Globalization discourse: a view from the East

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the discourse of globalization from the perspective of Hong Kong. The analysis first discusses the concept of globalization, as portrayed by various scholars. Second, the relationship between Hong Kong and globalization is examined. This is followed by a detailed analysis of the theme of globalization as presented by the Special Hong Kong Administrative Region Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa. The article critically analyses a speech delivered by Tung in London in October 2000, which highlights the SAR government's measures to address the challenges posed by globalization and its ability in capitalizing on the assumed benefits of the global phenomenon. The textual analysis shows that globalization is discursively constructed as immutable and that it is the role of the government to manage the consequences of globalization. A range of discursive strategies is identified in the realization of this discursive construction.