GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course aims to shed light on the current global political trends and transformations. In the second half of the decade of 2010s, we had seen an unexpected stream of political changes. It includes the election of Trump as US President and its costly legacy in the domestic and global politics, the rise of populist and authoritarian leaders in Europe and Asia, the UK’s vote for Brexit and the uncertainty after the referendum, the resurgence of far right movements in the US and Europe, the emergence of post-truth politics, and deniers of science and history. Those events are thought to be the negative consequences of globalization, notably the deepening of inequality, the cultural clash, and the divide of values, which led to social and economic fragmentation and political turbulence. The perceived consequences of globalization-- particularly the inequality, the deep cultural and values divide, and the global threats on national security-- prompted various political actions and shifts that have profound implications on the political structure. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and the health and economic crisis it generated significantly changed our lives, while deepening the economic equality and tensions that we experienced before, and potentially exacerbating global divisions. These issues need thorough examination and reflection since they significantly affect our future, the future of democracy, and the rules-based international order. At the same time, we need to understand our options, as well as the appropriate choice of policy actions to counter the negative impacts of the social, economic and political changes.

In examining globalization and political change, the course aims to answer three questions: 1) What are the impact and consequences of globalization? 2) What are the recent trends in global politics? and 3) What is the future of globalization and politics?

Globalization has provided opportunities for international cooperation and for minor voices to be heard; however, it has also become a significant source of domestic and global friction and instability. Globalization has both positive and negative consequences. We need to understand how we can benefit from its positive impact, and as much as possible, work on how the positive benefits can be spread. Meanwhile, we also need to carefully study the negative impact, how they can be managed, reduced, or even eliminated.

This course will help you develop deeper understanding of contemporary political issues, and strengthen your ability in analyzing the political impact of crucial global events. In relation to these, we will engage in exercises that will improve your critical thinking skills, as well as help you effectively communicate your ideas and personal reflections of reading materials and current events. You will be writing reflective essays for your mid-terms and final examinations. We will also have Active Learning Tasks composed of class debates and individual student report to apply what you learned, and enhance your presentation skills.

To receive credit from the class, you need to attend the lectures, participate in the Active learning tasks, and pass the mid terms and final examinations, which require you to read and reflect on the materials provided.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

The class combines lectures with active learning tasks, such as debates and discussions. To make the class more lively and interesting, you are encouraged to participate actively and share your opinion regarding the topic of the day and the reading materials. The first half of the course tackles the nature, impact and consequences of globalization. The second half of the course examines the recent trends and future direction of globalization and politics.

Submission of assignments and feedback will be via the Learning Management System. Insightful comments from reflective essays will be introduced in class and used in deeper discussions.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction and Overview of the Course

Week-by-week explanation of the course
Explanation of class policy, Active learning tasks, and grading system.
Overview lecture and Definitions of globalization

2[対面/face to face]：Impact and Consequences of Globalization (a)

Debates on the nature and consequences of globalization.

3[対面/face to face]：Impact and Consequences of Globalization (b)

Globalization and inequality/Individual Report topics are discussed and decided

4[対面/face to face]：Impact and Consequences of Globalization (c)

Global rift, resistance and backlash/Individual Report topics are discussed and decided

5[対面/face to face]：Active learning task 1

Class Debate on the Impact of Globalization

6[対面/face to face]：Recent Trends in Global Politics (a)

Illiberal democracy

7[対面/face to face]：Recent Trends in Global Politics (b)

Populist and authoritarian leaders

8[対面/face to face]：Recent Trends in Global Politics (c)

Brexit and the far right movement in Europe

9[対面/face to face]：Recent Trends in Global Politics (d)

Post-truth politics

10[対面/face to face]：Active learning task 2: Group 1

Individual student report

11[対面/face to face]：Active learning task 2: Group 2

Individual student report

12[対面/face to face]：The Future of Globalization and Politics

Globalization in the Post-Covid World/Social Protection as a Critical Agenda in the Post-Covid world/ New Normal

13[対面/face to face]：New Policy Strategies

Strategies to counter populism, illiberalism and deniers of history and science

14[対面/face to face]：Review and examination

Wrap-up discussion
Final examination

Preparatory study and review time for this class is at least 2 hours each for every meeting. The students are expected to read the assigned materials prior to class and conduct research for the active learning tasks.

Class materials will be provided by the Instructor.

Arendt, Hannah. 1967. Truth and Politics. The New Yorker. February 25, 1967. Accessed at https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1967/02/25/truth-and-politics

Frieden, Jeffry. 2017. The Politics of Globalization and Backlash: Sources and Implications. Conference Paper, American Economics Association, January 6, 2018.
https://institute.global/policy/high-tide-populism-power-1990-2020
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/jfrieden/files/the_political_economy_of_the_globalization_backlash.pdf

Huntington, Samuel. 1991. Democracy’s Third Wave. Journal of Democracy. Spring 1991.

Huntington, Samuel. 2011. "The Clash of Civilizations?" In Essential Readings in World Politics. Mingst, Karen and Jack Snyder (eds). The Norton Series in World Politics. (pp. 159-166)

Kyle, Jordan and Brett Meyer. 2020. High Tide? Populism in Power, 1990-2020. Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Accessed at https://institute.global/policy/high-tide-populism-power-1990-2020

Milanovic, Branko. 2016. Global Inequality. Cambridge, Massachusetts, London: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Chapters 1& 3.

Milner, Helen. 2018. Globalization and its Political Consequences: The Effects on Party Politics in the West. APSA Conference Paper, 2018. https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/hvmilner/files/milner_globalization_political_consequences.pdf

Rodrik, Dani. 2000. “Has Globalization Gone Too Far?”. In The Global Transformations Reader. David Held and Anthony McGrew (Eds). Polity Press. Chapter 28.

Sen, Amartya. 2004. “How to Judge Globalism.” In The Globalization Reader. Frank Lechner and John Boli (Eds). Blackwell Publishing

Sen, Amartya. 2004. "Universal Truths: Human Rights and Westernizing Illusion". In Essential Readings in World Politics. Mingst, Karen and Jack Snyder (eds). The Norton Series in World Politics.

Zakaria, Fareed. 1997. The Rise of Illiberal Democracy. Accessed at
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/1997-11-01/rise-illiberal-democracy

Grading Criteria:

1) Midterms examination - 30%
2) Final examination - 40%
3) Active Learning Tasks - 20%
4) Class participation - 10%

Notes:


a) For the active learning tasks, other than applying what you learned in class, the activities also aim to enhance your presentation and team work skills. Excellent mark will be given to well-prepared, interesting presentations.

b) Class participation – excellent mark will be given to those who raise relevant issues, contribute in class discussions in ways that reflect the reading materials, and treat the opinions of others with respect.

The active learning tasks may change depending on class size.

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