Public Lecture Series Announcement

The Master of Arts in International Development Studies Programme

Chulalongkorn University

presents a special

Public Lecture Series

By

Jan Nederveen Pieterse

Professor of Sociology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Session 1: October 3, 2006 (joint session with FOCUS),

9:00 -12:00 hrs, Conference Room 13, Political Science Building 3, Chulalongkorn University

What are the central debates in globalization?

Debates broadly agree on the role of technology, the reconfiguration of states and that globalization is uneven. Disputes are whether globalization is essentially economic, what is the timing of globalization, whether inequality is growing or decreasing, is it a new round of domination, and what scope remains for national policy. Central debates concern capitalism (and neoliberalism) and power (hegemony).

Related themes are imperialism, dependency theory and world system theory. A newcomer is Oriental globalization.

Capitalism, capitalisms

Contemporary globalization is a package deal of technological and economic changes, changes in firms, international finance and political, social and cultural dynamics.

Session 2: October 6, 2006 (joint session with FOCUS)

13:30 -14:30 hrs, Conference Room 13, Political Science Building 3, Chulalongkorn University

Politics: States, regionalism and US hegemony

What is the scope for state sovereignty in view of internationalization, the regional pooling of sovereignty and the growing role of non-state actors?

How does American hegemony shape globalization, what are the implications of the new wars (war on terrorism, Iraq , Afghanistan )?

Session 3: October 9, 2006

9:00 - 12:00 hrs, Room 207, Political Science Building 2, Chulalongkorn University

Globalization and culture: McDonaldization, Jihad vs. McWorld, and or hybridity?

Does globalization mean growing worldwide homogenization, a ‘clash of civilizations' or new hybrid formations?

Session 4: October 10, 2006

9:00 - 12:00 hrs, Room 207, Political Science Building 2, Chulalongkorn University

Global inequality & development

Has global inequality has increased or decreased in recent times and why? ‘It is not whether you globalize that matters, it is how you globalize' (Dani Rodrik). Future scenarios include (a) global apartheid, (b) technical adjustments and moderate reforms, and (c) major reforms (global governance, ecotaxes, global taxes).

Admission: Free

For further information, please contact the MAIDS Office at 02 218 7313 or

02 218 7320