GE 319 – THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Module 3
A WORLD OF REGIONS and IDEAS
Module Overview
The path that Globalization has paved for the world has increasingly brought nation
states together but it can also be argued that the same phenomenon also
necessitated that countries come up with regional groupings in order to equip
themselves better with the demands and odds brought forth by Globalization.
There is truism in the saying that Unity is attained amidst diversity. Regionalism
and the desire to be a part of one is a product of a process, a well-defined system
that came to emerge as a by-product of time, situation and various factors that may
be categorized as economic, political, historical and cultural that led to the
amalgamation of countries and even societies. The necessity to form groupings
and regional organizations goes beyond geographical realities as this unit shall
uncover. In fact, regionalism is buoyed by the fact that economic, military and
political alliances are still indispensable especially in a highly globalized
environment.
Also, several globalization theories have profoundly influenced economic theories
but relatively less can be seen in its impact on cultural and social theories (Marfleet,
2005). This module aims to shed light on the important elements that revolve
around the dichotomy of the Global North and Global South divide and then
focuses its attention closer to the Philippines with a discussion on Asian
Regionalism. Finally, on how globalization has shaped global cultures and global
media across the globe. The discussion revisits the development of paradigms that
hold contradictory and separate understandings of how culture of societies have
been developed or worsened by the global media. By the end of the module, the
reader will be urged to apply the theoretical tools that were discussed within the
context of the real world.
Module Outcomes
By the end of this module, we hope to achieve the following objectives:
 Articulate the definitions as well as differences of the Global North and
Global South;
 Challenge the rationale behind such division, classification;
 Understand the current configurations and manifestations of the Divide;
 Recognize how this division affects the path of Globalization and the current
world in general; and
 Equip students with 21st century learning and develop higher order thinking
skills that will lead towards a deeper understanding of Global economic
structures as well as articulate a stance on the Global North-South Divide
and how it impacts the Philippines, the Filipino society and the individual
self.
 Analyze how various media drive various forms of global integration;
 Explain the dynamic between local and global cultural production
 Explain how globalization affects religious practices and beliefs, and;
 Analyze the relationship between religion and global conflict and,
conversely, global peace

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Lesson 1
Global Divides: The North and the South
Learning Outcomes
 Define the term “Global South”
 Differentiate the Global South from the Third World
 Differentiate between regionalization and globalization
 Identify the factors leading to a greater integration of the Asian region
 Analyze how different Asian states confront the challenges of globalization and
regionalization

Time Frame: 1 Week

Overview
Many international agencies or global organizations like the UN have called attention to
the disparities in access to the information society. But will the global divide and new
technology allow postindustrial societies to reinforce their lead over the developing world?
While the world is broadly demarcated geographically and demarcated through continental
divisions, it is imperative to note
that there exist other
delineations anchored on
developmental patterns, wealth
distribution and emerging
economic situations. This is the
primordial consideration when
one seeks to better understand
the concepts that harbor on
other factors. These factors or
parameters so to speak, are
underlying the Global North and
South divide. But as we shall
see later, even cultural and
historical dimensions actually
contributed to the existence of
the concept. At this point,
however, it is important to
highlight some activities and
later describe the definitions of
the term in order to gain a better
understanding of the term.
Source: http://globalsherpa.org/
Activity (Let’s Get Started!)
What does the concept of ‘the global divide’ actually mean and entail, seen from a citizen
perspective? When you ground this question in the lived experience of cultural
globalization, the global divide becomes lived experience of inclusion or exclusion,
representation and participation. Beyond material conditions expressed as a technology-
focused digital divide, the global divides, in relation to media, are cultural, social and
symbolic divides: lived experiences of lack of recognition or lack of identification,
misrepresentation or lack of representation, and also lack of participation in processes of
media and cultural production.
 Spend 3-5 minutes checking about the following photos.
 Think about how different life is in the UK and in poorer countries like the ones
shown in the continent of Africa.

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AFRICA

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HEALTH CARE

WATER COLLECTION EDUCATION

SOURCES:
water journalists africa
https://www.cfr.org
https://www.healthfurther.com
https://isnad-africa.org

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UNITED KINGDOM

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HEALTH CARE

WATER COLLECTION EDUCATION

SOURCES:
https://www.intelligenttransport.com
https://www.information-age.com
https://corporatewatch.org
https://tass5.co.rw

Analysis (Let’s Think About it!)

