Globalisation is a very contentious subject and has invited strong criticism all over the globe. Critics of globalisation make a variety of arguments. Those on the left argue that contemporary globalisation represents a particular phase of global capitalism that makes the rich richer (and fewer) and the poor poorer. The weakening of the state leads to a reduction in the capacity of the state to protect the interest of its poor.

What is the major concern/fear of critics of globalisation in 'political terms'?

Weakening of the state.

Critics of globalisation from the political right express anxiety over the political, economic and cultural effects.

- In political terms, they fear the weakening of the state.
- Economically, they want a return to self-reliance and protectionism, at least in certain areas of the economy.
- Culturally, they are worried that traditional culture will be harmed and people will lose their age-old values and ways.

Political Consequences of Globalisation - At the most simple level, globalisation results in an erosion of state capacity, that is, the ability of government to do what they do. All over the world, the old ‘welfare state’ is now giving way to a more minimalist state that performs certain core functions such as the maintenance of law and order and the security of its citizens. However, it withdraws from many of its earlier welfare functions directed at economic and social well-being. In place of the welfare state, it is the market that becomes the prime determinant of economic and social priorities. The entry and the increased role of multinational companies all over the world lead to a reduction in the capacity of governments to take decisions on their own.

Economic Consequence pf Globalisation- Globalisation has involved greater trade in commodities across the globe; the restrictions imposed by different countries on allowing the imports of other countries have been reduced. Similarly, the restrictions on the movement of capital across countries have also been reduced. In operational terms, it means that investors in rich countries can invest their money in countries other than their own, including developing countries, where they might get better returns. Globalisation has also led to the flow of ideas across national boundaries. The spread of the internet and computer-related services is an example of that.

Cultural effect of globalisation- It leads to the fear that this process poses a threat to cultures in the world. It does so, because globalisation leads to the rise of a uniform culture or what is called cultural homogenisation. The rise of a uniform culture is not the emergence of a global culture. What we have in the name of a global culture is the imposition of Western culture on the rest of the world.