Measuring ... What? Notes on Some Globalization Indices

The article examines some of the instruments devised to measure globalization, in particular the CSGR Globalisation Index and the A.T. Kearney/FOREIGN POLICY Globalization Index. The article begins by comparing the features and results of these instruments, and then highlights their strengths and weaknesses. The two most significant weaknesses are as follows. The first consists in what Beck has called 'methodological nationalism': the fact that attempts are made to study an essentially transnational phenomenon on a national basis. The second weakness resides in the problems-in terms of the completeness, adequacy, and timeliness of information-of the database used to calculated these indices. Also to be emphasized is that analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of these indices cannot be separated from the purpose for which they have been devised. In other words, there is no one 'best' instrument in absolute terms; rather there is an array of instruments with which to pursue particular knowledge goals. Finally, discussion of the techniques used to measure the phenomenon provides an occasion to raise considerations concerning the nature of globalization.