Globalization Paradox: A Comparative Analysis of 'Empire' and 'The Great Convergence'

Globalization, one of the dominant forces of our time, can be defined as the compression of time and space (Scholte 20005).3 Perhaps no other phenomenon has sparked a heated debate as globalization due to its complex nature, multiple interpretations, and implications. Two seminal books, “The Great Convergence” by Richard Baldwin and “Empire” by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, offer contrasting yet insightful arguments on the globalization discourse. The objective of this paper is to provide a comparative review of two influential works on globalization: Empire (2000) by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, and The Great Convergence (2016) by Richard Baldwin. Although both works offer valuable insights into globalization from two theoretical standpoints, the novelty of this paper lies in its ability to connect these theoretical arguments with contemporary changes in the real world. By examining the main theses of each book, its theoretical standpoint, and content-wise distinctions, this paper sheds light on the complex discourse surrounding globalization.