Now think about the questions below:
 How is the Global North-South divide depicted in the photos?
 Enumerate the economic, political, cultural and even technological realities
indicative of the Global North and South divide as depicted in the case.
 What reflections can you make of the case and its apparent connection to the
Philippines as a part of the Global South?

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Abstraction (Let’s Explore!)

The North - South divide can be related to an economic division between richer and poorer
countries. This explains the reason why it is considered to be more of a socio political and
economic classification. The Global North is generally viewed to be the more affluent and
economically stable countries and generally includes the United States of America,
Canada, the member nations of the G8 (Group of 8), the four permanent members of the
UN Security Council. This also includes countries that lie below the equator namely
Australia and New Zealand. The Global South, on the other hand includes most nations
located in Africa, Latin America, and the developing parts of Asia with the exception of
Japan. It can be argued that the division goes beyond merely geographical since not all
states found north of the equator belong to the Global North and in the same manner, not
all states that lie south of the equator form part of the Global South. One attempt to produce
an objective classification uses the UNDP's Human Development Index to differentiate. In
brief, the Global North consists of those 64 countries which have a high HDI (most of which
are located north of the 30th northern parallel), while the remaining 133 countries belong
to the Global South.

In effect, Rigs (2007) makes it clear that this is not a strict geographical categorization of
the world but one based on economic inequalities which happen to have some
cartographic coherence. It also emphasizes that both North and South are, together,
drawn into global processes rather than existing as separate slices of the world. However,
for purposes of identifying which countries are included in the list, the Global North
includes Australia, Canada, Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore,
South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and all of Europe (including Russia). The Global
South includes Asia (with the exception of Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South
Korea and Taiwan), Central America, South America, Mexico, Africa, and the Middle East
(with the exception of Israel).

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The Global North/South Divide

Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/
The Global North
We could find in the North the More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) in the
world. Some countries which lay in the North part of the divide are Canada, United States,
Greenland, and Russia. They are considered the "richer" and more stable countries.

Why the countries in the North are considered MEDC?

The countries are considered MEDC because of the stability that their economy generally
have a better standard of living and quality of life. Aspects which may show this is how
long the country's life expectancy is, education levels, if there are doctors available
(medicine) and how developed their technology is. For instance the United States, an
MEDC, has a life expectancy of 79 years for women and 77 years for men. However in
Somalia a LEDC the life expectancy is 51 years for women and 48 years for men. The
distribution of education and health care is also a factor. For example, Canada has free
universal healthcare and free secondary education, which leads a better quality of life for
Canadians. Where as in many parts of Africa--a continent filled with LEDC-has little
education and hardly no health care. These are just some of the many factors which
separate the MEDC from the LEDC (Guttal, 2016).

The Global South

The area below the North-South Divide is what is known as the South/developing, or “Poor
side". These countries are known as developing countries, meaning the GDP, HDI and
general standard of living within these countries are considered inferior to that of countries
in the "North". Some examples of these countries include Somalia, Vietnam, Haiti and
India.

Why countries in the South are considered LEDCs?

The countries in the south may be considered LEDCs due to a number of reasons, among
them including an unstable government and a poor economy. In addition, countries that
are considered to be an LEDC contain citizens who have a poor standard of living and
quality of life. Some characteristics of countries in this region may include low Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and low Human Development Index (HDI). Some LEDCs have
skewed HDis due to a relatively high GDP and an exceptionally low standard of living. An
example of these types of countries is Indonesia.

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Why is the South at such a disadvantage?

Of the many possible reasons for the south's woes, the one factor that stands out is
colonization. When the countries that are considered MEDCs are listed down it becomes
apparent that most of these countries were, at some point in history imperialists. From the
13th century on, most countries that were powerful have stayed powerful, such as France
and the United Kingdom. And therefore, most countries that were inferior have stayed
inferior. However, like any aspect in history, there is always an exception, as the United
States, a former British colony, has developed into the most powerful country in the world
(Guttal, 2016).

