Globalization of Culture: Diversity or homogenizization?

Essay by niegowskiUniversity, Master'sA, February 2004

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Globalization

of

Culture:

Diversity or homogenizization?

The relation between the transnational and domestic politics have always been a very important issue. According to Joseph S. Nye and Robert O. Keohane the attention was traditionally concentrated on relations between states. State were regarded as an basic units of action, as actors with purposes and power. But it is obvious that interactions among them do not take place in 'environmental vacuum'. They are effected by geography, the nature of the domestic politics, characteristic for every country and the technology. Now those well-known forces are seem to be not the only ones which have an influence on the relationship. The situation has changed with the consequences in appearing new factors, which often work without a governmental control. I am talking about for example the trade, personal contacts and communication. Non-state entities have become new actors in the international arena. They behavior have tangible and intangible effects on the domestic politics.

There is no doubt that the world politics is changing. That is why the classic paradigm which assumes that the states are the only actors in world politics and that they act as units, require transformation. The reality is not corresponding to this model anymore. Firstly, in direct confrontation with transnational actors, national governments not always prevail. If they can do it, costs are often higher than benefits. Secondly, the impact of transnational politics significantly effects the 'high politics' of security or war. Finally, the influence of transnational relations has been always existed. 'Globalization' - a new buzz word come into being with incredible strength.

"Globalization" is nowadays one of the most popular words. It is present everywhere in public discourse. We can hear it on TV news, in parliament' s debates, we can read it in journals. Amazingly far so widely use...