizing
other agreements that enabled the world to take advantage of America. “The U.S. will always
choose independence and cooperation over global governance, control and domination,” he said,
defending his Administration’s retreat from U.N. organizations like the International Criminal
Court, Human Rights Council and a global compact on migration.
US president Donald Trump chose to sign his new executive order promoting American
manufacturers and workers this week at Snap-on, a Kenosha, Wisconsin company that casts
American steel into wrenches and screwdrivers.
Conclusion
Eventually, it is not appropriate to say that glocalization is determining the globalization
and globalization is determining the glocalization; both are implemented on each other. Local
activities, traditions, businesses and culture are executing in globally and in this way global
activities, exchanges, traditions, businesses and culture are executing in locally. There is a positive
impact of globalization that the local business, activities, financial markets, social relations,
politics, transportation, communication, exchanges are going towards the prosperity. Because of
globalization and glocalization, a person is able to achieve a thing which was beyond his access
before and limited activities, commodities are available all over the world. Both are supplemented

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to each other and promote the capitalism in this sense that it augments the class system. This
concept facilitates those classes which own the means of production are taking benefits from
innovative technology, advancement in ever field and the labor class is being exploited, therefore,
the capitalism is promoting rapidly. Furthermore, if we see globalization in the era of Trump, two
school of thoughts would be found. One is in favor of that Trump is a globalist whereas another
says he is an anti-globalist person while they both are having their arguments as well as supporting
evidence. Often journalists have opinion that trump is most unpredictable person, so we cannot
anticipate his believes regarding globalization in a specific manner, some of his statements are
considered as in support of globalization even though he has spoken rigorously buy American &
hire American on the floor of UN.

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References
Blatter, J. (2013). Glocalization. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/glocalization
Robertson, R. (1992). Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture. London:
SAGE Publications
David Harvey. (1990) The Condition of Postmodernity. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
Manfred B. Steger (2009). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford
University Press. p. 11
Rosaldo, Renato (2002). "Introduction: A World in Motion". The Anthropology of Globalization.
Wiley-Blackwell.
Manfred B. Steger (2003). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press,
UK. pp. 56