Abstract

This thesis investigates the 'localization' of globalization discourse in Egypt by following its rise in the United States to its reception by various local knowledge structures in Egypt. It argues that the main characteristics of the discourse show that it represents a new phase of an old colonial narrative, in operation at least since the introduction of modernization theories. The thesis finds little structural novelty in globalization knowledge, as the discourse structurally resembles older paradigms of modernization in ideas, assumptions, and analytical methodologies. As such, even though it is portrayed as a discovery of a new knowledge paradigm, it represents only a resurrection and adaptation of older colonial knowledge paradigms and assumption. The thesis concludes that globalization discourse supports the consolidation of western hegemony over a post cold war international order. It reflects the colonial power relationship between "the west and the rest", and seeks to reproduce it by manufacturing knowledge and constituting worldviews that favor neocolonial power structures; often borrowed from the colonial era. Whereas colonial knowledge sought to convince the colonies to celebrate the colonial order, globalization seeks to convince them to celebrate US victory in the Cold War and the subordination of the world to American power. In seeking this goal, globalization tries to subjugate Western anti-meta-narrative knowledge paradigms, the main obstacles in its way in the West, which were prevailing at the rise of the discourse in the late 80s.

After scoring well in the West-at least until 1999-the globalization discourse embarked on a global missionary task, and invaded the rest of the world. In invading Egypt, globalization entered in a fragmented version, unlike previous meta-discourses, which entered as a whole; such Marxism for example. 'Globalization' entered through a discrete group of genres that were propelled by a central power-knowledge driver. This thesis examines three particular genres and concludes that the local success of the globalization discourse-despite the overt coloniality of the current international order and the radical stance of resistance against it-can be attributed to the fragmentation of the discourse's local forms and genres, as well as to the centrality of the discourse's main power within external, or foreign, power centers.

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Date of Award

2-1-2004

Online Submission Date

1-1-2003

First Advisor

Emad El Din Shahin

Committee Member 1

Emad El Din Shahin

Committee Member 2

Moustafa Al Sayyid

Committee Member 3

Michael Lattanzi

Document Type

Thesis

Extent

xiv, 274 leaves

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Globalization

Rights

The American University in Cairo grants authors of theses and dissertations a maximum embargo period of two years from the date of submission, upon request. After the embargo elapses, these documents are made available publicly. If you are the author of this thesis or dissertation, and would like to request an exceptional extension of the embargo period, please write to thesisadmin@aucegypt.edu

Call Number

Thesis 2003/74

Location

mmbk

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