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International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
Globalization And The Governance Of Space: A Critique Of Krasner On Sovereignty
by Steve Smith
Abstract
This paper examines the literature on the relationship between globalization and sovereignty, focusing on the arguments of Stephen Krasner as to the limited changes to this relationship represented by globalization. Contra Krasner, this paper argues that globalization represents a fundamental challenge to the way in which space is governed. The paper outlines three conceptual lenses through which to look at the governance of space: Foucault on social practices; critical politics and Henri Lefebvre; and R.B.J. Walker on sovereignty. It then discusses Krasner's recent book on sovereignty, and offers a series of criticisms of his argument, particularly in its treatment of the impact of globalization. This leads to a discussion of the three main interpretations of globalization: sceptical, hyperglobalist and transformationalist. The paper concludes by arguing for a transformationalist view of sovereignty and consequentially a view of its impact on sovereignty that is very different to that proposed by Krasner.