Deglobalization, Globalization, and the Pandemic

Abstract

This article is a theory piece focused on causal propositions codification and future trends identification, both supported by descriptive statistical data. It aims to analyze the middle-term dynamics of globalization and deglobalization due to the effects of the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis, in general, and the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular. The broader context in which such dynamics are situated are the processes of capitalist world-economy restructuring, propitiated by the crisis the U.S. hegemony, on the one hand, and by the Chinese rise, on the other. We argue that the COVID-19 pandemic tends to deepen and accelerate ongoing processes of global fragmentation, especially in the productive and commercial dimensions. From the point of view of governments, in particular the United States, there are growing protectionist and manufacturing repatriation efforts. From the point of view of large corporations, the perception of risk derived from the suspension and rupture of global production chains emerges thanks to measures to prevent infection. Somehow, governments and companies can converge on understanding the world market as a growing source of risk and decreasing advantages. The counterpoint here may be China's interest and ability to lead the fight against the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, restructuring the global order built in the last forty years in new institutional basis and from which it has been the main beneficiary.

Gone with the epidemic? The spatial effects of the Covid-19 on global investment network

“…Our conclusions seem to be criticized by “hitting somebody when he is down”. However, what we have argued is neither a zero-sum game in international political economy( Bardazzi & Ghezzi, 2022 ), nor a preference for de-globalization( Abdal & Ferreira, 2021 ). On the contrary, through the network perspective, we have taken a open view to scrutinize into the trend of international OFDI flows under the background of the global epidemic.…”

Deglobalization and the political psychology of white supremacy

“…In this shrunken world, goods, people, information, technologies, and ideologies quickly traverse across borders, generating distinct pressures, incentives, and socioeconomic orders that unevenly affect societies. Deglobalization, in contrast, involves movements and practices that directly oppose the perceived (fantasmatic) maladies and unbalances brought by this world system and liberal values (Abdal & Ferreira, 2021; Kornprobst & Paul, 2021). Deglobalization thus responds to the inevitable and heightened interdependence of complex socioeconomic systems, which is both the strength and weakness of the global economy.…”

“…Deglobalization thus responds to the inevitable and heightened interdependence of complex socioeconomic systems, which is both the strength and weakness of the global economy. For instance, the power of deglobalizing actors and narratives was evident in the aftermath of the 2007–2008 world economic crisis, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic and its related cases of vaccine nationalism (Abdal & Ferreira, 2021; Kinnvall & Svensson, 2022; Kornprobst & Paul, 2021).…”

Introduction: Theorizing the psychology of deglobalization

“…While various continents were enmeshed in geopolitical conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic took place (Jubilut & Limongi Alvarenga Alves, 2021). This pandemic brought international travel restrictions, lockdowns, and supply chain disruptions that escalated the trend of deglobalization (Abdal & Ferreira, 2021; Farndale et al, 2021; Irwin, 2020; Lee & Park, 2020). International collaboration sometimes gave way to competition over medical and vaccine supplies (Basrur & Kliem, 2021; Bieber, 2022; Brawley, 2021).…”