Globalism

Globalism, one of the highly debated subjects for which countless books and articles have been written, is proven the most difficult concept to define, as it involves a range of political, ideological, and ethical issues that spans the globe. One definition of globalism involves the idea that the whole world is the appropriate sphere for a state's political interests. Globalism differs from globalization, which refers to the increasing integration of economies and societies of the world. Although the two are completely intertwined and are used interchangeably, the scope of globalism is expanded to include education.

Globalism is generally seen as a worldwide movement toward free market economies, where individual states are not bounded when trying to exert influence in the global arena, even though they have boundaries. During this process, globalism has changed the context in which education operates in terms of the requirement of information and learning, curriculum, function, and [Page 429]structure. It is clearer when we look at T. Friedman's globalization theory, which revolves around a “6-D” approach outlined as including international trade theory, international economics, international finance, and international marketing to international politics, culture, and national security, and then adding technology and environmental issues to the mix in an attempt to formulate an educated understanding of globalization (globalism). Given the increasing economics of globalization, education systems in countries are reshaped by incorporating the changes in the global economy and by creating new strategies for achieving competitive advantage. It is apparent that the U.S. educational system has been compared internationally in terms of math, science, standards, and testing to be competitive with special emphasis on the information technology and delivery systems.

Globalism also shaped the delivery system under the market approach to achieve the lowest cost, to create more efficient systems, which involved huge corporate interest, as the education market represents billions of revenues. Virtual universities (online education) have been created in addition to transnational education that involves educational activities in other countries. Traditional universities have branch campuses where foreign students are taught in their countries. Distance education programs involve satellites, the Internet, and other technological aids in instructional activities among countries. Moreover, corporate programs and franchising have been increasing in delivering teaching and learning across national borders.

Another area where globalism has affected the education system is the involvement of world organizations (e.g., World Bank) and international agreements and regional organizations such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. These interconnections and interrelationships show every sign of increasing in the twenty-first century.