Republic of the Philippines

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION COLLEGE

Tacloban City

Midterm Period
First Semester AY 2021-2022

MODULE in
THE
Contemporary
world (Ge113)
(WEEK 2-3- march 1-12-, 2021)

Prepared by:
Jean Ann P. Catanduanes
 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

This module uncovers the physical and imaginary divisions of the world in the
age of globalization. In Section 1. The Global Divides: The North and the South,
the sharing of ideas and experiences focuses on the concepts of the Global South
and the Third World as socio economic and political labels or categories. Section
2. Asian Regionalism deals with the integration of the world`s biggest land mass
and population.

MODULE 3: Section 1: THE GLOBAL DIVIDES: THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH

II. OBJECTIVES

At the end of this section, the students will be able to:

1. Explain the term Global South;
2. Differentiate the Global South from the Third World.

III. DIAGNOSTICS

Instructions: Write agree if you think the statement is correct; otherwise, write
disagree.
____________ 1. The Philippines is an example of Global South.
____________ 2. First World countries are communist nation-states.
____________ 3. Second World countries include the United States of America.
____________ 4. The Philippines in a Third World country.
____________ 5. A Global South country is characterized as a poor nation.

IV. DISCUSSION

Since the process of globalization is uneven, it follows that there is an

imbalance in the socio—economic and political categories of the world. The world
is divided into north and south, and first, second, and third.
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Europe, Australia, and America tend to
see the big difference between the ways of living in the Philippines and in Western
countries. Some of them come home as “one-day millionaires” giving out presents to
their family, relatives, neighbors, and friends. Although their incomes are
relatively higher than if they work in the Philippines, they realize that life is
still tough despite the remittances they send to their families and the taxes that
the country gains from these. Furthermore, they cannot escape the reality that
their occasional vacations in the Philippines are temporary because they would need
to go back to work in order to continue making a living in another country. This
is a reflection of the global divide between the north and the south as ‘experienced
by these Filipinos.
The term Global South is a metaphor for interstate inequality and product of
Western imagination (Claudio, 2014). Historically there had been divisions and
labeling among the different nations of the world. Countries that were c.010nized
by the Spaniards in the southern part of the American continent are collectively
called Latin America. By virtue of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, the newly
discovered lands outside Europe were divided into two—the West belonging to the

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
Crown of Castile (now part Of Spain) and the East belonging to the Portuguese
Empire. There is also a split based on labor—the core, the semi-periphery, and the
peripheries. From these divisions, the Global South refers to the socio-economic
and political divide primarily focused on the southern hemisphere of the 1569-
designed Mercatorian map. It consists of Africa, Latin America, and Asia including
the Middle East. These nation—states are deemed to be not aligned with nation-
states located in the northern hemisphere that adhere to fair labor practices,
rights, free trade, reduced tariffs, and policies on sustainable development. The
Global South also connotes developing countries as opposed to rich, industrialized,
and wealthy nations. On the contrary, the Global North is the home of all members
of the Group of Eight (G8)—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom,
Russia, and the United States of America. It is also the abode of the four powerful
permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It also refers to the
developed countries in Asia. Australia, and New Zealand. As stated by Claudio
(2014). the Global South “continues to be imagined and re-imagined by those who
dominate it even as movements from below reshape these constructions through
resistance.” Although usually associated with developing nations, the Global South
is also found in developed countries. Economically poor families unprivileged
individuals, unfair labor practices, and suppression of human rights, and other
violations of basic rights in Europe, Australia, US, and Canada are the pieces of
evidence that people from developed countries also share similar experiences with
people from developing countries. Conversely, a trip to the cosmopolitan metropolis
of Metro Manila by someone from Tupi, South Cotabato—denoting high standard of
living, availability of better transport system, prevalence of: banking and financial
institutions, presence of big commercial establishments, and centrality of the
national government—is that person’s experience of the “Global North." The Global
North, therefore, is also relatively experienced within the geographical boundaries
of the Global South.

