This course introduces students to the key debates on the meaning and nature of globalization by addressing its political, economic, social, cultural, and technological dimensions. In keeping with the most important debates within the globalization discourse, it imparts an understanding of the working of the world economy, its anchors and resistances offered by global social movements while analysing the changing nature of the relationship between the state and trans-national actors and networks.
The course also offers insights into key contemporary global issues such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, ecological issues, international terrorism, and human security before concluding with a debate on the phenomenon of global governance.
Course Content
Unit I: Globalisation – Perspectives
a) Understanding Globalisation and Its Alternative Perspectives
b) Global Economy: Its Significance & Anchors of Global Political Economy; IMF, World Bank, WTO, TNCs
c) Political Debates on Sovereignty & Territoriality
Unit II: Globalisation – Issues & Dimensions
a) Cultural & Technological Dimensions
b) Gender and Human Rights
c) Ecological Issues
Unit III: Issues of Global Commons
a) Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: NPT, CTBT
b) International Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Measures
c) Crisis of Human Security: Refugee & Migration
Unit IV: Global Multilateral Governance
a) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Food Security & Poverty Alleviation
b) Climate Summit, Energy Security & International Solar Alliance
c) Management of Epidemic & Natural Disaster
Essential Readings
- Carter, N. (2007). The Politics of the Environment: Ideas, Activism, Policy. Cambridge University Press.
- Dicken, P. (2007). Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy. The Guilford Press.
- Goldstein, J. (2006). International Relations. Pearson.
- Heywood, A. (2011). Global Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Kumar, A., & Messner, D. (Eds.). (2010). Power Shifts and Global Governance: Challenges from South and North. Anthem Press.
- Narlikar, A. (2005). The World Trade Organization: A Very Short Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
- O’Brien, R., Williams, M., Cottle, D., & Erskine, T. (2000). Contesting Global Governance: Multilateral Economic Institutions and Global Social Movements. Cambridge University Press.
- Ritzer, G. (2010). Globalization: A Basic Text. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Steger, M. B. (2009). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Viotti, P., & Kauppi, M. (2007). International Relations. Pearson.
Source: Undergraduate (UG) Political Science Syllabus – Core XI (Semester V): Global Politics.