First, Second and Third Worlds

The term Global North - Global South first emerged in 1996. However, since the end of
the Cold War, many commentators have employed the North-South label northern
hemisphere (the North) and poorer, developing countries located mainly to draw a
dichotomy between wealthy, developed countries primarily located in the hears
policymakers and practitioners use phrases like "the North-South divide" or "the gap
between North and South" to summarize complex political and economic in the southern
hemisphere (the South). In UN circles and elsewhere, one frequently tensions on a range
of issues. The term was also fashioned out of the categorization which included mainly the
First, Second and Third World distinctions. This was by and large, influenced by the Cold
War era between the USA and USSR. This was conveniently drawn upon political
ideologies and alliances with the US and much of the Western world who preached for
Democracy and Capitalism tagged as the First World. The Communist bloc led by USSR
(Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) / Russia, China and other states who employed
Marxist principles are deemed to be part of the Second World. While the Third World
corresponds to the non-aligned states, the underdeveloped nations and states that have
unstable political and economic conditions. The "Third World", a term that had been coined
by the French scholar Alfred Sauvy in 1952 to distinguish the formerly colonized and
presently neo-colonized societies of Asia, Africa and Latin America from the modernized
"first" world of capitalism and the modernizing "second" world of socialism. By the 1960s,
“Third World" would
become a central
political slogan for
the radical left. The
term in its origins
had suggested that
societies of the Third
World, embarking
on the long path to
modernity, had one
of two paths to
follow, the capitalist
or the socialist.
(Dirlick, 2007).

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In effect, the term “Third World” was coined by states hoping to navigate between the two
poles of the Cold War, and ultimately gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement. These
countries were generally less economically developed than their First - and Second-World
counterparts. Thus, as Riggs (2007) pointed out some interchangeable terms that
characterize the Third World - The Less-developed World, the Majority World, the Non-
Western World, the Poor World and the Undeveloped World, all beaming with hues of
economic dilemma and lack of development.

Source: https://www.quora.com

This underdevelopment at times, is being traced back to the historical events that led to
the Colonial patterns of exploitation of the Developed World in the 15th-18h centuries as
well as the modern clouts of Neo Capitalism in which much of First World producer states.
The next term used was Developing world to refer to states that are previously categorized
as part of the Third World who found themselves the necessity and the means to grapple
with the economic realities at the demise of the Cold war era. The challenge for many
Third world states this time came in the form of ensuring that national development spurred
by Globalization and higher economic integration can be attained. Thus, the term
developing states came to be associated with industrialization attempts by many Asian
economies once dubbed as "Asian Tigers" or the NIC's (Newly Industrialized Countries)
like Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. The term "Developing world" has been widely
used in the 80s.

In 1983 the Brandt report was published by a commission chaired by the former German
Chancellor Willy Brandt. This report identified a North/South line (or Brandt line), and thus
popularized another term, namely “The South”. The South is a geographical convenience
based on the fact that most of the Poor World lies south of latitude 30° North. There were
exceptions, most notably Australia and New Zealand but nonetheless it worked for many
people: scholars, politicians and the media, Critics, however, objected to the fact that once
again it hid from view the political and economic processes and historical inheritances that
rendered these southern countries poor in the first place.

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Breaking point and Outlooks of the Divide

As underdeveloped countries become more visible, they are frequently referred to under
the collective label the "Global South". Despite the advantages this designation offers as
a synthesizing term, many scholars and writers of Globalization consider it ambiguous
because it uses a simple geographical criteria to describe a complex social situation which
distinguishes poor countries from the wealthiest. It should be clear here that the implied
North-South dichotomy has never been as geographically fixed as the labels imply. For
example, Australia and New Zealand have always been regarded as southern outliers of
the North. Some of the richest countries in the world (with a high GDP per capita) are
classified as part of the Global South. Yet the model still rests exclusively on a "latidunal"
division.

The world has changed considerably since the time when the North-South relationship
was articulated, although the terms continue to be used today as they were then. A few
decades ago, the South was associated with starvation, malnutrition, poverty, epidemics,
low educational levels, political authoritarianism and dictatorships. Today, although hunger
and poverty continue to exist in many South countries, the numbers of wealthy and
extremely wealthy people are rising rapidly. Many South countries-especially in Latin
America and Asia - contribute large numbers of well- educated, competent professionals
to the global workforce.

