Politics · Year 13 · Global Politics · 4.º Período

The State and Globalisation

An introduction to the concepts of the nation-state, sovereignty, and the impact of globalisation. Students will evaluate whether globalisation has eroded state sovereignty.

TL;DR:The State and Globalisation unit introduces students to the shifting nature of power in the 21st century. It examines the traditional concept of the Westphalian state, defined by territory, population, and sovereignty, and asks whether globalisation has made this model obsolete. Students explore political, economic, and cultural globalisation, evaluating how international bodies, global markets, and 'soft power' challenge the authority of individual nations.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• DfE A-Level Politics Subject Content: Global Politics
• Edexcel Component 3: The state and globalisation

About This Topic

The State and Globalisation unit introduces students to the shifting nature of power in the 21st century. It examines the traditional concept of the Westphalian state, defined by territory, population, and sovereignty, and asks whether globalisation has made this model obsolete. Students explore political, economic, and cultural globalisation, evaluating how international bodies, global markets, and 'soft power' challenge the authority of individual nations.

For Year 13 students, this is a vital foundation for Global Politics. They learn to distinguish between 'realist' views (the state remains the primary actor) and 'liberal' views (the state is declining in importance). This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of global interconnectedness through simulations of trade wars or international treaty negotiations.

Key Questions

1. What are the political, economic, and cultural impacts of globalisation?
2. Has the nation-state become obsolete in a globalised world?
3. How do realists and liberals view the international system differently?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Globalisation means the end of the nation-state.

What to Teach Instead

While globalisation challenges states, they remain the only actors with the power to tax, make laws, and use force. A 'state vs global' power-balance activity helps students see that states are 'transforming' rather than 'disappearing.'

Common Misconception

Economic globalisation only benefits rich countries.

What to Teach Instead

While controversial, globalisation has also lifted millions out of poverty in the Global South. Using a 'data-dive' into poverty statistics helps students develop a more nuanced, balanced view of the winners and losers of global trade.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The Globalisation Web

Students represent different actors: states, TNCs, NGOs, and IGOs. Using string to connect themselves based on trade, aid, or law, they create a physical 'web' of interdependence and then discuss what happens to the web when one state tries to act 'sovereignly' by cutting a string.

40 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle

Sovereignty Audit

In small groups, students research a specific challenge to sovereignty (e.g., the EU, the internet, or climate change). They must present a 'verdict' on whether the state has lost power, gained power, or simply changed how it uses power.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Cultural Globalisation

Students list three examples of 'global culture' in their daily lives (e.g., Netflix, McDonald's). They then discuss with a partner whether this represents 'Americanisation' or a truly 'global' culture, and what this means for national identity.

15 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Westphalian sovereignty?

Named after the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, this is the principle that each state has exclusive authority over its own territory and domestic affairs, and that no external power has the right to intervene. This concept is the 'gold standard' for realists but is increasingly challenged by global human rights and economic rules.

How does globalisation affect national identity?

Globalisation can lead to 'cultural homogenisation' (everyone becoming more similar) or 'cultural hybridity' (mixing cultures). However, it can also trigger a 'backlash' where people cling more strongly to their national identity as a form of resistance, as seen in the rise of nationalist movements globally.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching Globalisation?

Interdependence simulations are highly effective. By assigning students to represent different global actors (like a small state, a massive tech company, and the UN), and giving them a crisis to solve, they quickly see that no one can act alone. This active approach makes the abstract concept of 'eroding sovereignty' much more concrete and understandable.

What is the difference between hyper-globalisers and sceptics?

Hyper-globalisers believe globalisation is a new, revolutionary era where the state is becoming irrelevant. Sceptics argue that globalisation is nothing new and is actually just a trend that states can control or even reverse if they choose to, as seen with Brexit or trade protectionism.