By now, one can say that the terms Global South and Third World are
conceptually the same. They both refer to conditions usually found in developing
countries. But the term Third World is the antecedent of Global South (Claudio, 2014).
Arguably, the term Third World ceased to exist when the Cold War ended. Historically,
the world was once categorized based on the economic ideology of Western capitalism
against the Soviet Union's socialism. As formal economies, capitalism sustains consumer
choice, private property, and economic freedom while socialism is characterized by
state control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. Capitalism
economies were considered First World and socialist economies were referred to as
Second World. Those that did not belong to either types of formal economies belong to
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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
the Third World. The term Third World was initially used to refer to the former colonies
of European countries. To illustrate, India was considered a Third World country for
it was a colony of the United Kingdom. According to this categorization, the Philippines
was classified as Third World. Later, the category was used to refer to g countries that
were neither capitalist nor socialist. Since many countries were impoverished, the term
was also used to refer to the poor world. These countries were considered to be non—
industrialized and newly ii industrialized. They lacked the standard systems in banking,
finance, and trade.

Hence, it is outdated to say that countries in Southeast Asia belong to the

Third World for the term has ended its usage after the Cold War. These countries
may be classified as the Global South though some of their citizens experience the
Global North within their territories.

V. LESSON ACTIVITY

Activity 1: North-South Relationship

Name: _______________ Date: ____________________

Year and Block: _________ Score: ___________________
Instructions: Search for a newspaper or magazine caricature that illustrates your
answer to the question, “Are the Global North and Global South dependent on one
another?” Cut or print the selected caricature then paste it below. Write a short
explanation about it.

Activity 2: Global North within Global South

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
Name: _______________ Date: ____________________
Year and Block: _________ Score: ___________________

Instructions: Choose one city or town in the Philippines where you can observe or
experience the Global North and the Global South. List down the specific scenarios
below.
GLOBAL NORTH GLOBAL SOUTH

END OF SECTION 1

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

This section probes the mechanism of a unique integration of the Asian

regions and how nation-states approach the challenges of word homogenization
division.

MODULE 3: Section 2: ASIAN REGIONALISM

II. OBJECTIVES

At the end of this section, the students will be able to:

1. Differentiate between regionalization and globalization;

2. Identify the factors that lead to a greater integration of Asian regions;
and
3. Analyze how different Asian states confront the challenges of
globalization and regionalization through regionalism.

III. DIAGNOSTICS

Instructions: Write agree if you think the statement is correct; otherwise, write disagree.
____________ 1. Russia is part of Asia.
____________ 2. Lebanon is in Asia.
____________ 3. East Timor is the youngest state in Asia.
____________ 4. The term Asia was coined by Asians themselves.
____________ 5. Japan colonized some parts of Asia.

IV. DISCUSSION

China is the home of more than 1.4 billion people based on the 2018 population
projection of the United Nations. In fact, it is becoming one of the economic super giants
of the world. After second World War, Japan was able to adapt its policies to the dictates
of the West and consequently incorporated itself to the global economy. On the other hand,
Singapore has become one of the emerging centers of different cultures and has turned
itself into a great cosmopolitan City-state. All these countries belong to the continent
of Asia, a term that originated from the West, particularly from Ancient Greece.
Among all the continents, Asia has the biggest population of at least two-thirds of
the world’s inhabitants. It is most probably because the continent comprises one-third of
the world’s land mass. In terms of economy, emerging and developing Asian countries and
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 5 or the ASEAN 5 (Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand) had an average of 6.3% and 5.1% GDP growth,
respectively, compared to the world average growth of 3.5% as of 2016 (Obiols, 2017). In
2016, China was the world’s leading exporter of goods valued at $1.99 trillion , followed
by the United States with $1.45 trillion (Dillinger, 2018).