However, the fact remains that inequality and inequity remain inherent and almost
foundational characteristics of the North South divide. Inequality is not a surface
phenomenon that can be rectified by diverting cash here and there, but a deep structural
defect that diminishes individual and collective potential for many, and shapes power
relations within and among societies. It exists as a differentiating set of factors both, across
and within the countries of the North and South, prompting many to refer to conditions of
wealth, power, poverty and inequality as a South in the North and a North in the South.
While such theorizing may seek to challenge the traditional global North-South divide, it
still uses the labels of North and South to denote more or less the same conditions as in
the original conceptualization (Guttal, 2016).

Despite improvements in social-economic indicators, and increases in wealth

accumulation and capital and investment flows among many countries of the South, there

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continue to be significant differences between North and South countries in living

conditions, consumption levels and patterns, social and economic structures, access to
services and resources, and political power in supranational global governance. Systems
and institutions of global economic and financial governance continue to be dominated by
the North despite attempts by developing countries to secure greater power (Guttal, 2016).

In addition, Magallanes (2012) also mentioned that the term Global South omits a critical
core of dynamic variables that characterize different kinds of countries, especially
historical, economic, social, cultural, and political variables, among others. It is these
factors that might explain the reality of these countries as a product of a societal process,
and the type and origin of the differences among them.

The term Global South, as pointed out, is normally used to mean countries conflicts, mass
displacements of refugees, hunger, and disease. But it is important that are faced with
social, political and economic challenges – for instance poverty environmental
degradation, human and civil rights abuses, ethnic and regional to look at the historical,
political and even cultural contexts of these countries why they are considered poor. For
instance, the strict Hindu tradition of many people in the Indian subcontinent and their
veneration of the cow as sacred prevent them from having a supposed successful livestock
industry which could in turn be very vital in improving their economic lot.

It should be added also that the term Global south rids itself of the negative political and
economic labeling that Third World had before as it is generally seen to be more apolitical.
Thus, it is considered to be more neutral and sits well within the platform that Globalization
seeks to induce. Furthermore, it can also be surmised that with the rapidly changing
patterns of development coupled with massive technological revolution, ease of travel and
migration and interconnectedness of commerce and trade brought forth by trade
liberalization, the terms may also change swiftly especially with respect to the states or
countries categorized under it. The uneven development of the Global South since the
term was coined has rendered the geography of the term even more complicated where it
may have become an obstacle to understanding the contemporary global situation. Some
of the societies covered by the term are the following: the People's Republic of China,
India, Brazil, Turkey - have benefited from globalization to become more assertive in global
relations - with the PRC aspiring to world leadership and hegemony (Dirlick, 2007).

It can be seen also that the Global South has embarked on an unprecedented upward
trajectory. Already, the output of the developing world's three leading economies (Brazil,
China and India) is close to equaling the combined output of the longstanding industrial
powers of the North - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United
States. Even smaller countries like Bangladesh, Chile, Ghana, Mauritius, Rwanda and
Tunisia are experiencing rapid economic development. According to the 2013 UNDP
Human Development Report, it is estimated that 80% of the world's middle-class
population will be living in developing countries by 2030 (Mendez, 2015)

As opined by Mendez (2015), there is this ongoing global transformation is a phenomenon

known as “South-South cooperation". Once consigned to the margins, South-South
cooperation is coming to occupy an important place in the changing theory and discourse
of development. Originally bound up in the response of the developing countries to the
destabilizing politics of the Cold War, South-South cooperation gave voice to aspirations
for a development path untainted by ideological conflict, and to an acknowledgement that
relations between developing countries should be a crucial means of achieving these
aspirations. This forges a clearer path towards integration within states that are deemed
to occupy the same position to emerge out of the label "South” and aspire to become a
part of the "North". This is very feasible considering the assertion that the Global North
and Global South divide is not entirely confined to strict geographical constructs. Thus, in

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effect, even states that are once labeled as part of the Global South may after some time
become included as a state in the Global North depending on their future socio economic
status.

