Globalization and the public

Maarten G. D Rothman, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to chart how globalization is changing the sense of justice of the publics it affects. Globalization transforms our social environment. By deterritorializing the interactions between individuals, private and public organizations, it complicates the life of existing communities (states) but also calls into being a new community. David Hume taught that justice applies within a cooperative scheme. This cooperative scheme is becoming global rather than domestic. Rather than international, it is becoming transnational. The consequence of globalization is that the subjects of one state increasingly and as a matter of course apply to the subjects of another state an idea of justice that formerly applied only within the domestic context. This fundamental transformation in political consciousness is already becoming manifest in the form of the alterglobalist (rather than antiglobalist) social movement. Where alterglobalism springs up as a common response to the unintended consequences of globalization, globalization in effect fashions a community in the sense meant by John Dewey. Not yet well established, this community is under threat both from particularist fundamentalism (Islamic jihad) and from the reimposition of state power (under the banner of “War against Terror”). Nevertheless, the primary reaction of the public around the world to the events of 11 September 2001 has been an outpouring of sympathy that accords with the hypothesis of an emerging global community of justice. The geographical extent of the reaction shows the reach of the global cooperative scheme. The intensity of participation on the side of the victims shows the force of the global community for justice.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Weinstein, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Political science|International law|International relations

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