Ideologies of Globalization: An Analytical Overview

This article, authored by Manfred B. Steger from the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, responds critically to Michael Freeden's skepticism regarding the characterization of globalism as an ideology. Steger argues that globalism not only constitutes a coherent set of political beliefs sufficient for classification as a new ideology but also acts as the prevailing ideology of our time, against which competing ideologies must define themselves.

Introduction

Steger begins by acknowledging Freeden's insightful exploration of the changing landscape of ideologies, highlighting the fragmentation and evolving boundaries of political belief systems. He contends that it is, in fact, timely to articulate globalism's ideological status. To navigate this complex discourse, Steger clarifies various terms related to globalization and critiques the conventional classification of ideologies. By analyzing the morphology of globalism, he seeks to establish its ideological maturity through six core claims.

Globalization: Definitions and Discourses

Steger distinguishes between 'globalization', understood as a phenomenon involving various processes across physical and mental dimensions (as classified by Arjun Appadurai), and 'globality', which refers to a specific social condition of interconnectedness that transcends current political borders and economic systems. He suggests that globalization is a set of multifaceted processes leading to deepening social interdependencies, emphasizing that it is not merely a linear progression but a dynamic shifting pattern influenced by historical and cultural contexts.

From Discourse to Ideology: The Rise of Globalism

With the fall of communism in Eastern Europe during the late 1980s and 1990s, Steger notes that the term globalization gained prominence in public discourse. This period marked the emergence of 'globalism' as a political belief system promoting market ideologies and consumerism. A significant segment of the population across both the global North and South began to accept globalism's fundamental tenets, leading to widespread public support for economic liberalism, deregulation, and privatization.

Identifying the Six Core Claims of Globalism

Steger outlines six core claims of globalism that define its ideological framework. Utilizing Freeden's criteria for assessing the maturity of ideologies, he analyzes how these claims provide a coherent understanding of globalization while intertwining with existing ideologies.

Claim One: Market Liberalization and Global Integration

The first claim posits that globalization is fundamentally about market liberalization and global integration. Steger cites influential proponents like Thomas Friedman, who link globalization with free-market capitalism, asserting that 'the more you let market forces rule, the more efficient your economy will be'. This framing seeks to portray globalization primarily as an economic phenomenon devoid of sociopolitical complexities.

Claim Two: Inevitability and Irreversibility

Claim Two asserts that globalization is both inevitable and irreversible. High-profile political figures have employed a deterministic language regarding globalization, depicting it as an unstoppable force that societies must embrace, likening it to natural phenomena. This rhetoric, while conflicting with liberal ideologies promoting individual agency, serves as a strategic tool to suppress opposition and dissent by framing resistance as irrational.

Claim Three: Leaderless Markets

The third claim argues that globalization reflects a leaderless market. Proponents maintain that no single entity controls globalization, positioning it as an organic process not subject to partisan influence. However, post-9/11 dynamics complicate this narrative, as American political leadership has been pivotal in shaping global markets and political priorities.

Claim Four: Universal Benefits of Globalization

Regarding the fourth claim, globalism touts that globalization benefits everyone, especially through economic growth and prosperity. This assertion, often couched in progressive language, attempts to convince the public that despite inequalities, markets will ultimately correct any imbalances, promoting an optimistic vision of a consumerist utopia.

Claim Five: Democratic Advancements

The fifth claim connects globalization with democratic ideals, suggesting that economic development brought about by globalization will inherently lead to an expansion of democracy. Globalists often present a narrow definition of democracy that emphasizes formal electoral processes while sidelining the need for substantial participation from broader societal groups.

Claim Six: The Global War on Terror

The sixth claim integrates the ongoing global war on terror into the narrative of globalization. This claim posits that military engagement is a necessary component to protect and advance the interests of global capitalism, creating foundational tensions between the ideals of freedom and the imposition of military power.

Conclusion: Rethinking Ideological Classifications

In his conclusion, Steger reiterates that globalism's ability to adapt and respond to contemporary political issues validates its status as an ideology. He proposes that current ideological classifications must evolve to encompass the realities of globalization, urging scholars to abandon outdated categories in favor of a classification that acknowledges the complexities of modern belief systems.

Ultimately, Steger calls for continued scholarly inquiry into globalism and the recognition of its powerful ideological influence in shaping political discourse worldwide, challenging researchers to engage critically and ethically with the ideological landscapes of our time.

An Analytical Overview of Globalism as an Ideology

An Analytical Overview of Globalism as an Ideology