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
Since the European Union is in its mature state of regionalism, the world is
now focused on Asia. Most countries want to have collaborations with East Asian
countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members because
economic and political growth in these regions have Started t0 Shape up. As a
result, the United States strategically takes care of its allies in Asia to maintain
and further enhance its supply of raw materials, human technological skills, and
even its military force. At the same time, Europe keeps its strong relationship
with Asian countries to expand its growing business in the field of medical science
and research. It cannot be denied that Asia is gaining
worldwide attention.
What makes Asian nations stronger than ever is the
establishment of collaborations and cooperation based on
respect. For one, the ASEAN, as a regional bloc, pays full
respect for sovereignty and independence of its members
through consensus and consultation (Eliassen 8:
Arnadottir, 2012).
In this light, globalization, regionalization, i and
regionalism are compared. Also, exposure to the different
factors that bring about better: homogenization of Asia
and how member-states collectively and separately address
the challenges they are facing are discussed.
The official emblem of ASEAN
The terms regionalization and globalization are both related to integration:
As defined in Module 1, globalization is the expansion and intensification of soc1al
relations and consciousness across world-time and world-space. Regionalization, on
the other hand, is “the growth of societal integration within a region and to the
often undirected processes of social and economic interaction” (Hurrel, 1995). In
terms of scope, it is very clear that globalization is borderless. It happens around
the world while regionalization happens only in a specific geographical region.
Social and economic reciprocal actions of regionalization are undirected because
of diversity. This diversity comes in different levels of development (from the
rich Singapore to the poor Laos), politics (from democracy to dictatorship and
everything in between), economics (from free markets to capitalism and more), (and
religion (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Shintoism, and more) (Richter
&West, 2014).
Commonly confused with regionalization, regionalism refers to regional
concentration of economic flows While regionalization refers to a political process
by economic policy if cooperation and coordination are Present among countries
(Mansfield &Wilmer, 1993). Regionalism also pertains to the process of
intergovernmental collaborations between two or more states (Eliassen & Arnadottir,
2012). Asian regionalism is a new concept among the continental communities.
New to cooperation and collaboration goals, it has the 50—year-old ASEAN group and
the failed East Asia Economic Group (EAEG). The ASEAN community is comprised of
three pillars—political security community, economic community, and socio-cultural
community.

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
The political security community gives importance to human rights, drugs,
foreign relations, defense, law, and transnational crimes. The association adheres
to significant roles of monitoring—economic ministers, finance ministers, central
bank governors, free .trade area, investment area, agriculture and forestry,
transport, ministers, science and telecommunications and information technology,
energy, minerals, tourism, free trade agreements with dialogue partners, and
sectoral bodies in the arena of economic community. In the socio-cultural community,
there is an avenue for cooperation among the ministers responsible for culture and
arts, sports, disaster management, education, environment, health, information,
labor, rural development and poverty eradication, women, youth, and civil service
matters.
ASEAN has also partnered with three East Asian countries—China, Japan, and
South Korea. It is called the ASEAN +3. Its goal is to address the l 1997 Asian
financial crisis and help each other cope with the crisis. In this context, ASEAN
has concretized regionalism in the Asian region. Similar to the goal of ASEAN in
achieving greater integration within the region, other countries form groups for
various reasons. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free trade pact
between Canada and the United States (now including Mexico), was created to help
reduce trading costs, increase business investment, and help North America he more
competitive in the global marketplace (NAFTA, 2018).
On the other hand the European Union (EU) 18 a political and economic established
to ensure free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the EU`s
single market (EU, 2018a).
Moreover, there are some aspects that led to a greater Asian integration.
First, integration has been market—driven. Within Asia, there are a variety of
systems, institutions, procedures, social relations, and infrastructure that are
put into place for countries to engage in exchange. Emerging and developing
economies in Japan, China, South Korea, and other Asian countries get the labor
services of Filipino skilled workers. Southeast A51ans market their goods within
the region. Thailand exports its grocery products to 24-hour convenience stores.
Vietnam and Indonesia sell their bags and clothing to the region. It was only in
recent years that teamwork among Asian governments has been exerted, though with a
certain distance.
Second, formal institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) were
established. Conceived in the 19603, ADB promotes social and economic development
in Asia. Composed of 67 members, 48 of which are from the Asia-Pacific region, the
financial institution aids its members and partners by providing loans, technical
assistance, grants, and equity investments. Initially, ADB focused its assistance
on food production and rural development to serve a predominantly agricultural
region.
Third, economic grants and overseas development assistance are made available
by better Asian economies. For example, the Japanese International cooperation
Agency (JICA) aims to work on human security and quality growth. The agency targets
to promote international cooperation and the development of the Japanese and global
economy by supporting the socio-economic development, recovery, or economic
stability of developing regions.
Fourth, production networks have expanded. Economies are mainly on comparative
advantage through the regional division of labor. The Philippines’ major exports
are electronic products and copper products to name a few. Indonesia sells palm
oil, rubber, and natural gas within the region. South Korea produces machinery
products and motor vehicles.
Fifth, cooperation among the ASEAN and East Asian countries ensued the ASEAN
+3 Financial Ministers’ Process that established two economic structures—the Chiang
Mai Initiative and the Asian Bond Markets Initiative. The process aims to strengthen
policy dialogue, coordination, and collaboration on common financial, monetary, and
fiscal issues.
Last, if EU is rules-based, ASEAN follows a consensus rule as an approach to
decision making. This process prevents collision of culture beliefs and economic

