Global politics

• What is globalisation?

  Increasing interconnectedness economically, politically, culturally, and technologically
• What is sovereignty?

  Absolute authority within a territory
• What is a positive aspect of economic globalisation?

  Expands global trade and promotes development
• How did China benefit from globalisation?

  Lifted 850 million people out of poverty
• What are the key features of globalisation?

  1. Economic Globalisation

  • Expands global trade
  • Exploits workers in developing countries

  1. Political Globalisation

  • Facilitates cooperation
  • Undermines sovereignty

  1. Cultural Globalisation

  • Promotes cultural exchange
  • Leads to cultural homogenisation

  1. Technological Globalisation

  • Enhances communication
  • Deepens digital divide
• What is a negative aspect of economic globalisation?


  Exploits workers in developing countries
• What is a positive aspect of political globalisation?

  Facilitates cooperation among nations
• What is a negative aspect of political globalisation?

  Undermines sovereignty of states
• How did EU laws affect UK legislation pre-Brexit?

  EU laws overridden UK legislation
• What is a positive aspect of cultural globalisation?

  Promotes cultural exchange globally
• What is a negative aspect of cultural globalisation?

  Leads to cultural homogenisation
• How does technological globalisation enhance communication?

  Over 5 billion internet users globally
• What is a negative aspect of technological globalisation?

  Deepens digital divide between nations
• What are the challenges to sovereignty due to globalisation?

  • Economic: TNCs bypass state regulations
  • Political: IGOs take precedence
  • Nationalism: Rising populism
• How do TNCs challenge state sovereignty?

  By bypassing state regulations
• What is an example of political challenge to sovereignty?

  IGOs take precedence over states
• What is a manifestation of rising nationalism?

  Brexit and Trump’s “America First”
• How many countries signed the Paris Agreement?

  Over 190 countries
• What percentage of global trade does China represent?

  14% of global trade
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the UN?

  Strengths:

  • Prevented conflicts (e.g., Liberia)
  • Universal membership (193 states)

  Weaknesses:

  • UNSC gridlock (e.g., Russia’s veto)
• What is a strength of NATO?

  Deterrent against aggression
• What is a weakness of NATO?

  Accusations of overreach
• What does the IMF do?

  Provides loans to stabilize economies
• What is a criticism of the IMF?

  Imposes austerity measures
• What does the World Bank fund?

  Development projects globally
• What is a criticism of the World Bank?

  Encourages neoliberal policies
• What does the WTO promote?

  Free trade among nations
• What is a criticism of the WTO?

  Favors developed nations
• How much did the IMF provide in loans in 2021?

  $35 billion in loans
• What was the global trade value in 2022?

  $32 trillion
• What are the successes and failures of the UDHR?

  Success:

  • Set a global standard

  Failure:

  • Non-binding; ignored by states
• What are the successes and failures of the ICC?

  Success:

  • Convicted Bosco Ntaganda for war crimes

  Failure:

  • US, China, and Russia are non-members
• What are the successes and failures of the Paris Agreement?

  Success:

  • Global cooperation

  Failure:

  • Non-binding; Trump withdrew
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of COP28?

  Strength:

  • Continues dialogue

  Weakness:

  • Lack of enforcement
• What is the global temperature rise since 1850?

  1.2°C
• What percentage of global CO2 emissions does China account for?

  27% of global CO2 emissions
• What are the effectiveness points of the ICC in addressing human rights abuses?

  • ICC prosecutions (e.g., DRC war crimes)
• What are the ineffectiveness points of the ICC in addressing human rights abuses?

  • Limited enforcement power
  • Ignored by major powers
• What are the types of power in global politics?

  1. Hard Power: Military force
  2. Soft Power: Cultural influence
  3. Smart Power: Combination of both
• What is an example of hard power?

  US military in Iraq