Globalism in Literature  & Literary Theory

Globalism: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “globalism” derives from the root word “global,” which is a variation of “globe,” emphasizing worldwide or planetary scope. It gained prominence in the late 20th century as increased interconnectedness and interdependence between nations became more evident.

Meanings and Concept:

Meaning/Concept	Description
Economic Globalism	Refers to the interconnectedness of economies on a global scale, involving international trade, investments, and the free flow of capital across borders.
Political Globalism	Involves the idea of global governance, where international organizations and institutions play a significant role in addressing global challenges, transcending national boundaries.
Cultural Globalism	Encompasses the exchange and blending of cultures worldwide, facilitated by communication technologies, migration, and global media.
Environmental Globalism	Addresses global environmental challenges, emphasizing collective responsibility and cooperation to address issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Technological Globalism	Relates to the global diffusion and impact of technology, fostering connectivity and shared advancements across borders.

Globalism, therefore, encapsulates the idea of a world where nations are interconnected economically, politically, culturally, environmentally, and technologically, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address shared challenges and opportunities on a global scale.

Globalism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Globalism is a theoretical term that denotes the interconnectedness and interdependence of nations on a global scale. It encompasses economic, political, cultural, environmental, and technological dimensions, reflecting the increasing integration of societies across borders. As a theoretical framework, globalism emphasizes the need for international cooperation and collective action to address shared challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Globalism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Work	Argument
Thomas Friedman	The World is Flat (2005)	Friedman argues that globalization, driven by technology and interconnectedness, has leveled the playing field, making the world more interconnected and competitive.
Anthony Giddens	Runaway World (1999)	Giddens discusses the impact of globalization on modern societies, emphasizing its influence on politics, culture, and individual lives.
Manfred Steger	Globalization: A Very Short Introduction (2003)	Steger provides a comprehensive overview of globalization, exploring its economic, political, and cultural dimensions while addressing its impact on inequality and cultural homogenization.
Joseph Stiglitz	Globalization and Its Discontents (2002)	Stiglitz critiques certain aspects of globalization, particularly its effects on developing nations, arguing for a more inclusive and equitable approach to global economic integration.
Samuel P. Huntington	The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (1996)	Huntington’s thesis suggests that future conflicts will be rooted in cultural and civilizational differences rather than ideological or economic factors, posing challenges to a harmonious globalized world.
David Held	Global Covenant: The Social Democratic Alternative to the Washington Consensus (2004)	Held advocates for a more socially responsible and inclusive approach to globalization, proposing alternatives to the dominant neoliberal economic policies.

Globalism: Major Characteristics

• Interconnectedness:
  • Example: In Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things,” the narrative weaves through interconnected lives in a small Indian town, portraying how local events resonate globally.
• Cultural Hybridity:
• In Zadie Smith’s novel “White Teeth,” the characters navigate the intricate landscape of cultural hybridity in post-colonial London. The Iqbal and Jones families, with roots in Bangladesh and Jamaica respectively, grapple with their unique identities against the backdrop of a diverse and evolving society.
  • Economic Interdependence:
  • Example: John Lanchester’s “Capital” delves into the lives of diverse characters in London, interconnected by the global economic system and the 2008 financial crisis.
• Technological Integration:
  • Example: Dave Eggers’ “The Circle” portrays a dystopian world where advanced technology connects people globally, raising ethical questions about privacy and societal control.
• Political Globalization:
  • Example: Don DeLillo’s “Cosmopolis” follows a wealthy asset manager’s surreal journey through New York City, exploring the impact of global events on individual lives.
• Environmental Awareness:
  • Example: Barbara Kingsolver’s “Flight Behavior” addresses global warming and environmental changes through the migration of monarch butterflies, connecting local and global ecosystems.
• Multinational Characters:
  • Example: Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” unfolds against the backdrop of Afghanistan but features characters with connections to various global locations, reflecting migration patterns.
• Global Governance:
  • Example: Ian McEwan’s “Saturday” delves into the life of a neurosurgeon in London, intertwining personal challenges with global issues like terrorism and geopolitical tensions.

