Does globalisation represent a triumph of the 'Lockean Heartland'?

Table of Contents

Introduction

I. Globalisation in history

II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII

III. Understanding globalisation:

1. The agent-structure debate

2. Underlying forces that enabled globalisation

3. Effects of globalisation

4. Globalisation and the ‘Lockean heartland’

Conclusion

Objectives and Topics

This dissertation examines the phenomenon of globalisation, exploring its complex origins, driving forces, and consequences for global states and societies. The central research objective is to determine whether globalisation is a natural technological progression or a specific project driven by the "Lockean heartland" and its associated state/society complex.

• Historical evolution of globalisation from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
• Structural transformations in the global political economy post-World War II.
• Theoretical analysis of the agent-structure debate and forces enabling globalisation.
• The role of the "Lockean heartland" in promoting neo-liberal values and marketisation.
• Critical assessment of the impact of financialisation, digitisation, and the rise of multinational corporations.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: This chapter defines globalisation as a complex phenomenon and introduces the research question regarding the role of the "Lockean heartland" in shaping its trajectory.

I. Globalisation in history: This chapter traces the early origins of trade integration, from medieval merchant networks to the embryonic capitalism of 16th-century England.

II. Changes in the global political economy since the end of WWII: This chapter analyzes the post-war liberal economic framework, the Bretton Woods system, and the subsequent move towards deregulation and neo-liberalism.

III. Understanding globalisation: This chapter explores the theoretical underpinnings of global change, focusing on the agent-structure debate, the forces of rationalism and capitalism, and the emergence of the "Lockean heartland" as a global power structure.

Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes findings, arguing that contemporary globalisation reflects a "triumph" of the Lockean model, while noting its inherent risks regarding socio-economic inequality and ecological sustainability.

Keywords

Globalisation, Lockean heartland, Global Political Economy, Neo-liberalism, Capitalism, Transnational Capitalist Class, Bretton Woods, Financialisation, Multinational Corporations, Consumerism, State/Society complex, Marketisation, Deregulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this research?

The work explores the phenomenon of globalisation, investigating its complex historical origins, driving forces, and its profound impacts on the modern global political economy.

What are the primary themes discussed in the dissertation?

The dissertation covers historical trade development, the evolution of the global financial system post-WWII, the rise of multinational corporations, and the influence of the "Lockean" state/society model on global policy.

What is the central research question?

The study aims to determine if globalisation is a "natural" result of technological advancement or a project intentionally driven by specific actors, namely the "Lockean heartland."

Which methodology is applied in this research?

The work employs a theoretical and empirical analysis of sociohistorical developments, adopting the "structuration postulate" to explain how agent choices and structural dispositions mutually constitute social outcomes.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The main body examines the history of globalisation, the shift towards a neo-liberal financial order, the factors enabling globalisation (rationalism, capitalism, technology, regulation), and the expansion of Lockean values.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Globalisation, Lockean heartland, Neo-liberalism, Capitalism, Transnational Capitalist Class, and Marketisation.

What does the "Lockean heartland" represent in this context?

It refers to a state/society complex where civil society—dominated by the bourgeoisie—is prioritized over the state, focusing on the protection of private property and the free pursuit of capitalist interests.

How does the author explain the shift in authority from states to private actors?

The author argues that deregulation, the liberalisation of financial markets, and the rise of multinational corporations have undermined the state's capacity to regulate, effectively shifting power to private financial actors and transnational entities.