Class 12 Political Science Globalisation Notes Chapter 9 | Nextoper Notes

Introduction to Globalisation

Globalisation is the final chapter of the Class 12 Political Science book Contemporary World Politics. You may have already come across this term in Economics, Geography, and even in daily news. In this chapter, globalisation is studied from a political science perspective, focusing on how it affects states, economies, cultures, and societies.

The chapter explains:

• What globalisation really means
• Why globalisation has increased in the modern world
• Its political, economic, and cultural consequences
• How globalisation has impacted India
• Why there is resistance to globalisation across the world

This chapter is highly important for CBSE board exams, as it includes conceptual questions, long answers, and case-based questions.

What is Globalisation?

Meaning of Globalisation

Globalisation refers to a process through which countries, societies, and people across the world become more connected and dependent on each other. This connection happens through the movement of goods, services, money, people, ideas, and information across national borders.

Globalisation does not mean that borders disappear, but it means that what happens in one part of the world can affect people living in another part.

Globalisation as Worldwide Interconnectedness

The most important idea in this chapter is worldwide interconnectedness.
This means:

• Countries are linked economically, politically, and culturally
• Events in one country can influence others
• No country can remain completely isolated

For example:

• A financial crisis in one country can affect markets worldwide
• Diseases like bird flu or pandemics do not respect national borders
• International trade links producers and consumers globally

Globalisation as Flows

Globalisation is best understood as a set of flows. These flows create and maintain global connections.

1. Flow of Ideas

Ideas such as democracy, human rights, feminism, environmentalism, and lifestyles travel across countries through media, education, and the internet.

2. Flow of Capital

Money moves across countries in the form of:

• Foreign investment
• Loans
• Business expansion by multinational companies

3. Flow of Commodities

Goods produced in one country are sold in other countries.
Example:

• Electronics made in China sold in India
• Clothes designed in Europe manufactured in Asia

4. Flow of People

People move across borders for:

• Jobs
• Education
• Better living conditions

However, the movement of people is more restricted compared to goods and capital.

Is Globalisation a New Phenomenon?

Globalisation is not entirely new.
The movement of goods, people, and ideas has existed for centuries. Trade routes, migration, and cultural exchange existed even in ancient times.

What is new about modern globalisation is:

• The speed of movement
• The scale of global connections
• The role of modern technology

Globalisation as a Multi-Dimensional Process

Globalisation is not purely economic. This is a very important exam point.

It has three main dimensions:

1. Economic
2. Political
3. Cultural

All these dimensions are interconnected and influence each other.

Causes of Globalisation

Historical Roots

Globalisation has a strong historical background. Trade, colonialism, and migration created early global connections. Modern globalisation builds upon these earlier interactions.

Role of Technology (Most Important Cause)

Technology is the most significant cause of globalisation.

Key technological developments include:

• Telegraph
• Telephone
• Internet
• Computers and digital communication

These technologies:

• Reduce distance
• Increase speed of communication
• Make global interaction easier and faster

Scale and Speed of Flows

In contemporary globalisation:

• Capital and goods move faster than people
• Information travels instantly
• Markets react quickly to global events

Growing Awareness of Global Interdependence

People now understand that:

• Environmental disasters affect many countries
• Economic crises spread globally
• Health emergencies are international problems

Political Consequences of Globalisation

Impact on State Sovereignty

One major debate is whether globalisation weakens the state.

Globalisation:

• Reduces the government’s control over economic decisions
• Increases the influence of multinational companies
• Shifts some power from governments to markets

From Welfare State to Minimalist State

Earlier, many states followed the welfare model, providing:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Employment support

Under globalisation:

• States reduce welfare spending
• Focus on core functions like law, order, and security
• Markets play a larger role in economic decisions

Role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

MNCs operate in multiple countries and:

• Influence government policies
• Reduce independent decision-making by states

Is the State Really Weakening?

Globalisation does not eliminate the state.

States remain important because:

• They maintain law and order
• They ensure national security
• They regulate society

Technology and Stronger States

Technology has:

• Increased surveillance capacity
• Improved information collection
• Strengthened state control in some areas

Thus, globalisation both weakens and strengthens states in different ways.

Economic Consequences of Globalisation

Meaning of Economic Globalisation

Economic globalisation refers to:

• Increased trade between countries
• Free movement of capital
• Integration of national economies

Role of International Institutions

Institutions like:

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)

Influence global economic policies by:

• Promoting free trade
• Reducing trade barriers
• Encouraging liberalisation

Trade Liberalisation and Capital Flows

Economic globalisation involves:

• Reduction of import restrictions
• Easier foreign investment
• Expansion of global markets

Uneven Distribution of Economic Gains

A key NCERT point:

• Benefits of globalisation are not equally shared
• Some countries and groups gain more than others
• Poor and weaker sections often suffer

Supporters of Economic Globalisation

Supporters argue that:

• It increases economic growth
• It improves efficiency
• It creates new opportunities

Critics of Economic Globalisation

Critics argue that:

• It increases inequality
• It weakens state welfare
• It harms small producers

Social Safety Nets

Social safety nets refer to:

• Welfare measures to protect weaker sections
• Support systems for those affected by globalisation

Cultural Consequences of Globalisation

Globalisation and Daily Life

Globalisation affects:

• Food habits
• Clothing
• Entertainment
• Values and thinking

Cultural Homogenisation

This refers to:

• Spread of a uniform culture
• Dominance of Western culture
• Influence of US lifestyle

This is also called soft power.

