Chapters 70, 76 & 77 and “the long journey’

After reading all three chapters, it seems clear to me that globalisation isn’t as simple as I often thought. For example, Evans’ idea of counter-hegemonic globalisation actually made me feel quite hopeful. He shows that globalisation isn’t just controlled by big corporations but also by people who use it to fight back. For example, workers in different countries supporting each other or global women’s movements pushing for equal rights. I like this perspective because it shows globalisation can be used for good and not solely just for profit. However, I think it must be really hard to organise globally, especially when people’s lives and priorities are so different depending on where they live.

I would say that Haidt’s argument takes almost the opposite view and feels more realistic in what’s happening today. He explains why nationalism is growing, especially in places like the UK with Brexit or in the US with MAGA and Trump. What I found interesting is that he doesn’t just blame racism, he suggests people feel like they’re losing their identity or control, particularly with immigration. I think this is quite important because it explains why some people react so strongly to globalisation. At the same time, I think his argument is a bit risky, because it could be used to justify negative attitudes if taken too far. Although it still made me realise that ignoring people’s concerns probably makes the situation worse especially in the long term as it can cause more uproar. 

Mishra’s text was probably the most powerful but also unsettling. He argued that globalisation itself is creating anger and extremism, especially because it increases inequality and makes people constantly compare themselves to one another. I think this is really relevant today. For instance, social media is a prime example of this. Nowadays people see others living better lives and feel frustrated and it is therefore easy to get caught up on an image of what people think others lives are like. I liked how he pointed out that extremism isn’t just something that comes from outside the West but has always existed everywhere. Overall, his argument feels quite negative to me although also realistic. It suggests that unless global inequality is reduced, this “globalisation of rage” will keep growing.

Overall I think these chapters show that globalisation is not just one thing. It has both positive and negative sides. It can connect people and create movements for change worldwide on both small and large scales. However, it can also divide societies and create tension. Personally, I think globalisation is still important, especially for things like climate change and human rights, but these readings made me realise that it needs to be managed more carefully. It goes back to some of our previous readings with the idea that globalisation itself is not the problem but it is truly how it is managed and dealt with. I just personally feel that if people feel left behind or ignored then it’s no surprise that they push back against it causing more issues for concern. 

The ‘Long Journey’ reading really shows a different side of globalisation and honestly feels quite shocking. It explains how Mexico is split into different “levels” of society, from the rich at the top to the very poor at the bottom, especially indigenous communities who are often ignored  . What I found most interesting is how globalisation and neoliberal policies seem to benefit the wealthy while making life much harder for everyone else. Personally, I think this makes globalisation feel quite unfair because not everyone is getting the same opportunities. It also highlights how this inequality can lead to anger like the Zapatista movement, which shows people won’t just accept being treated this way. Overall, I think this reading makes it clear that globalisation can create serious divisions within countries as well as between them.