Internationalism and globalism, although related, focus on different aspects of global connections. Internationalism is the theory and practice of fostering cooperative relations among nation-states, emphasizing that ties between countries can outweigh those that divide them. It suggests that nations should collaborate for mutual benefit and peace, as exemplified by concepts like liberal internationalism, which advocates for global governance and rule of law. On the other hand, globalism is an attitude that seeks to understand the complex linkages and patterns that characterize the globalized world. While internationalism often involves formal agreements and political integration, globalism is more focused on economic and social interconnections without necessarily involving structured political agreements .

In the post-colonial era, many countries, including the Philippines, have defined their borders based on the territorial lines drawn by their former colonial powers. This colonial legacy has a significant impact on contemporary international relations, as these arbitrary borders often fail to reflect the cultural, ethnic, and social realities of the regions they delineate. This misalignment can lead to internal conflicts, instability, and challenges in nation-building, thus influencing how these nations interact with each other on the global stage. Recognizing these colonial pasts is essential in understanding current global political dynamics .

Neocolonialism differs from traditional colonialism primarily in its methods of control. While traditional colonialism involves direct political control and territorial acquisition, neocolonialism is characterized by economic exploitation and indirect control through financial mechanisms. This form of global power is maintained not by political dominance but by economic manipulation through multinational corporations and international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. These institutions, dominated by wealthy core countries, establish loan terms and repayment conditions that reinforce financial dependency and ensure that economic benefits revert to these affluent nations .

The transition from colonialism to post-colonialism was marked by a series of independence movements and wars throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Key events such as the Latin American wars of independence, starting with Haiti's independence in 1804, and culminating with the independence of most of Spain's colonies by 1825, marked an early wave. In the 20th century, decolonization accelerated after World War II, as European powers weakened and anti-colonial movements gained momentum. These activities dismantled empires, leading approximately 130 former colonies to gain independence. This dramatic shift reshaped global political structures by establishing new sovereign states, often adhering to the political, economic, and territorial frameworks set by former colonial powers .

The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, is significant in shaping the modern state system by establishing the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states. These principles laid the foundation for the modern international order characterized by nation-states bound by borders and governed by centralized authority. For former colonies, the Westphalian model influenced the political structures they inherited and adapted during the decolonization process. Former colonies often defined their borders based on colonial demarcations, reflecting the Westphalian emphasis on delineated territorial states, despite the lack of consideration for pre-existing cultural and ethnic divisions .

The concept of self-determination has been a fundamental component of internationalism, emphasizing that nations have the right to independently choose their political status and pursue their development. This idea is notably associated with US President Woodrow Wilson, who advocated for principles including self-determination, democratic governance, and collective security. Wilson's vision sought to replace imperial domination with a new order based on mutual respect and universal laws, made possible through institutions like the League of Nations. This framework was developed to prevent conflict by recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of nations, ultimately contributing to peace and global cooperation .

The Age of Discovery, beginning in the late 1400s, was a period characterized by European global exploration, driven by the pursuit of new trade routes and resources. This era led to widespread European colonial expansion, as nations like Spain and Portugal claimed vast territories across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It facilitated the establishment of European political and economic dominance over numerous regions. Lasting effects on global geography include the redrawing of boundaries in colonized regions, the introduction of European cultural and political systems, and significant demographic changes due to the movement of peoples and the imposition of new economic systems. This period solidified European influence over global affairs, setting the stage for centuries of colonial rule .

Colonialism significantly shaped the economic development of former colonies by configuring their economies to primarily serve the industrialized needs of the colonizers. This included focusing on the extraction and export of raw materials and agricultural products, often at the expense of developing a diverse economy. Most colonies were left with weak infrastructures and minimal industrial development. For instance, many African and Southeast Asian countries have economies that remain heavily reliant on the exportation of a few agricultural or mineral commodities. This economic arrangement has perpetuated dependency on former colonial powers for manufactured goods and financial services. In the contemporary era, such legacies impact economic challenges faced by these nations, including economic fragility, lack of diversification, and vulnerability to global market fluctuations .

Multinational corporations are central to the modern form of neocolonialism. They exert influence over nation-states by leveraging their economic power to create favorable business conditions that benefit them, often aligning with policies that maintain economic dependency. These corporations frequently operate in various countries, imposing terms that prioritize profit maximization over local development needs. They can dictate trade and economic policies that disadvantage host countries, utilizing their influence to shape legislation, labor practices, and environmental regulations in ways that reflect colonial-era exploitation. This practice mirrors colonial methods of control, substituting direct political power with economic domination .

Liberal internationalism and socialist internationalism differ fundamentally in their ideological underpinnings and views on governance and economic systems. Liberal internationalism advocates for democratic governance, collective security, and the rule of international law, proposing that national sovereignty be subordinated to a global system of laws to foster cooperation. This approach seeks to address global issues through a collaborative international framework without altering the capitalist system. In contrast, socialist internationalism views capitalism as a global system requiring a collective working-class struggle to dismantle economic inequalities. It emphasizes global class unity and revolution to end class struggles worldwide. Despite their differences, both frameworks demand international cooperation but from distinct philosophical perspectives .