Globalization is blamed for propagating imperialism, and other analysts use globalization and imperialism as synonyms. Although connected, these two terms have different aspects of being discussed further.
What is Globalization?
Globalization entails the “growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information”. It is also viewed as a “process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide” [Source].
What is Imperialism?
Imperialism is the “policy or ideology of extending a nation’s rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control of other areas” [Source].
What are the two main types of Globalization?
The two main types of globalization are economic globalization which focuses on the “unification and integration of international financial markets, as well as multinational corporations that have a significant influence on international markets” [Source], socio-political whereby policies and social/cultural factors are pushed for the betterment of people across the globe.
What is the difference between Cultural Imperialism and Globalization?
The difference between cultural imperialism and globalization is that globalization focuses on making products or services that can appeal to people globally. Cultural imperialism is more of a commanding culture dominating other cultures. Globalization is defined as a two-way street whereby both parties involved tend to benefit, but in cultural imperialism, only one party benefits and the other loses [Source]. Cultural imperialism seems to be an old tradition whereby influential organizations were ruling weaker ones and ordering them around, while globalization is more or less new as the world is warming up to a global village setup. Cultural imperialism is conquest through cultural domination, while globalization tries to connect all the countries. Cultural imperialism creates a hierarchy of cultures, thus enhancing superiority/inferiority complex, but globalization aims at establishing unity by creating global or international standards applicable to everyone.
How does Globalization lead to Cultural Imperialism?
Globalization enacts connectivity and interaction between people from different cultures and backgrounds to create a global village. However, this ‘global village’ is not free of discrimination and the intolerance of other cultures. Since the world is now connected because of globalization, cultural imperialism is now a visible enemy witnessed everywhere. Bringing people together is causing the erosion of other cultures and traditions. Developed nations seem to dictate the concept of something being ‘global’, leaving developing countries vulnerable to cultural imperialism. Before globalization, minority cultures and traditions existed in dark corners, but now they are exposed and can be ridiculed or eliminated.
How is Imperialism associated with Globalization?
Globalization was the leading element in ensuring imperialism found victims to pry on. The creation of a global village seemed like a good idea in terms of uniting the people and enacting tolerance but has proved to cause problems, especially for minority groups and practices. Globalization is described as imperialism by some scholars [Source], and this is because there are superpowers who dictate what should be termed ‘global’ while others are listening and following blindly. This is a new form of oppression that can be likened to colonialism but in a global sense through imperialism.
Is Globalization is the new form of Imperialism and Colonialism?
Is globalization is the new form of imperialism and colonialism? It is an obvious ‘YES’ to some analysts because globalization seems to be doing more damage than good socially, politically, and economically. Responding to this question, it is noted that “it can be suggested that globalization is a form of colonialism or a politically correct term for imperialism. It is important to realize that globalization is here to stay to be realistic. Thus, it is up to the Third World countries to find ways and means by which not lose their sovereignty” [Source]. This response clearly shows the downside of globalization whereby ‘Third World’ countries feel the sting of being dominated by developed countries.
What is the best example of Imperialism?
The best example of imperialism that can be seen in the world is how African traditional and cultural belief systems have been absorbed by Western religions. African indigenous languages and lifestyles were swallowed by western influences in many aspects such as clothing, music, social gatherings, foods and education, and this shows a strong impact of imperialism on developing nations.
How are Modernity and Imperialism connected?
Modernity refers to an advanced period where one would have abandoned “traditional culture and advanced exponentially in science, arts, technology and business” [Source]. It stretches to a person upgrading their entire lifestyle to a modern way. On the other hand, imperialism involves a dominant style toppling over another style, whether economically, socially or politically. Modernity and imperialism are connected in this contemporary world after an in-depth analysis of who dictates ‘modernity’ or set the standards of what should be called ‘modern’. It is revealed that only developed nations are the ‘gods of modernity, so the rest of the world should follow in their footsteps, and by doing so, developing nations will have to change themselves entirely, thus falling into the clutches of imperialism. Because modernity is not a balanced movement and is actually dominated by a few parties, it becomes imperialism as it holds other nations against a yardstick of a ‘few’.
What is Globalization of the media?
Globalization of the media means the “worldwide integration of media through the cross-cultural exchange of ideas” [Source]. Media globalization is the “production, distribution, and consumption of media products globally, facilitating the exchange and diffusion of ideas cross-culturally” [Source].
What is a Media Imperialism example?
Common media imperialism examples include how popular channels such as BBC, CNN, Disney have been forced down the throat of poor countries to impose western media on the globe [Source].
What is the importance of Media Imperialism?
The importance of media imperialism is that it allows big corporates to dish out information to the world on a global scale. Media influence plays a huge role in mobilizing people towards a certain goal, such as ending racism or the current Russia-Ukraine war. Also, poor countries can acquire up to date information through media imperialism. Massive corporations can also broadcast stories and practices from undeveloped localities and at the same time allow them to get in touch with global information.
What is Cultural Media Imperialism?
Cultural media imperialism, which is influenced by cultural and media imperialism, means the imposition of cultural media elements on weak nations [Source]. Any form of imperialism needs a ‘superior’ entity to assert its dominance over others.