globalism

Globalism is the idea or process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among economies, societies, and political systems across borders. It can denote both the descriptive reality of global integration and the ideological stance that supports wider international cooperation and integration, often through trade, investment, information networks, and supranational governance.

Historically, the contemporary form of globalism accelerated after World War II with institutions such as Bretton Woods, GATT and its successor the World Trade Organization, the IMF, and various regional and bilateral agreements. The expansion of communication and transportation technologies, containerized shipping, and liberalized financial markets in the late 20th century intensified cross-border flows and economic integration, while debates about sovereignty and control grew louder.

Globalism operates across economic, political, social, and cultural domains. Economically, it encompasses trade liberalization, foreign direct investment, and integrated supply chains. Politically, it involves international organizations, treaties, and forms of global governance. Culturally, it is associated with cross-border media, migration, and transnational networks that influence norms, languages, and identities. Environmental and health governance and global public goods are also situated within this framework, illustrating the reach of global connections.

Supporters argue that globalism raises productivity, expands consumer choices, and can foster development through technology transfer and access to markets. Critics contend that it can increase inequality, erode national sovereignty, create vulnerability to global shocks, and contribute to perceived cultural homogenization or a race to the bottom in labor and environmental standards. Debates frequently focus on governance legitimacy, distributional impacts, and policy responses such as regulation, social protections, or regional diversification strategies.