In fact, Jean Grugel (1990) enumerated the three factors that direct the economic
development of states within the Global South. These are "elite behavior within and
between nation states, integration and cooperation within 'geographic areas, and the
resulting position of states and regions within the global world market and related political
economic hierarchy. These essential aspects of developmental tendencies in the Global
south are indeed essential if there are expected changes in the categorization of nation
states in the future. The important thing that one has to consider is that the divide, as with
any Global phenomenon is never static especially when the factors of technology,
migration, increasing levels of literacy, employment, GDP increase and currency valuation
increase come into play. In fact, it is increasingly hard to make an outright categorization
that may be truly acceptable especially with the onslaught of global economic integration.
The BRICS is a good example of this assertion. BRICS is the acronym for an association
of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Originally the first four were grouped as “BRIC" (or “the BRICS"), before the induction of
South Africa in 2010. Annually, they have discussions representing spheres of political
and socio-economic coordination in which member countries have identified several
business opportunities, economic complementarities, and areas of cooperation. Such
cooperation is established on three levels or tracks of collaboration; first are the formal
diplomatic engagement between the national governments. Second is engagement
through government-affiliated institutions like state-owned enterprises and business
councils. The third one is civil society and “people-to-people” engagement (BRICS,
2018).The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs
and all are members of G20. The Global South and the Global North represent an updated
perspective on the post- 1991 world, which distinguishes not between political systems or
degrees of poverty, but between the victims and the benefactors of global capitalism.

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In effect, a contraction in the Global North - South divide is actually seen many economists
as a result of international free trade and unhindered capital flows across countries which
could definitely catapult development further in the South. After all, it has been made clear
in the previous chapter that Globalization is not simply a process that can be narrated
within a single construct. As Robertson (1993) defined it as a "compression of the world",
the improvement in economic interdependence will contribute to the further "shrinking" of
the world and is expected to shake even more the volatile Global North-South divide.

Closing or mitigating the divide has been a goal for many developmental initiatives. The
United Nations has developed a program dedicated to narrowing the divide through its
Millennium Development Goals aimed at Sustainable development. This includes
improving education and health care, promoting gender equality, and ensuring
environmental sustainability. In addition, the IMF, World Bank and other progressive
Northern countries have embarked on developmental initiatives such as providing loans
and grants to the Global south countries in order that these nation states may also attain
development in the long run.

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Application (Let’s Do It!)

Learner Worksheet 6
Student Name: ______________________________ Score: ____________

Course/ Year/ Section: _______________________________

Technology Driven Learning Focus

On a piece of paper, write down five (5) of the most important concepts that you remember from
the chapter and briefly explain what is your understanding of these concepts. Come up with a
convincing narrative on a topic given the following title: “The Global North-South Divide is a
necessary outcome of Globalization.

Using https://biteable.com create a 3 minute video clip based on the narratives.

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Submitting Your Work. If you do not have Internet Connectivity, neatly detach this page
from your module and submit via University Drop Box or by courier/ mail together with your
other Learner Activity Worksheets once you reach the prescribed Learning Checkpoint. If
you have Internet connectivity, you may answer directly on the online version of this
worksheet through the University Virtual Environment.

Closure
Well done! You have just finished Lesson 1 of this module.

If you have questions or need to make clarifications take note of them in the space
provided below to ask your Course Professor through direct messaging or through the
University Virtual Environment (UVE).

Notes from this Lesson

Now that you have completed Lesson 1, let us move on to the next lesson in this
module.

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Lesson 2
Asian Regionalism
Learning Outcomes
 Explain what Asian Regionalism is and its purpose;
 Challenge the rationale behind the creation of such regional organization;
 Understand the current issues, problems as well as prospects for the future of
Asian Regionalism;
 Recognize how Asian regionalism affects the world within the greater backdrop of
Globalization, and;
 Equip students with 21st century learning and develop higher order thinking skills
that will lead towards a deeper understanding of Asian Regionalism as well as
articulate a stance how it impacts the Philippines, the Filipino society and the
individual self as a part of a global community.

