What Are The Challenges Of Globalization In The 21st Century

Introduction

Onlinedatei vom 08.12.2015 13:24

Abby Lynn Klinkenberg Application Number: 1516225

December 2015 Humboldt University, Berlin Global Studies Program, MA

Capitalism, Climate, and Culture:

New Challenges of 21st-Century Globalization

1991 marked the turning of the tide: the Cold War ended and, with it, so did the transformative wave of 20th-century globalization. Without a rival superpower, American culture and its neoliberal, capitalist values have ruled, unchecked, in the world system. This date further marks the start of the democratization of consumer electronics and the “dot-com boom” of the 1990s—to the 20th century processes of industrialization, urbanization, the 21st century added “neo-liberalization” and digitalization.

Exchanges of culture (often one-sided impositions bordering on cultural imperialism) have inspired protectionist reactions that have too often been violent and incendiary. Since 9/11, in particular, the United States has been shaken by the threat of extremism; European rationality and composure are currently being tested in the face of last month’s Paris attacks and the recent influx of refugees into the EU. Western nation-states have become more fundamentalist themselves while demonizing Islamic fundamentalism. Culturally rigid, ethnically biased parties have been gaining power in places like the United States (Tea Party) and France (Front Nationale); conservatism and xenophobia are cultural responses to changes wrought by globalization. Islamic fundamentalism is just a different flavor3. Through the lens of war-torn, impoverished nations like Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, globalization (i.e. Western intervention) has produced nothing but violence and destruction. These violent responses to cultural exchange have escalated to levels of war through a vicious circle of attacks. Intense reactions to forces that are beyond the control of individuals, nation-states,

3 Fundamentalism is also on the rise in Africa, as is evidenced by groups like Boko Haram.

2

Onlinedatei vom 08.12.2015 13:24

Abby Lynn Klinkenberg Application Number: 1516225

In capitalism, there are winners and losers—advancing 21st century globalization on 3 capitalistic principles has created winners and losers out of nation-states and cultures. Those who benefit from the rules in place (the Global North) are not likely to change them; those who are suffering (the Global South) are likely to do what they can for part of the power and wealth afforded to the winners. We find ourselves in an era of extremes: extreme neoliberal economic policy, extreme climate change/population growth, and extremist cultural reaction. The task of global governance in the upcoming century will be to temper these extremes and allow for a more equitable and sustainable