ABSTRACT

Globalization is about processes and connections. It focuses on expanding systems of human activity, especially those involving economic and political units. Its hallmark is the notion of increasing interconnectivity, along with increasing awareness of those connections (Jennings this volume, Knappett this volume). Globalization leads to ever more intense and complex connections among groups (whatever their scale), resulting in greater interdependence and, to some extent, greater homogeneity (e.g. through adoption of others’ styles, integration of culturally diverse groups, etc.). Within its denition are often included related processes such as a loss of diversity, creation of new forms of dierences, the redenition of borders, increased migration, the development of diasporas, and environmental degradation (Robertson this volume).