Read the passage and answer the questions:
One of the debates that has been generated as a consequence of contemporary processes of globalization relates to its ongoing political impact. How does globalization affect traditional conceptions of state sovereignty? There are at least three aspects that we need to consider when answering this question. At the most simple level, globalization results in an erosion of state capacity, that is, the ability of governments 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 leads to a reduction in the capacity of governments to take decisions on their own. At the same time, globalization does not always reduce state capacity. The primacy of the state continues to be the unchallenged basis of political community. The old jealousies and rivalries between countries have not ceased to matter in world politics. The state continues to discharge its essential functions (law and order, national security) and consciously withdraws from certain domains from which it wishes to. States continue to be important. Indeed, in some respects state capacity has received a boost as a consequence of globalisation, with enhanced technologies available at the disposal of the state to collect information about its citizens. With this information, the state is better able to rule, not less able. Thus, states become more powerful than they were earlier as an outcome of the new technology.
Which one of the following is not a political impact of globalization?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → New jealousies and rivalries between countries have ceased to matter in world politics.
Option (1) Old ‘welfare state’ is now giving way to a more minimalist state. A political impact (Incorrect). The minimalist state keeps only core functions such as law and order and security.
Option (2) The erosion of ability of the state to do what they want to do. A political impact (Incorrect). At the most simple level, globalisation results in an erosion of state capacity.
Option (3) The state consciously withdraws from certain domains directed at economic and social well-being A political impact (Incorrect). The state withdraws from many of its earlier welfare functions directed at economic and social well-being.
Option (4) New jealousies and rivalries between countries have ceased to matter in world politics. Not a political impact (Correct). The passage says the opposite: the old jealousies and rivalries between countries have not ceased to matter in world politics, and the primacy of the state continues.
Note: This passage is taken word for word from the NCERT chapter ‘Globalisation’, the section ‘Political Consequences’. One careful reading of that single section covers almost the whole case study.
NCERT (2025-26): “Political Consequences … One of the debates that has been generated as a consequence of contemporary processes of globalisation relates to its ongoing political impact. How does globalisation affect traditional conceptions of state sovereignty? There are at least three aspects that we need to consider when answering this question. 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 leads to a reduction in the capacity of governments to take decisions on their own.… Political Consequences … At the same time, globalisation does not always reduce state capacity. The primacy of the state continues to be the unchallenged basis of political community. The old jealousies and rivalries between countries have not ceased to matter in world politics. The state continues to discharge its essential functions (law and order, national security) and consciously withdraws from certain domains from which it wishes to. States continue to be important.…” |