Session 20: Transnationalism: "A Borderless World?"

While reading the piece by Keohane and Nye I was reminded of an excerpt I read in my history course on colonialism. The excerpt was from a paper called “A Borderless World”: From Colonialism to Transnationalism by Masao Miyoshi. It touched upon the imperialistic tendency of transnationalism which Keohane and Nye talk about as well. For Miyoshi “Colonialism is even more active now in the form of transnational corporations.” Before expanding on this argument, however, I would begin by first examining what Keohane and Nye presented in their Introduction and Conclusion Transnational Relations and World Politics. 

Transnationalism as a phenomena has always existed. It’s become more prominent today due to the developments in communication. Globalization in other words has brought this into focus. For Keohane and Nye transnationalism is important to look into not only to understand world politics but also to “change reality.” The stress on changing the paradigm to study international relations may have a lot to offer as the authors suggest. Previously in this course we’ve had a very state-centric approach to the study of IR. Transnationalism moves beyond just states and brings to limelight the role on non-state actors. For the authors transnationalism or these interactions have require “ whether tangible or intangible, across state boundaries, where at least one actor is not an agent of the state, transnational relations – as opposed to international relations which occur between state actors.” This shift however does not mean that states are no longer important. Despite recognizing non-state actors, states play a major role in transnational activities. For the authors it’s not important to see who dominates who but to understand the interaction/relationship between them. 

Yet the structural difference and inequality could be seen as mentioned by Myoshi in his paper.  Transnational organizations have some ties with a specific state. This state hence benefits from these activities. Multinational Cooperations cannot be completely isolated from a particular state. These corporations to some extent work according to the world system theory proposed by Wallerstein. Colonialism or imperialism although may have varied definitions to some extent are evident through the power wielded by transnational organizations or corporations. Moreover although human rights and social development organizations may have benefits due to transnationalism. Yet there is a a certain power dynamic attached to these organizations as well. The  hold of the United States on the United Nations or more specific example of UNCTAD which surrendered to the Bretton Woods system shows the power relationships. 

Nye and Keohane also bring forth the feature of interdependence seen between societies, growing organizations and non-state actors. The impact non-state actors have on state domestic policies is phenomenal. The idea of norm cascade and internalization is through these very organizations. Some multinational corporations and international pressure groups such as the Jewish Lobby in the United States have considerable influence over the going-ons of the state. 

Does transnationalism create a borderless world? To some extent the transnational organizations and actors play a significant role in world politics however I assume that the idea behind the nation-state and borders is  too strong to change. (Atleast for now)