What are the similarities and differences between the liberal, Marxist Essay

What are the similarities and differences between the liberal, Marxist and neorealist approaches to globalisation - Essay Example Despite these different views concerning it, all of the theories that have been developed about it agree that it is among the most influential forces in the world today, with the ability of influencing individuals, either positively or negatively, at a global scale. It has, therefore, become necessary to make a study of the various theories or approaches that have been propagated by diverse groups with specific emphasis on liberals, Marxists, and neorealists. The liberal approach is among the most commonly used when discussing matters concerning globalization and it tends to consider its benefits more than its disadvantages. The liberal view supports globalization because of the belief that it is a natural development of free trade, which has been dominant for most of the history of modern western civilization. This approach is comparable to that of the neorealist approach, which holds the belief that in all aspects of life, including that of economics, only the strongest and most co mpetitive can survive the global market scene. In fact, it can further be said that these two approaches consider the developments and fast growth of globalization as a necessary part of human development. The interdependent nature that has come about through this process has ensured that all the people in the world cannot survive without one another; that nobody is an island (Kosebalaban 2009). According to the liberal approach, globalization has become essential in ensuring that there is world peace, since because of the dependence between the various states in the world, the likelihood of conflict resulting in war has become minimized. In place of such conflicts, there has developed more dialogue, as this has become the main means through which an environment which is conducive for global trade is achieved. From the liberal approach, globalization is an unstoppable force which has the end result of ensuring that the lives of all the people affected by it improve. It is not only m eant to benefit the large corporations, but through the trickledown effect, its benefits are supposed to also reach the people on the ground. This approach is often challenged by the Marxist approach which is of the belief that globalization as it currently is works towards the maintenance of the power and position of the bourgeoisie, since even in the globalised environment; it is the later who dominate the means of production. If one were to consider the Marxist approach closely, one would find that while it is in support of globalization, there would be a preference for the process to have been in the hands of the proletariat, where it would be based on equality in all the aspects of life. While not being against globalization, the Marxist approach looks upon it as it currently is as the continuation of the old order, where the masses are dominated by those who own the means of production. In addition, it can be said that the Marxist approach looks at globalization at a force whi ch is out to ensure that the masses lose the freedoms, however limited, that they enjoyed (Callinicos 2005). The result of this would be their further exploitation by the large corporations which take advantage of them to acquire cheap labour and a ready market for their products. The neorealist approach can also be considered to be slightly similar to the Marxist stance that the masses will