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How do the range of different actors (states, state organizations, businesses, individuals, NGOs and mass publics) fit together within an arena of globalization?

Even though individuals within a particular arena of globalization may have quite different perspectives on the issues at hand, variation in the range of values and principles is not infinite. Loose collections of individuals work within globalizing arenas, sharing a common language, knowledge and "know how" for applying that knowledge. These webs of actors in globalizing arenas are known as epistemic communities.

What Do Epistemic Communities Do for Globalization?

Members of epistemic communities develop a common “scaffold” or language for dialogue. Communication among a range of actors depends on a common framework and language. In order to push globalization forward, actors have to understand one another and have a shared grasp of what facts and information are relevant.

Even in the most pedestrian arenas, like international marketing and sales, common standards of practice, methods of communication, record keeping practices and shared understandings of problems and possible solutions are necessary.

Roles in Epistemic Communities

There is no single model for the role that different actors play in epistemic communities. Different actors are more or less influential depending on the arena of globalization. John Braithwaite an Peter Drahos draw some general conclusions about the role of epistemic communities in globalizing business regulation.

• States often play a more limited role in epistemic communities than other actors,
• Organizations of states, especially those that provide detailed information to other actors, may be particularly important players in epistemic communities,
• Industry actors, because of their financial resources, their links to other actors and their recognized expertise in different areas, often have a great degree of influence within epistemic communities,
• Professions and scientists may play a very important part in epistemic communities by identifying the facts. By identifying facts and defining procedures, scientists and professionals may provide a common framework for individuals on both sides of an issue.
• NGOs may also participate actively within epistemic communities, though their effectiveness is spotty and differs across arenas of globalization.

Bottom Line

Globalization requires dialogue among actors. Epistemic communities provide common frameworks or “scaffolds” on which different views and approaches to globalization can take place. The combination of a common framework, common information, shared relationships and “know how,” provides the basis for globalization.

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