GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course aims to examine the current global political issues and their implications. The rise of populist and authoritarian leaders in many parts of the world -- in the US, Europe and Asia had threatened global stability and the future of democracy. The election of Trump as US President had a costly legacy in the US and global politics. The UK’s vote for Brexit provided a striking image of the power of far-right movements in the UK and Europe. The resurgence of these movements are fueled by post-truth politics, denialism and fake news which imperil civic engagement and democratic ideals. These developments are thought to be connected to 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 highly polarized politics. Adding to the global anxiety and uncertainty is the Russia-Ukraine war which was instigated by Russia's own authoritarian-populist leader, Putin. These crucial global events and issues need thorough examination and reflection since they significantly affect our lives, 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 that are brought by these challenges.

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 harnessed. 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 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 examinations. The final exam will be a short essay and test on what you learned from the key themes of the course. We will have Active Learning Tasks composed of class debate and individual student report that will help you improve your confidence in presenting your ideas clearly and logically.

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 class debate and individual presentation. 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

Outline of the course, definition of terms, explanation of course requirements

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

Nature and consequences of globalization/Debate teams are decided

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

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]：Recent Trends in Global Politics (e)

Identity Politics

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

Individual student report

12[対面/face to face]：Active learning task 2: Group 2ountry case study

Individual student report

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

Globalization in the Post-Covid World: Social Protection as a Critical Agenda & Country Case Study on the Consequence of Fake News

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

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

Fukuyama, Francis. 2018. Against Identity Politics:
The New Tribalism and the Crisis of Democracy. Council on Foreign Relations: Foreign Affairs. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/americas/2018-08-14/against-identity-politics-tribalism-francis-fukuyama


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

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.

None.

None.