Global Political Economy: The Influence of New Theories and Global Capitalism

  1. What is IPE (or GPE)? Explain how the introduction of new theories has changed its conceptualization. (Hint: You will also need to talk about traditional IPE theories!) Using an IPE perspective, discuss at least three ways in which globalization has fostered global inequalities and three ways in which people have benefitted from globalization.
  2. According to the authors of this chapter, Marxist theories argue ‘that the familiar events of world politics—wars, treaties, international aid operations—all occur within structures that have an enormous influence on those events. These are the structures of a global capitalist system’. Choose an ‘event of world politics’ and explain how it has been influenced by the structure of the global capitalist system. The event should be fairly recent (last 30 years or so) or ongoing.
  Global Political Economy: The Influence of New Theories and Global Capitalism IPE and GPE IPE (International Political Economy) or GPE (Global Political Economy): IPE/GPE is a multidisciplinary field that examines the interactions between politics and economics on a global scale. Traditional IPE theories focused on issues such as trade, finance, and development, often drawing from liberal, mercantilist, and Marxist perspectives. Evolution of IPE: The introduction of new theories has shifted the conceptualization of IPE/GPE, incorporating diverse viewpoints such as feminist, postcolonial, and constructivist perspectives. These new theories have broadened the understanding of global political economy by highlighting the role of power dynamics, identity politics, and social constructions in shaping global economic relations. Global Inequalities and Benefits of Globalization Global Inequalities Fostered by Globalization: 1. Labor Exploitation: Globalization has led to the outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower labor standards, resulting in exploitation of workers in developing nations. 2. Environmental Degradation: The pursuit of economic growth in a globalized world has often disregarded environmental concerns, leading to pollution, resource depletion, and climate change disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. 3. Income Disparities: Globalization has widened income inequalities, with wealth concentrating in the hands of a few while many remain economically marginalized. Benefits of Globalization: 1. Access to Markets: Globalization has expanded market opportunities for businesses, enabling them to reach broader consumer bases and diversify their operations. 2. Technological Advancements: Globalization has facilitated the transfer of technology and knowledge across borders, driving innovation and efficiency in various sectors. 3. Cultural Exchange: Globalization has promoted cultural exchange and diversity, fostering understanding and appreciation of different traditions and perspectives worldwide. Influence of Global Capitalist System on World Events Event: The 2008 Global Financial Crisis - Influence of Global Capitalist System: The 2008 financial crisis was rooted in the dynamics of the global capitalist system, characterized by deregulation, financial speculation, and interconnected markets. The crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of the global financial system, highlighting how profit-driven motives and lack of regulatory oversight contributed to the collapse of major financial institutions and triggered a worldwide economic downturn. In conclusion, the evolution of IPE/GPE through the introduction of new theories has enriched our understanding of global economic dynamics. Globalization has both perpetuated inequalities and offered benefits to various stakeholders. The influence of the global capitalist system on world events, such as the 2008 financial crisis, underscores the interconnectedness of economic structures and global events, emphasizing the need for critical analysis and reform in addressing contemporary global challenges.    

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