China's Role in the History of Globalization

In my view, globalization is a process that has taken place
episodically since approximately the beginning of the 16th century.
Previously, there were a number of attemps at globalization, which
however failed to attain the precondition of regular commercial and
communicative relationships among the parts of the globe; nor did
they lead to the kind of stable multilateral interdependence that
later took place (Osterhamme/Petersson). In chronologically
sequenced chapters, I briefly present the driving forces and the
consequences of globalization. In the respective chapters, Chinas
highly variegated role is explored: from the first attempt at
globalization in the 14/15 centuries, which was of an expansive
nature; in the first push at globalization from 1500, China was
increasingly in retreat; during the surge of globalization in the
19th century, China was an almost insignificant push‐toy of the
European powers; and in the current situation China may be
characterized as a tardive beginner, yet then advancing to a
leadership role. In concluding I undertake a framework for
understanding the so‐called "Chinese Economic Miracle," for which
the German term Wirtschaftswunder may readily be substituted. The
highly differential significance of China for these various phases
of globalization is an arresting example for my hypothesis that
globalization may not unreasonably be regarded as a market‐driven
and invariably politically‐fashioned process.