Week 5
Readings 8
Scholte, J. A. (2008). Defining globalisation. World Economy, 31(11), 1471-1502.
Globalisation continues: The Maastricht Globalisation Index
revisited and updated
33.1 Introduction: a pluralistic approach to globalisation
Introduction:
● Globalisation is a multi-dimensional and multi-scalar phenomenon, evolving through
nested and complex system structures (Jessop, 2000).
● Acknowledges the pluralistic nature of driving forces and consequences, emphasizing
the need for a holistic perspective.
Defining Contemporary Globalisation:
● Describes contemporary globalisation as the intensification of cross-national
interactions, fostering transnational structures and global integration (Rennen &
Martens, 2003).
● Global systems perspective highlights interconnectedness, resulting in increasing
complexity across scales.
Scientific Perspective and Measurement:
● Stresses the importance of tools and methods for measuring complex phenomena like
globalisation.
● Introduces the Maastricht Globalisation Index as a comprehensive measurement tool.
Sections in Detail:
Composite Indicators and Maastricht Globalisation Index:
● Explores the significance of composite indicators capturing the multifaceted
nature of globalisation.
● Highlights the Maastricht Globalisation Index as a comprehensive tool.
Empirical Operationalisation:
● Explains empirical operationalization of globalisation components, grounding
measurement in tangible factors for accuracy.
, Updated Calculation Methodology:
● Describes recent adaptations in the calculation methodology, emphasizing
refinements for improved accuracy.
Results for 117 Countries:
● Presents states and changes in globalisation for 117 countries.
● Offers insights into the evolution of globalisation over specific periods.
Discussion on Quantitative Empirical Work:
● Explores challenges in quantitative empirical work on globalisation.
● Acknowledges limitations in measuring globalisation trends, opening avenues
for further discussion.
33.2 The Maastricht Globalisation Index (MGI)
Composite Indicators (CIs) in Globalisation:
● CIs serve as powerful tools for understanding and communicating complex,
multi-dimensional concepts like globalisation.
● Constructed by aggregating individual quantitative or qualitative indicators into a
comprehensive index.
Quantitative Nature of CIs:
● Most CIs, including the MGI, are quantitatively driven, providing a basis for relative
ranking or country performance comparison.
● Acknowledges subjectivity in the construction process, highlighting the importance of
transparency in methodological choices (Caselli, 2012).
Critique on Measuring Globalisation:
● Caselli's critique emphasizes the indirect measurement of globalisation, stressing the
absence of a single correct or objective method.
● Recognizes the significance of making subjective methodological choices transparent
in the construction of CIs.
The Maastricht Globalisation Index (MGI):
● Developed by Martens & Raza (2009), Martens & Zywietz (2006), and Rennen &
Martens (2003), with subsequent applications (Martens et al., 2010; Martens &
Amelung, 2010; Martens & Raza, 2010).
● Utilized as a comprehensive tool for measuring globalisation, addressing domains and
variables crucial to the index's construction.
Methodological Choices and Transparency:
● Discusses the subjective choices involved in the construction process, emphasizing
transparency in methodology.
● Recognizes that globalisation measurement requires a nuanced approach, and
different indicators may capture distinct facets of the phenomenon.
Critical Reflections and New Directions:
● Acknowledges critical reflections on globalisation measurement, pointing to works by
Caselli (2008, 2012), Dreher et al. (2010), and Lombaerde & Lapadre (2008).
,● Highlights the continuous evolution of globalization indices and the quest for new
directions, as discussed by Martens et al. (2015).
33.3 Components of the MGI
Subjectivity in Indicator Selection:
● The choice of domains and indicators in the MGI is subjective, varying among scholars
based on their perspectives and priorities.
● Different researchers make distinct choices driven by validity and data availability,
acknowledging the diversity in existing indices.
Perception and Themes in Globalisation:
● Indicators within the MGI exemplify major themes in the globalisation debate as
perceived by the author.
● Avoids claiming absolute objectivity, recognizing the danger of hiding behind a "veil of
quantitative and statistical objectivity."
Multidimensional Domains in MGI:
● Developed in response to neo-liberal-focused indices, the MGI comprises five
domains: political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, and environmental.
● Stresses a multidimensional definition of globalisation, going beyond a narrow
economic lens.
Inclusion of Unique Domains:
● Uniqueness of MGI lies in the incorporation of the environmental domain and an
indicator reflecting the globalisation of a country's military-industrial complex.
Environmental Domain and Military-Industrial Complex:
● Environmental indicators assess ecological footprint in imports and exports.
● Military indicators gauge the globalisation of a country's military-industrial complex,
offering a distinctive perspective compared to other indices.
Indicator Details - Political, Economic, and Social-Cultural Domains:
● Political indicators include the absolute number of in-country embassies, memberships
in international organizations, and the share of arms trade in military spending.
● Economic indicators involve trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and net private
capital flows.
● Social-cultural indicators cover international migrant stock, tourism, and technological
indicators encompass cell phone subscriptions and internet users.
Indicator Details - Environmental Domain:
● Environmental indicators measure the ecological footprint of imports and exports as a
share of biocapacity.
Current Coverage and Unique Aspects:
● The MGI currently spans 117 countries, reflecting its widespread applicability.
● The comprehensive coverage and unique domains distinguish MGI from other
multidimensional globalisation indices.
, 33.4 Calculation of the MGI
Methodological Subjectivity:
● Calculation of the MGI involves a subjective process, mirroring the choices made in
indicator selection.
● The OECD's handbook on composite indicators provides an overview of different
methodological approaches.
Calculation Steps:
● Indicators are calculated and missing data is imputed through extrapolation from
historical data.
● Logarithmic transformation is applied to indicators with highly skewed distributions for
normalization (military, FDI, capital, migrants, tourism, and eco-footprint).
Indicator Score Calculation:
● Following Dreher's approach, scores are calculated using panel normalization with the
formula ((Vi-Vmin)/(Vmax-Vmin)*100).
● This step ensures consistency in scoring across diverse indicators.
Aggregation Process:
● Aggregation occurs first at the domain level and then at the MGI level.
● Equal weighting is applied in both aggregation steps, aligning with the
multidimensional definition of globalisation.
Multiscalar Definition:
● The MGI does not explicitly distinguish between globalisation, internationalisation, and
regionalisation.
● Adhering to a multiscalar perspective, it treats internationalisation and regionalisation
as integral sub-processes of globalisation.
Implicit Assumptions:
● Assumes that countries with numerous international and regional links also possess a
greater number of global linkages.
● Does not differentiate between globalisation based on functional integration and
geographical spread.
Naming Consideration:
● Acknowledges the potential critique of not explicitly distinguishing globalisation,
internationalisation, and regionalisation.
● Implicitly considers the index as a broader Maastricht Globalisation /
Internationalisation / Regionalisation Index.
Limitations in Constructing a Distinctive Globalisation Index:
● Recognizes the challenge in constructing an index exclusively focused on globalisation
due to data constraints.
● Concludes that the MGI encompasses globalisation, internationalisation, and
regionalisation as interconnected processes.