La globalisation de la politique mondiale – Une introduction aux relations internationals by John Baylis aims to analyze the rapidly growing phenomenon of globalization. Baylis attempts to convince readers that globalization is the defining feature of the current world and provides readers with an overview of world politics to prove it. Starting with theories on politics and globalization and gradually moving through history, Baylis discusses globalizations evolution over time and its current influence on international politics and the modern world.
Globalization is a complex concept that has varying definitions, however; globalization as defined by Baylis is the widening, deepening and acceleration of interconnections on a global scale (Baylis 18). Baylis begins his analysis of globalization through describing the many theories that exist on globalization and international politics and their definitions of globalization. The theories included are realism, idealism, Marxism, constructivism, poststructuralism/postmodernism and post colonialism, all of which take varying approaches to defining and examining globalization. Realism affirms that the state is the sole sovereign and that protecting the state is of utmost importance (5). Realists do not believe that globalization is necessary for the international system and maintains that state sovereignty is the priority above all else (9). Liberalism, a more idealistic approach, proposes that the state is not the only actor and that diplomacy and cooperation between states or actors are necessary (6). liberals view globalization as a driving force for change in the international system and plays a key role in interstate relationships (9). Per Marxism, capitalism is responsible for the stratification of classes within society and globalization only furthers this unequal divide (6). Marxists view globalization as a new form of capitalism and refuses to see the phenomenon as a new concept (10). Constructivism is a theory that is based on the idea that members of society have the ability to create change and are the driving force of norms and politics (7). Constructivists see globalization as a transformative phenomenon that gives people the ability to influence politics through social movements and communication by means of globalized technology such as the internet (10). The poststructuralist/postmodernist approach is critical of the other theories and attributes all problems regarding politics to power (7). Poststructuralists/postmodernists are extremely skeptical of globalization and question whether it truly has an impact on the international system at all (10). Lastly, Baylis discusses post-colonialism; a fairly new theory that examines the impact colonialism had on international politics and the way the world continues to be shaped by its history of colonization (8). Post-colonialists view globalization as a new form of colonization and allows the West to profit yet again from developing nations (10). These theories all approach the idea of globalization from varying perspectives and their analyses allows for critique and praise of various aspects of the ever-growing phenomenon.
Baylis describes the many critiques of globalization and its impacts on the world system. The rapid rate of globalization has created fear among people that the world will no longer follow the Westphalian system of the state (26). The Westphalian Treaty was signed in 1648 and is the basis of the current international system (25). The treaty acts as the constitution for world order and ensures that each state is sovereign in its own right (25). People fear that globalization will cause the Westphalian system to fail and states will no longer be the sovereign actor (26). Despite this fear, many disregard this criticism of globalization and have other theories regarding the phenomenon’s impact on the international system (18). Transformationalists believe that globalization will not impact the states but rather will affect the individuals within the states (18). Others believe that globalization is simply transforming sovereignty into a more diplomatic system and not getting rid of it altogether (18).
There are many other critiques of globalization besides its impact on the state and Baylis provides a list of several concerns regarding the concept. One of the results of globalization is the growth and liberalization of the economy and trade (13). Despite being widely praised; this has historically been the cause of interdependence between states as their economies become closely linked through trade and finances (13). Globalization has led to the evolution of technology and communication (13). The entire world is accessible through technology and this can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage (13). Many people feel that communication acts as a tool of terror and can relay unnecessary information that can inflict fear of the world among people (13). The process of assimilation has been fostered by globalization as the world slowly becomes homogenized and rich cultures are lost (13). This also contributes to the Westernization of the world as all parts of the world refer to American culture (13). The greatest critique of globalization is that it creates disparity and inequality in the international system (23). While globalization is present in all aspects of modern life; politics, law, economy and more, globalization is more prominent in Western countries (23). There is inequality of power among states as they all follow the unwritten rules of globalization, which inevitably favor the western world and capitalism (30). This creates an asymmetrical power imbalance between the developed and developing nations (30).
Baylis argues throughout the text that contemporary globalization not only defines the world today but also differs greatly from former dynamics of globalization (25). The historical events that led up to today created an environment for contemporary globalization to flourish. Both World Wars had huge impacts on the international system. World War I resulted in the decline of four European empires and World War II saw the decolonization and independence of the British colonies (48). After World War II, the United Nations was formed in 1945 with the goal of acting as an engine of justice in the international system with programs for varying international issues such as development and human rights (28). Since the creation of the United Nations, many other non-governmental organizations have been created and have great influence on the international system and globalization (3). The Cold War had immense impacts on the international system and resulted in the current unipolar power of today, the United States (70). Their victory over the USSR meant that they gained control over the international system and are the most powerful nation (70). A major event in history that affected the international system and globalization took place on September 11, 2001 (2). The effects of 9/11 continue to be present in the international system and globalization as they were a pivotal moment in history (2). These historical events have led up to the current state of globalization and have all impacted the international system that currently exists and defines the world.
Globalization is a phenomenon that has taken over the world and changed it forever. While it can be viewed as a driving force for Western values and inequalities, it is also responsible for peace in Europe, the end of world wars and a decline in victims of war (83). Globalization is the concept of creating a world closer together where communication, trade and diplomacy are made possible (18). Baylis proves throughout the text that the world is characterized by modern globalization and the possibilities it creates among nations. Whether it is the liberal economy or food chains in every country, globalization has managed to reach everywhere and change the international system forever.