Time Frame: 1 Week

Overview
The growing demand for economic integration spurred by and large by the rapid yet steady
onslaught of globalization, the threat of terrorism, the spread of diseases, massive
technological innovations and geopolitical uncertainties are some realities that face nation
states. These perceived opportunities, threats and challenges prompt nation states to
bond together and forge ties and alliances built on solid, legal frameworks. The maxim that
there is strength in numbers bodes well for countries that choose to become a part of
organizations that they feel could indeed boost and support their national interest may it
be in the economic, military, political or even cultural contexts.
Regionalism is fashioned out of the rationale that regional organizations are treaty and
charter-based giving them formal status in international law. This status is enhanced -
critically - through the recognition and status accorded to regional organizations by the
United Nations and other multilateral organizations like the World Trade Organization.
However, as Acharya (2009) opined, regional organizations also derive legitimacy through
the articulation and implementation of distinctive regional norms and practices. The Arab
League, for example, derives legitimacy through its very "Arabness", drawing on a rich
common culture and
history; the states of
Southeast Asia are
known for their
articulation of what has
been called the
ASEAN way, a
consensus-based
approached based
upon strict observance
of sovereignty. In the
light of paradigm
changes, the ASEAN
Way has become the
'Asian Way' extending
the idea to a broader
and still developing
concept of East Asian
regionalism (Stubbs et
al, 2005). Source: Adapted from businessdesk.com.nz
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At the core of this lesson is a broad discussion of what Asian Regionalism is and what it
stands for as well as its ultimate value in the state of world affairs. But before proceeding,
it is imperative that the concept of Regionalism first be analyzed.

In the context of International Relations, regionalism is the manifestation or expression of

a common sense of cultural identity and purpose combined with the creation and
implementation of institutions that express a particular identity and shape collective action
within a geographical region. Most of the enduring regional blocs like the EU and the
ASEAN were crafted out of a shared commonality and oneness of aspiration. It should be
noted however, that most of the regional organizations established especially after WW II
are basically anchored on economic integration Economic regionalism refers to
institutional arrangements designed to facilitate the free flow of goods and services and to
coordinate foreign economic policies between countries in the same geographic region or
nearby locale. Economic regionalism can be viewed as a conscious attempt to manage
the opportunities and constraints created by the dramatic increase in international
economic ties to foster economic growth and prosperity among its member states.
Examples of economic regionalism include free trade areas, customs unions, common
markets, and economic unions (Fawcett, 2012).

Activity (Let’s Get Started!)

Analysis (Let’s Think About it!)

Now think about the questions below:

Abstraction (Let’s Explore!)

Regionalism in Asia
Many things have been said about Asia especially about its sheer size, population,
resources and its capability to dominate the global political and economic environment.
Indeed, it can be said that the gravity of world economic, political and security affairs has
shifted to Asia. The Asian Development Bank even went as far as saying that the region's
economy is already similar in size to those of Europe and North America, and its influence
in the world continues to increase. The contention is that Asia is now so important to the
world economy that it must also play a larger role in global economic leadership. As such,
the call for Regional economic cooperation is essential for addressing these challenges.
This is largely because of Asia's unprecedented growth in the past few decades led by
economic powerhouses Japan China and South Korea.

The region is home to over half the world's population, produces three tenths of global
output (in terms of purchasing power), and consistently records the world's highest
economic growth rates. The Asian "miracle as many would refer to the rapid economic
transformation in the 80's did not end with the 1997/98 financial crisis; for some countries,
it marked the beginning of renewed acceleration. The question is no longer whether Asia
will be central to the 21" century economy, but rather how it will exercise its prominent role
and how its dependence on the rest of the world has deceased. Asia's economies are
increasingly connected through trade, financial transactions, direct investment,
technology, labor and tourist flows, and other economic relationships. The regional order
that is present in the Asian region is spurred by the fact that their exist patterns of
similarities too great to escape scrutiny. Asia, after all, includes some of the world's
wealthiest economies and some of its poorest, large continental powers as well as small
city states, continuously independent countries and former colonies. Its strength derives
from the openness, diversity, and dynamism of its interconnected economies. The cultural

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ties anchored mainly on language and religion are also solid frontiers to argue for greater
cooperation on a regional platform.

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