HOW GLOBALISED ARE WE? COMPARISON OF GLOBALISATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, SLOVAKIA AND SWEDEN

The aim of the paper is to characterize, compare, and evaluate the level of globalization in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Sweden. The countries are comparable as to their size, capabilities, international orientation, etc. Simultaneously, Sweden is a "globalized" benchmark, against which the other two countries can be contrasted. First, the paper gives an overview of the various globalization indices and rankings (such as the KOF Globalization Index) and discusses their characteristics, methodologies, strengths and weaknesses. Then, the level of globalization of the three countries is compared, based on the results of some chosen indices and rankings. Longer term trends and some unexpected results are observed, too. Finally, the paper discusses the results and concludes: What they reveal and what they rather "hide". What they say about the rankings and what they say about the countries. What their policy relevance is. If the level of globalization can be actually "measured" or "ranked", etc. In sum, the globalization indices and rankings are a useful tool for quantitative/empirical academic research, as well as for public policy and business analysis. They must be, however, complemented by qualitative analyses of globalization. Among their key weaknesses is a lack of statistical data for some countries and in particular for non-state actors.