ETVT changing world undermines efforts to reduce conflict, poverty and environmental damage

Question 1

sections

Answer 1

poverty
conflict
climate change

Question 2

for- conflict

Answer 2

Multipolarity → greater competition, especially from Russia and China.
Russia: Military aggression in Georgia (2008), Ukraine (2014, 2022).
China: Militarisation in the South China Sea (e.g. artificial islands).
Rise in proxy conflicts: e.g. Syria (US, Russia, Iran all involved).
Israel–Hamas war: Undermined by US and Iran backing different sides.
Thucydides Trap: Risk of conflict rises as China challenges US hegemony.
Loss of US leadership in peace mediation (e.g. unlike Balkans 1990s).

Question 3

conflict - against

Answer 3

US unipolar power led to unchecked wars (e.g. Iraq War 2003, no UN support).
Multipolarity makes the US more cautious, reducing unilateral interventions.
Trump’s “America First” marked a withdrawal from global conflict (e.g. Afghanistan).
Liberal view: Economic interdependence (e.g. US–China trade) discourages war.
IGOs like the UN/WTO promote dialogue, reducing chance of major conflict.

Question 4

2. for poverty

Answer 4

Weakened Western coordination (e.g. World Bank/IMF challenged by AIIB, BRI).
Strategic interests now outweigh poverty goals (e.g. BRI = geopolitical influence).
Example: Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port — accused of “debt-trap diplomacy”.
Multipolar rivalry results in fragmented aid and competing priorities.

Question 5

against - poverty

Answer 5

Multipolarity gives developing states more choice and better loan conditions.
Under US hegemony, IMF/World Bank imposed austerity that worsened poverty.
Nigeria (1986): IMF conditions → inflation, worsened poverty (28% → 66%).
Now states can borrow from AIIB, avoiding harsh neoliberal terms.
China’s model has proven successful:
Lifted 800+ million out of poverty.
Ethiopia followed China’s strategy: industrialisation, dam building.
Result: Poverty fell from 44% to 23% (2000s–recent).

Question 6

for- cc

Answer 6

Fragmented leadership = lack of global enforcement on climate action.
US withdrew from Paris Agreement under Trump.
Realist critique: IGOs can’t enforce emissions targets — agreements often missed.
Countries prioritise economic growth over climate (esp. China & India).
$100bn climate pledge (2009) still unmet by developed nations (e.g. COP26).

Question 7

against cc

Answer 7

China is leading in green innovation:
80% of solar panel production; largest wind/solar capacity.
50% of EV sales in 2023; controls lithium & cobalt supply chains.
EU leadership continues: carbon neutrality by 2050, regulation setting.
Competition in green tech has incentivised innovation despite reduced cooperation.