Westernisation and McDonaldisation

Examples include:

• Fast food culture
• Western clothing styles
• Global brands

Cultural Heterogenisation

Globalisation also leads to:

• Cultural diversity
• Mixing of cultures
• Hybrid traditions

Example:

• Indian clothing combined with Western styles

Thus, cultural exchange is not one-way.

Globalisation: Positive and Negative Impacts

Positive Impacts

• Economic growth
• Global connectivity
• Cultural exchange
• New opportunities

Negative Impacts

• Inequality
• Cultural dominance
• Loss of local industries
• Social tensions

India and Globalisation

India Before Independence

India had global trade links for centuries.

Colonial Experience

Under British rule:

• India exported raw materials
• Imported finished goods
• Became economically dependent

Post-Independence Protectionism

After independence:

• India focused on self-reliance
• Restricted imports
• Protected domestic industries

Problems with Protectionism

• Slow economic growth
• Poor infrastructure
• Limited development in health and education

1991 Economic Reforms

In 1991, India adopted:

• Liberalisation
• De-regulation
• Opening to foreign investment

Has Globalisation Benefited India?

The real test is:

• Whether growth benefits are shared
• Whether development is inclusive

Resistance to Globalisation

Why Globalisation is Controversial

Globalisation has faced criticism worldwide.

Left-Wing Criticism

Left-wing critics argue:

• It benefits the rich
• It increases inequality
• It weakens state protection

Right-Wing Criticism

Right-wing critics focus on:

• Cultural erosion
• Loss of traditional values
• Threat to national identity

WTO Protests (Seattle, 1999)

Protests highlighted:

• Unfair trade practices
• Ignoring developing countries

World Social Forum (WSF)

WSF brings together:

• Human rights activists
• Environmentalists
• Labour groups

India and Resistance to Globalisation

Resistance in India includes:

• Trade union protests
• Farmers’ movements
• Opposition to multinational patents (Neem case)
• Cultural resistance to western influence

Important Terms & Definitions

• Globalisation
• Worldwide Interconnectedness
• Cultural Homogenisation
• Cultural Heterogenisation
• Economic Liberalisation
• Protectionism
• Social Safety Nets

How Nextoper Notes Help in Globalisation

Nextoper notes are designed specifically for CBSE students and focus on clarity, revision, and exam success.

For the chapter Globalisation, Nextoper notes help students by:

• Explaining NCERT concepts in simple language
• Covering all dimensions (political, economic, cultural) clearly
• Highlighting exam-important points
• Providing structured explanations for long answers
• Helping with last-minute revision
• Reducing confusion through clear headings and flow

These notes ensure students understand concepts deeply, not just memorize answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What is globalisation in Class 12 Political Science?

Globalisation is the process of worldwide interconnectedness through flows of goods, capital, ideas, and people.

FAQ 2: Why is globalisation called a multi-dimensional process?

Because it has political, economic, and cultural dimensions, not just economic effects.

FAQ 3: What role does technology play in globalisation?

Technology increases the speed and scale of global communication, trade, and interaction.

FAQ 4: How does globalisation affect the role of the state?

It reduces welfare functions but strengthens regulatory and surveillance capacities.

FAQ 5: What are the economic consequences of globalisation?

Increased trade, uneven economic benefits, and debates on inequality and growth.

FAQ 6: What is cultural homogenisation?

It refers to the spread of a uniform culture dominated by Western lifestyles.

FAQ 7: What is cultural heterogenisation?

It is the process where global interaction increases cultural diversity.

FAQ 8: How did globalisation impact India after 1991?

India adopted economic reforms, opened markets, and integrated with the global economy.

FAQ 9: Why is there resistance to globalisation?

Due to inequality, cultural erosion, and reduced state protection for weaker sections.

FAQ 10: Is globalisation the same as westernisation?

No, globalisation involves global interaction, while westernisation focuses only on Western influence.

Conclusion

Globalisation is one of the most important concepts in Class 12 Political Science because it explains how the world today is deeply connected economically, politically, and culturally. Through the movement of goods, capital, ideas, and people, globalisation has changed the way countries function and societies interact.

The chapter clearly shows that globalisation is not purely an economic process. It has:

• Political effects, such as changes in the role of the state
• Economic effects, including growth as well as inequality
• Cultural effects, leading to both homogenisation and heterogenisation

Globalisation has had an uneven impact. While some countries and sections of society have benefited greatly, others have faced challenges like job insecurity, cultural dominance, and reduced state support. This unequal impact is the main reason behind resistance to globalisation, both globally and in India.

In the Indian context, globalisation became more prominent after the 1991 economic reforms. India’s experience shows that globalisation can bring growth and opportunities, but its real success depends on how fairly the benefits are distributed among people.

Overall, this chapter helps students understand that globalisation is a complex and ongoing process, filled with both opportunities and challenges. For board exams, students should focus on clear definitions, balanced arguments, and India-specific examples, as these are key to writing high-scoring answers.

Click to open Globalisation notes MCQ and Q&A on your phone – NOTES

Class 12 Political Science Globalisation Chapter 9 Notes highlight the importance of global cooperation for peace and development. International organizations like the UN play a key role in ensuring harmony and security across nations. Understanding these concepts helps students appreciate the need for unity in solving global challenges.

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