noun

globalism

GLOH-buh-liz-uhm

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Globalism (noun) means the belief that people, goods and information should be free to move across national borders without restriction. Example: “Her thesis argues that globalism has reshaped how young people see their own national identity.”

noun

The belief that people, goods and information should be free to move across national borders without restriction.

"Her thesis argues that globalism has reshaped how young people see their own national identity."

"Critics of globalism worry that it weakens local industries and traditions."

"The conference brought together economists who study globalism and its effect on trade policy."

An economic system built around free trade and open access to markets worldwide.

"Supporters of globalism point to cheaper goods and wider consumer choice as its main benefits."

"The rise of globalism in the late twentieth century changed how multinational firms operate."

"Trade agreements are often described as instruments of globalism."

derogatory In conspiracy theories, a supposed plot to hand national power over to centralised global authorities.

"The pamphlet claimed globalism was secretly controlling national governments."

"He dismissed the article's talk of globalism as baseless conspiracy thinking."

"Online forums sometimes blame globalism for unrelated local problems."

How to use globalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGlobalism is the idea, or the system, of letting people, goods and information move freely between countries.

When to use it

In political debate the word is often used critically, especially in its conspiracy-theory sense.

Memory tip

Remember that globalism is the belief or system, while globalisation is the process it describes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

globalisation →

Common pairings

economic globalism the rise of globalism opposed to globalism globalism versus nationalism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “globalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her thesis argues that _____ has reshaped how young people see their own national identity.

Etymology

Globalism is formed from the word global with the suffix -ism added to name a belief system or practice. The word therefore names an outlook or system built around the idea of the global rather than the national.

Origin: English

Antonyms

nationalism populism

Related words

nationalism patriotism populism internationalism multiculturalism antinationalism unionism cosmopolitanism

Rhymes for globalism

realism fatalism idealism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism

See all rhymes for globalism →

Frequently asked questions

What does globalism mean?

Globalism is the idea that people, goods and information should move freely across national borders. It can also describe the free-trade economic system built on that idea.

Is globalism the same as globalisation?

They are related but different: globalism describes the belief or ideology, while globalisation describes the actual process of the world becoming more interconnected.

What is the opposite of globalism?

The main opposites are nationalism and populism, both of which emphasise national interests over open, borderless exchange.

What is the meaning of globalism?

"globalism" (noun) means the belief that people, goods and information should be free to move across national borders without restriction.

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nationalism patriotism populism internationalism multiculturalism antinationalism unionism cosmopolitanism