PPR326: Globalization and Transnational Politics

Tutor: Dr. Ngai-Ling Sum
Term: Not available 2013/14

Course Description

Globalization is often related to increased connectivity and integration in economy, politics, culture, and people in diasporas. Drawing from liberal and critical theories on globalization, this module first examines the rise of the neoliberal world order under the 'Washington Consensus', which mobilizes state and non-state actors (e.g., transnational corporations and NGOs) to rebuild the global economy. These changes have an uneven impact on class, ethnic and gender relations and have prompted the emergence of counter-hegemonic movements such as the Global Justice Movement and the World Social Forum. The rise of transnational political mobilization also involves migration. Uprooted migrants are increasingly organized through transnational diasporic networks that are engaged in both: a) hostland politics of citizenship and racism; and b) homeland politics of memory and transformation. One specific focus of this module is the rise of transnational and home-grown Jihadists along with the growth of far-right politics and 'racial supremacism' in and beyond Europe.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Understand and appreciate the emergence of the 'transnational' scale as a new area of political studies.
• Critically analyse key concepts and approaches that have framed debates on the complex relations between different dimensions of globalization and the rise of transnational politics.
• Apply these concepts and approaches to selected recent examples of transnational social movements and solidarity politics in relation to economic globalization in general.
• Understand the relevance of these theoretical perspectives to interpreting recent and current phenonema linked specifically to the politics of migration (e.g., rise of transnational diasporic networks and Jihadist politics).
• Define and contrast religious fundamentalism and racial supremacism, identify key tensions between them, and explore their impact in contemporary politics.
• Critically evaluate the transformative potential of suggested alternatives to these transnational forms of 'extremist politics'.

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 1 essay of 3000 words. Exam: 2 hours.

Teaching Method

Workshop (2 hours) weekly.

Introductory Reading

Amoore L (ed.) Global Resistance Reader

Appelbaum R, and Robinson W Critical Globalization Studies

Castles, S Ethnicity and Globalization

Young R Postcolonialism: A Very Short Introduction

Ellinas J The Media and the Far Right in Western Europe: Playing the Nationalist Card

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