Why are we still arguing about globalization?

This paper addresses the following question: why are we still arguing about globalization? Focus is placed on the conceptual point of departure, 'globalization' and its quantification. Differentiation is made between two perspectives on global economic integration: globalization as liberalization versus globalization as internationalism. The former, a policy input, a process of 'opening', leading to the latter. The latter, a policy outcome or the end outcome of 'openness', possible with or without the former. Selected literature on globalization and growth is discussed using the above criteria, categorizing 'proponents' and 'sceptics'. The question is posed: to what extent differing approaches to conceptualizing globalization are responsible for generating different research findings. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.