Introduction

This introduction chapter gives an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this volume. The volume aims to critically examine the dynamics and dilemmas of globalisation with a particular focus on India and Australia. Globalisation is an elusive and contested concept, yet one with descriptive and intuitive plausibility. Global interconnectedness has reduced border controls that earlier served to restrict transactions in goods and services, production factors and technology, and ideas and cultural interchange. Multinational corporations have gained a greater voice in economic management, as well as in civil society, and are the central drivers of technical and organisational innovation. There are increasing pressures for human rights to be protected and their violations are watched by transborder organisations. In India and Australia, globalisation and neo-liberalism have been embraced by the political and economic elites. In both countries, globalisation has been associated with rapid economic growth but also growing disparities and new social and political tensions.