Abstract
The essay claims that global political leadership is a necessary condition for the smooth operation of globalization and the lack of leadership at the global level is closely related to the collapse of globalization or deglobalization. It also maintains that globalization cannot be separated from states and state policies. Globalization can be accelerated when states, particularly great powers, push pro-globalization policies, but normally they have capacities to modulate the speed of globalization and restrict some of global flows when they perceive these measures are needed for their national interests. The essay argues that even way before the outbreak of COVID-19, many symptoms of the decline or crisis of globalization were detected and America’s declining global leadership was one of the major symptoms. A hegemonic competition, which was triggered by the rise of China and the US’s perceived threat, started before the pandemic, and it has become much more intense in this pandemic situation. Obviously, it is not a good sign for the future of globalization. Although a hegemonic war between the two major powers is not inevitable, historical and theoretical lessons suggest that its possibility has increased rather than decreased. Definitely, the occurrence of this hegemonic or global war will be devastating to globalization and as of now the future of globalization looks very gloomy. This essay will provide an opportunity to rethink the relationship between globalization and leadership and examine US-China relations in the (post-)pandemic world and its impact on the future of globalization.
Presenters
Ji Young ChoiAssociate Professor/ Director of East Asian Studies, Politics and Government, Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2021 Special Focus—Life after Pandemic: Towards a New Global Biopolitics?
KEYWORDS
Globalization, Leadership, COVID-19, US-China Relations
