Question

Those who argue that there is something distinct about contemporary globalisation, point out to which one of the following?

• A. Globalisation has taken place through much of human history.
• B. It is a mistake to assume globalisation as a purely cultural phenomenon.
• C. The vastly uneven impact of globalisation on the Global North.
• D. Scale and speed of flows account for the uniqueness of globalisation.

Hint:

Think of the volume and pace of flows today.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the question.
Some scholars say globalisation is old, but others say the present form is new and different. We need the argument made by this second group.

Step 2: Recall the argument.
Those who see contemporary globalisation as distinct say that the scale and the speed of flows of ideas, capital, goods and people are far greater today than in the past. Technology has made this possible.

Step 3: Check option 1.
This says that globalisation has happened through much of human history. That is the argument of the group that sees globalisation as an old process, not a new one. So option 1 is wrong.

Step 4: Check option 2.
This says that globalisation is not purely cultural. It is a point about its many sides and not about what is distinct. So option 2 is wrong.

Step 5: Check option 3.
This talks about an uneven impact on the Global North. The usual claim is about uneven impact on the Global South, and it is not the point on uniqueness. So option 3 is wrong.

Step 6: Check option 4.
Scale and speed of flows is exactly the reason given for the uniqueness of the present phase. So option 4 is correct.

Final Answer:
The distinct feature of contemporary globalisation is the scale and speed of flows. This is option 4. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 4}} \]