Keeping it real: Debunking the deglobalization Myth, Brexit and Trump: “lessons” on integration

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JITLP-06-2017-0020
• Pages: 62-68
• Date: 01 April 2018
• Published date: 01 April 2018
• Author: Mervyn Martin
• Subject Matter: Strategy,International business,International business law,Economics,International economics,International trade

Keeping it real: Debunking the

deglobalization Myth, Brexit and

Trump: “lessons”on integration

Mervyn Martin

Department of Law, Teesside University School of Social Sciences and Law,

Middlesborough, UK

Abstract

Purpose –The recent vote for Britain to exit the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as

the President of the USA has been described as events that bring an end to globalization and indeed seen

as a reversal of the globalization process. A possiblereason for this is that both choices are thought to be

premised on inward-looking objectivesrather than having global objectives. This paper aims to offer an

opinion that this view is flawed.Thisisbecauseintegration,which is used to approach globalization, is

not a one-way process seeking greater levels of integration, but rather a tool to address global

challenges, which will involvemaking choices on the degree of integration that is thought necessary at a

particular time. In other words, based on what is perceived as necessary at a given time, selective

interconnectivity is used to reflect the level of integration desired. Owing to the degree of global income

inequality, a high degree of integration will pose difficulties as a shift in production centres. Further ,

immigration will bring not only economic but also socio-cultural and political implications in even the

economically strongest nations.

Design/methodology/approach –The paper considers the definition of integration to justify why

there are limits placed on the level of integration. In this regard, when the position of individual

components is so unequal, there will be limits put on levels of integration due to economic, socio-

cultural, and political concerns.

Findings –Delocalization does not exist.The Brexit vote and President Trump’s Presidential bid success

are all part of the globalizationprocess, where from time to time, the levels of integrationwill slow down. This

does not suggestbacktracking on globalization.

Research limitations/implications –The discussion and analysis in this paper are significant as

they offer an unexplored perspective into current discussions on the Brexit vote and President Trump’s

election into office. The discussion and analysis are rigorous in that they are precise and robust in

examining the historical evolution to the international trading system to explain why the predominant

view on deglobalization is a misunderstanding of the matters that influence globalization and

integration.

Practical implications –The paper offersa practical and logical explanationto concerns regarding what

is termed as deglobalization by providing an analysis and insight into the current global challenges, in

particularincome inequality, as an environment within whichchoices have to be made.

Social implications –In the discussion, subsequentto Trump’s successful bid for US presidency and the

Brexit vote, there has been a frenzy in opinions regarding the implications of these milestones. This paper

debunks the exaggerations offered by explaining how and why these milestones are nothing new by

examiningthe history of the international tradingsystem.

Originality/value –This paper is original as it offers a fresh perspective on the deglobalization

debate. It provides a discussion from the global income inequality perspective to explain why and how

important are global challenges upon domestic choices and how this, in turn, relates to globalization and

integration.

Keywords Integration, Brexit, Deglobalization

Paper type Research paper

JITLP

17,1/2

62

Received20 June 2017

Revised20 June 2017

Accepted27 November 2017

Journalof International Trade

Lawand Policy

Vol.17 No. 1/2, 2018

pp. 62-68

© Emerald Publishing Limited

1477-0024

DOI 10.1108/JITLP-06-2017-0020

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