Course Content
Class 12 Political science – contemporary world polities

Summary (English)

  1. Meaning of Globalisation
    – Globalisation refers to the process of growing interconnectedness among countries in economy, culture, politics, and technology.
    – It involves flows of goods, services, ideas, capital, and people across borders.
    – It leads to a shrinking world where national boundaries become less important.

    2. Historical Background
    – Globalisation began with early trade and colonial expansion.
    – The modern phase started after World War II with IMF, World Bank, and GATT (later WTO).
    – Accelerated in the 1990s due to liberalisation, privatisation, and digital technology.

    3. Economic Dimension
    – Integration of national economies through trade, investment, and communication.
    – India liberalised in 1991, opening markets to global trade and capital.
    – Benefits: economic growth and technology transfer.
    – Challenges: unemployment, inequality, dependence on global markets.

    4. Political Dimension
    – Globalisation challenges state sovereignty and increases interdependence.
    – International organisations, MNCs, and NGOs play key roles.
    – States cooperate on global issues like terrorism, pandemics, and climate change.

    5. Cultural Dimension
    – Promotes global exchange of ideas, lifestyles, food, and media.
    – Leads to cultural homogenisation (global western culture).
    – Also causes cultural hybridisation (mix of global and local cultures).

    6. Effects of Globalisation on India
    – Positives: Economic growth, job creation, IT boom, better communication.
    – Negatives: Rural-urban divide, loss of small-scale industries, westernisation.
    – India adapts by blending tradition with modernity.

    7. Global Resistance Movements
    – Movements oppose unequal globalisation.
    – Examples: World Social Forum (WSF), anti-WTO protests.
    – They promote fair trade, environmental protection, and equality.

    8. India’s Approach to Globalisation
    – Actively participates in WTO, IMF, and UN.
    – Supports global trade but protects agriculture and technology sectors.
    – Advocates for an equitable international order.

    9. Key Terms
    – Liberalisation: Removing government restrictions.
    – Privatisation: Transfer of public enterprises to private ownership.
    – Global Village: The world connected through communication.
    – Cultural Homogenisation: Making cultures uniform.
    – Cultural Hybridisation: Mixing of local and global cultures.

    10. Conclusion
    – Globalisation is a mixed process with both benefits and risks.
    – It links economies and cultures but also widens inequality.
    – The goal should be inclusive, fair, and sustainable globalisation.