Globalization in question: why does engaged theory matter?

ABSTRACT

Responding to the contributors of this special issue, this essay is organized as a series of questions (and responses). These questions facilitate our selective engagement with critical themes raised by the contributors such as the significance of engaged globalization theory and critical reflexivity; the relationship between globalization capitalism, imperialism and colonialism; the global-local nexus; and the development of an integrated method of analysis. The article also offers a list of ‘core configurations of social activity’ as a point of departure for further critical reflection of the changing dynamics of globalization. Ultimately, the authors do not seek to construct a single integrated theory of globalization, but rather strive for a theory endowed with coherence and systematicity that recognizes the value of different concepts, emphases, and approaches that nurtures the development of theories (plural) of the global.

KEYWORDS:

• Globalization
• deglobalization
• conjuncture
• capitalism
• imperialism

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the thoughtful reflections offered by the contributors to this special issue. We are especially grateful to Barrie Axford, both for his stimulating introduction and substantive article, as well as his superb leadership required for the coordination of the many processes that have gone into the successful completion of this project. Finally, we salute Barry Gills for his willingness to make space for this issue in the busy production schedule of Globalizations, and, more importantly, for recognizing that a sustained academic debate on the current status and tendencies of globalization theory has long been overdue.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul James

Paul James is Professor of Globalization and Cultural Diversity in the Institute for Culture and Society at the Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.

Manfred B. Steger

Manfred B. Steger is Professor of Sociology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i, USA, and Global Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.