March 26: International Conflict/The Context

Conflict. Ch 12. "Globalization"

This chapter is about globalization and its effects on conflict. The author presents two opposing views of how globalization effects conflict. One side sees globalization as having a positive impact on conflict. This side claims that globalization increases cross-cutting relationships between states and has caused a drop in the number of international conflicts. The other side, however, argues that globalization causes an increase in the number of intranational conflicts due to several factors. Among these factors is a decrease in government spending on social programs. Marginilization of certain segments of society is also a major factor. Although globalization opens markets and promotes the flow of wealth into impoverished countries, it can also take a toll on local markets by introducing competition. The author discusses neo-liberal economic reforms and the impact of these reforms when they are forced upon a society. She addresses the idea that while these reforms may have a positive effect in the long-term, they can have damaging effects in the short-term that may lead to deeper issues for a nation. She then discusses transnational mobization which is a response to the insecurity and resentment felt by people of a nation as a result of globalization. Transnational movements can come from all sectors of society but have a similar goal of resisting globalization.
I thought this chapter was very interesting. I liked that the author presented both viewpoints of the globalization argument and made it clear why globalization is neither truly good nor truly bad. I thought it was interesting that she talked about globalization increasing cross-cutting ties(without using that terminology) which are important for maintaining stable relationships. Her talk of transnational movements reminded me of the idea of superordinate goals. Although these groups come from different areas of society, they all have a common goal to unite against. Unfortunately it seems like this could cause internal conflict because they are uniting against globalization which could be represented by their government or those who have benefitted from the process in their society. The main thing that I took from this chapter was that it is important to look at globalization as an important influence on the context of the situation. It may have positive and/or negative effects on conflict, but it will almost always have some effect. Therefore, it is vital to recognize it and take it into account in both analysis, negotiations, and post-negotiation work. It's similar to Hampson's claim in "What Makes Peace Settlements Stick?" when he argues that making a negotiation with the international community in mind can be a determining factor in the success or failure of an agreement.