Final answer:
Transnationalism and globalization are related concepts that describe different aspects of international connections and flows; while globalization is broader and includes economic and political dynamics, transnationalism focuses on social and cultural connections across borders, thus they are not perfect synonyms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms transnationalism and globalization are closely related concepts that often appear to be synonymous; however, they emphasize different aspects of the flows and connections that transcend national borders. Transnationalism usually refers to the social and cultural ties that extend across national borders, such as families spread across countries maintaining close relationships, or diaspora communities influencing policies in their countries of origin and their host countries. On the other hand, globalization is a broader concept that includes the economic, political, social, and cultural processes that create a global, interconnected world. This includes the growth of international trade, the increasing significance of multinational corporations, and the spread of information and cultural products across the globe.
It's important to note that these processes can both integrate and differentiate at the same time. Globalization can lead to standardization in some aspects, such as the spread of consumer culture (sometimes referred to as "McDonaldization"), but it can also lead to greater awareness of and appreciation for diversity. Similarly, transnational social spaces can both maintain distinctions between communities and create new cultural syntheses. Thus, while they are related and sometimes overlapping, transnationalism and globalization are not perfect synonyms.