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS
policies that are understandably not easy to mm: because of the region’s diversity
of archipelagic lives.
In facing the challenges brought about by globalization, Asian countries have
responded with regional alternatives as big group, small group, and local
communities.
As a big group, Asian countries established their own Asian Development Bank
(ADB) that is more focused on Asia and the Pacific as a reaction to global economic
integration. Japan, the forerunner of the institution, believes that investments
can be a factor to social development. Consequently, Japan is a major contributor
to ADB. Asian nations work in the form of loans, grants, and information sharing
on topics such as terrorism and regional security.

```

The establishment of the ASEAN is also another initial reaction to

globalization. It fosters the spirit of regionalism and oneness of Asian nations.
As a group, it sets out in the ASEAN Declaration the following aims and purposes:
1) to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the
region; 2) to promote regional peace and stability; 3) to promote active
collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest; 4) to provide
assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities; 5) to
collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and
industries; 6) to expand trade, improve their transportation and communications
facilities, and raise the living standards of their people; 7) to promote Southeast
Asian Studies; and 8) to maintain close and beneficial cooperation.
More so, Asian countries respond to globalization as a small group. Asian
regionalism lacks institutions and bureaucratic bodies to serve the region unlike
the European Union model of single market in goods and services. AS a result,
individual countries do bilateral or multilateral agreements. For example, the
Philippines has standing bilateral agreements with China in trade, defense,
infrastructure, transnational crimes, tourism, education, health, and many others.
In fact, in the recent Visit of current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to
China, Chinese leaders expressed their support for the president’s campaign against
illegal drugs and terrorism, among others.
Another reaction comes from China, India, and Japan as important regional
players. They initiate concrete dialogue in formulating visions, shared goals, and
roadmaps for regional cooperation in Asia. Reaction to globalization (and the West)
also gave rise to terror groups, like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
which has spread to the Muslim communities in Southern Philippines, Indonesia, and
Malaysia. To combat global terrorism, these countries made use of their available
resources to minimize and ultimately stop the effects on civilian-victims such as
displacement and suffering. More so, they reached military multilateral agreements
to address this common problem. In 2017, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
had trilateral security meeting wherein they agreed that they need conduct join
navy patrols within their boundaries to prevent the entry and exit of the terror
group (Antiporta, 2017).

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Other reactions to globalization came in the form of disengagement from

globalization that transpired locally. Santi Suk village in Thailand created its
own currency, called the bia, that was regulated by a central bank in a Village.
This homemade currency can only be used in participating villages, and cannot be
exchanged for Thaika9 baht. This trend is a manifestation of self-sufficiency
movements that emerged after the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Other forms of
disengagement Wed in the formation of self-sufficiency groups, community-owned rice
mills, and cooperative shops; the gathering of traditional herbal practitioners;
and the preference for local products (Kimura, 2014).
To conclude, globalization and regionalization are the same for they refer to
integration. Their difference lies on the scope. Globalization is worldwide, while
regionalization focuses on a specific geographical region. As a response to world
homogenization and division, regionalism that comes in various forms of regional
alternatives to globalization spawned within and among regions in Asia. Asian
integration did not happen based only on one historical event for there were
different factors that led to this alliance.

V. LESSON ACTIVITY

Activity 1: Towards a Formidable Asian Integration

Name: _______________ Date: ____________________

Year and Block: _________ Score: ___________________
Instruction: Identify two strengths of the Philippines that may contribute to a
greater integration among countries in the Asian region. Explain.

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 Module 3: A WORLD OF REGIONS

Activity 1: Towards a Formidable Asian Integration

Name: _______________ Date: ____________________

Year and Block: _________ Score: ___________________
Instructions: Discuss among yourselves how the Philippines reacts to regional and
global challenges listed below. Choose only two (2) and list down three (3) actions
for each
- International Terrorism
- China`s Revival of the Silk Road
- International Monetary Fund(IMF)
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC)
- Asian Development Bank(ADB)
- Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
CHALLENGES ACTIONS
a.
1.

b.

c.

a.
2.

b.

c.

END OF SECTION 2

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