globalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “globalism” mean?
The ideology or policy of prioritizing international cooperation, global integration, and the development of political, economic, and cultural ties across national borders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ideology or policy of prioritizing international cooperation, global integration, and the development of political, economic, and cultural ties across national borders.
Often refers to the worldwide influence of large corporations and political institutions, and the process by which national economies become integrated into the global economy. In political discourse, it can be used pejoratively to critique policies seen as undermining national sovereignty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar; more common in US political discourse, especially in recent populist critiques.
Connotations
In both, can be neutral/academic. In contemporary political rhetoric, often carries a negative connotation, implying elitism or a disregard for local interests.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American political journalism and academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “globalism” in a Sentence
the globalism of [noun phrase]a shift towards globalisma backlash against globalismadvocate for globalismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “globalism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The party's globalist agenda faced criticism.
American English
- His views were seen as too globalist for the electorate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussing the philosophy behind multinational corporate strategy.
Academic
Common in political science, international relations, sociology, and economics to describe an ideology.
Everyday
Uncommon; appears in serious political news and commentary.
Technical
Specific to social sciences; not a technical term in STEM fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “globalism”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “globalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “globalism”
- Using 'globalism' interchangeably with 'globalization'.
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'globality' (the state of being worldwide).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Globalization' is the process of the world becoming more interconnected. 'Globalism' is the ideology or policy that advocates for or supports that process.
It is neutral in academic contexts. In popular political discourse, it is often used critically to describe policies seen as favoring global elites over national interests.
Yes, 'globalist' is used as a noun or adjective to describe someone who supports the ideology of globalism. It is often used as a political label, sometimes pejoratively.
No. It dates to the mid-19th century but saw a significant rise in usage in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly after the end of the Cold War and in debates about international trade agreements.
The ideology or policy of prioritizing international cooperation, global integration, and the development of political, economic, and cultural ties across national borders.
Globalism is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Globalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡləʊbəlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡloʊbəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GLOBE with an ISM (a system of belief) wrapped around it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WORLD IS A SINGLE PLACE (for policy and ideology).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is an ideology, not a process?