Chapter 7: Globalisation

Long Answer Questions (English, Detailed)

Q1. Define globalisation. Explain its main features.

Introduction:
Globalisation refers to the process of growing interconnection among countries through trade, communication, culture, and politics.

Body:
– Features of Globalisation:
  1. Increased movement of goods, services, and capital across borders.
  2. Technological revolution in communication and transport.
  3. Integration of national economies through liberalisation and privatisation.
  4. Cultural exchange and global media influence.
  5. Rise of multinational corporations and global institutions (WTO, IMF).

Conclusion:
Globalisation has made the world more connected, but also more unequal and interdependent.

Q2. Discuss the economic dimension of globalisation.

Introduction:
Economic globalisation refers to the integration of national economies through increased cross-border trade and investments.

Body:
– Liberalisation: Reducing government controls on trade and investment.
– Privatisation: Transfer of public enterprises to private ownership.
– Global institutions like IMF, World Bank, and WTO facilitate economic integration.
– Multinational corporations invest across countries for profit and cheap labour.
– In India, the 1991 reforms opened the economy to global competition.
– Consequences: growth in GDP and foreign investment but increased inequality.

Conclusion:
Economic globalisation promotes efficiency and growth, but also demands policies for equity and regulation.

Q3. How has globalisation affected the sovereignty of states?

Introduction:
Globalisation has transformed the traditional notion of state sovereignty in world politics.

Body:
– States are no longer completely autonomous; they must comply with international norms and agreements.
– International institutions, multinational corporations, and NGOs influence domestic policies.
– Issues like terrorism, climate change, pandemics require international cooperation.
– However, states still retain power to control borders, taxation, and security policies.

Conclusion:
Sovereignty in the global age is not lost but redefined — it now involves cooperation and negotiation among states and global actors.

Q4. Explain the cultural impact of globalisation.

Introduction:
Globalisation has deeply influenced cultures through global communication, trade, and media.

Body:
– Cultural homogenisation: Spread of Western and American lifestyles, food, and entertainment worldwide.
– Cultural hybridisation: Mixing of local and global elements (e.g., McDonald’s selling paneer burgers in India).
– Promotion of global media, fashion, music, and sports.
– Resistance to global culture has also grown to protect local identities and traditions.

Conclusion:
Cultural globalisation unites people through shared experiences but also creates tensions about identity and diversity.

Q5. Describe India’s experience with globalisation since 1991.

Introduction:
India adopted liberalisation and economic reforms in 1991, marking its entry into the era of globalisation.

Body:
– Economic Effects: Increase in foreign investment, IT and service sector boom, rapid economic growth.
– Social and Cultural Effects: Exposure to global lifestyles, education, and media; rise of middle class.
– Negative Impacts: Inequality, loss of small industries, urban-rural divide.
– Political Response: Balancing reforms with social justice and national interests.

Conclusion:
India has benefited from globalisation, but must ensure inclusive and sustainable development for all sections of society.

Q6. What are the major criticisms of globalisation?

Introduction:
Globalisation is often criticised for creating inequality and weakening local control over economy and culture.

Body:
– Economic Criticism: Rich countries dominate, poor countries become dependent.
– Cultural Criticism: Westernisation erodes traditional values and identities.
– Political Criticism: Global corporations and financial institutions reduce state power.
– Social Criticism: Employment insecurity and widening gap between rich and poor.

Conclusion:
While globalisation brings growth and innovation, it must be regulated to ensure fairness and protect diversity.

Q7. What are the major global resistance movements against globalisation?

Introduction:
Many social movements have emerged to challenge the negative aspects of globalisation.

Body:
– Protests against WTO, IMF, and G8 meetings for promoting corporate interests.
– World Social Forum (WSF) formed in 2001 as an alternative platform promoting equality and sustainable development.
– Movements against environmental degradation, exploitation, and human rights violations.
– Aim: To make globalisation people-centred, not profit-centred.

Conclusion:
Resistance movements highlight that globalisation should serve humanity and protect environment rather than only market interests.

Q8. Explain the concept of ‘cultural homogenisation’ and ‘cultural hybridisation’.

Introduction:
Globalisation has affected cultures through both homogenisation and hybridisation.

Body:
– Cultural Homogenisation: Making cultures uniform; spread of Western music, movies, fashion, fast food.
– Cultural Hybridisation: Fusion of global and local elements; e.g., Bollywood films adopting Western styles while keeping Indian themes.
– Both processes occur simultaneously in globalised societies.

Conclusion:
Globalisation does not destroy all cultures; instead, it reshapes them into a blend of global and local influences.

Q9. How has India balanced globalisation with national interests?

Introduction:
India follows a pragmatic approach — participating in globalisation while safeguarding its sovereignty.

Body:
– Supports global trade but protects domestic agriculture and small industries.
– Active role in WTO and climate negotiations.
– Promotes foreign investment while encouraging ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
– Advocates equity and fairness for developing nations in global governance.

Conclusion:
India’s approach combines openness with caution, aiming for global integration without compromising self-reliance.

Q10. Evaluate whether globalisation has been beneficial for all countries.

Introduction:
Globalisation has connected economies and cultures, but its benefits are unevenly distributed.

Body:
– Developed countries have gained more due to technological advantage.
– Developing countries like India have mixed results — growth but inequality.
– Poor nations in Africa remain marginalised.
– Global institutions favour rich nations in decision-making.

Conclusion:
Globalisation benefits some more than others. For true progress, it must be guided by justice, sustainability, and inclusiveness.