Globalization is said to have resulted in a shrinking world. The demarcation between domestic and foreign policy therefore has become increasingly blurred. DISCUSS.
Globalization may be defined as the process of rapid forging of international linkages and interconnections in various human activities of political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. It is a process by which events, decisions, and activities in one part of the world can significantly affect individuals and communities in a distant part of the globe. It is argued that globalization has resulted in a shrinking world, thereby blurring the demarcation between domestic and foreign policy. This assessment will discuss this notion by examining various categories of policy making, namely decision making; behaviour; and consequences, respectively. The post globalization era in the Third World will be the focus of this study.
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Firstly, the issue of decision making will be examined. Traditionally, the policy decisions made in a country have reflected the interests of various internal sectors, such as domestic pressure groups and political parties. Increasingly, however, because of the increased interconnectedness and interdependence caused by globalization, the decision makers of many countries' domestic affairs are external bodies. For instance, many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are subject to the rulings of various international organizations. Under various GATT agreements, for example, Trinidad was required to enact copyright and environmental legislation. .
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Further, the loans given to numerous Third World nations by the IMF and the World Bank have specific conditionalities attached to them. Many of these countries are required to adjust their monetary and fiscal policies to control interest rate and inflation levels. The interests of these international organizations are often given greater priority than internal interests by these nations.