These literary examples illustrate how globalism manifests in various forms within literature, capturing the complexities of interconnected societies, cultural exchange, economic ties, technological advancements, and the influence of global events on individual experiences.

Globalism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Globalism
Postcolonialism	Examines the effects of colonial history on literature, often exploring how global power dynamics and cultural encounters shape narratives. Examples include Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart.”
World Literature	Emphasizes the study of literature beyond national or cultural boundaries, recognizing the interconnectedness of literary works globally. Example: Haruki Murakami’s “Norwegian Wood.”
Transnationalism	Focuses on literature that transcends national borders, reflecting the movement of people, ideas, and cultures across the globe. Example: Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake.”
Global Narratives	Explores narratives that address universal themes and experiences, emphasizing shared human stories that resonate across diverse cultures. Example: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun.”
Cosmopolitanism	Considers literature that embodies a cosmopolitan worldview, emphasizing a sense of shared humanity and cultural openness. Example: Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go.”
Environmental Literature	Examines literature that addresses global environmental issues, highlighting the interconnectedness between human societies and the natural world. Example: Amitav Ghosh’s “The Great Derangement.”
Postmodernism	Challenges traditional boundaries and categories, reflecting the fragmentation and complexity of the globalized world. Example: Italo Calvino’s “If on a winter’s night a traveler.”

Globalism: Application in Critiques

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
   • Global Critique: Achebe’s novel critiques the impact of colonialism on African societies, highlighting the global power dynamics that led to cultural disruptions and the loss of traditional values. It engages with global themes of imperialism and cultural clash, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different parts of the world during the colonial era.
2. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami:
   • Global Critique: Murakami’s work explores the experiences of Japanese characters in a global context, incorporating Western cultural influences. It reflects the interconnectedness of cultures and the universality of themes like love and loss, contributing to the global discourse on contemporary relationships and existentialism.
3. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri:
   • Global Critique: Lahiri’s novel explores the challenges faced by immigrants and their descendants, highlighting the transnational nature of identity. The narrative reflects the impact of global migration patterns, offering a nuanced perspective on cultural hybridity and the interconnected lives of characters with ties to multiple countries.
4. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
   • Global Critique: Adichie’s novel provides a global perspective on the Nigerian-Biafran War, addressing the impact of political decisions on individuals and communities. It engages with global narratives of conflict, postcolonial struggles, and the human cost of war, contributing to a broader conversation on the consequences of political decisions in a globalized world.

In each critique, the lens of globalism allows for an examination of how these literary works transcend national boundaries, engage with cultural intersections, and contribute to a broader understanding of shared human experiences within the context of a globalized world.

Globalism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
1. Internationalism	Cooperation between nations.
2. Transnationalism	Interactions beyond national borders.
3. Cosmopolitanism	Global perspective, emphasizing a single human community.
4. Globalization	Increasing interconnectedness worldwide.
5. World System Theory	Analysis of global economic positions.
6. International Integration	Nations coming together through agreements.
7. Interdependence	Mutual reliance between nations.
8. Global Citizenship	Responsibilities beyond national borders.
9. Multilateralism	Cooperation involving multiple nations.
10. Global Village	World seen as a closely interconnected community.

Globalism: Suggested Readings

1. Appadurai, Arjun. Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. University of Minnesota Press, 1996.
2. Friedman, Thomas L. The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization. Anchor Books, 2000.
3. Held, David. Global Transformations: Politics, Economics, and Culture. Stanford University Press, 1999.
4. Rodrik, Dani. The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. W.W. Norton & Company, 2011.
5. Roy, Arundhati. Globalization and Discontents: Essays on the New Mobility of People and Money. Haymarket Books, 2002.
6. Sassen, Saskia. Cities in a World Economy. Sage Publications, 2006.
7. Stiglitz, Joseph E. Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited: Anti-Globalization in the Era of Trump. W.W. Norton & Company, 2017.
8. Steger, Manfred B. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2003.
9. Waters, Malcolm. Globalization. Routledge, 2015.