Global governance: political and economic Flashcards
(68 cards)
1
Q
What are the origins of the United Nations (UN)?
A
- Formed in 1945 after WWII to promote international peace and security.
- Replaced the League of Nations, which failed to prevent conflict.
- now has 193 members.
2
Q
How has the UN developed over time?
A
- Membership expanded post-decolonisation.
- Post-Cold War saw more peacekeeping and humanitarian action.
- Modern focus includes climate change, human rights, development.
3
Q
What is the role of the UN Security Council (UNSC)?
A
- Maintains international peace and security.
- Can authorise military intervention, sanctions, peacekeeping.
- Has 15 members: 5 permanent (P5 – US, UK, France, China, Russia) + 10 rotating.
4
Q
What are the strengths of the Security Council?
A
- Legally binding power – unlike other UN bodies.
- Can mobilise resources quickly in crises.
5
Q
What are the weaknesses of the Security Council?
A
- veto power paralyzes action (e.g. Syria – Russian veto).
- Unrepresentative of current global power (no India, Brazil, Africa).
- Often accused of acting in national self-interest, not global interest.
6
Q
Give an example of UNSC success.
A
- 1991 Gulf War: authorised use of force to expel Iraq from Kuwait.
- Peacekeeping in East Timor (1999–2002) helped stabilise post-independence.
7
Q
Give an example of UNSC failure.
A
- Rwanda 1994 genocide: failed to act decisively.
- Syria (2011–present): blocked action due to Russia’s veto despite mass atrocities.
8
Q
What is the UN General Assembly (UNGA)?
A
- All 193 member states represented equally.
- Functions as a deliberative forum for debate, resolutions, and coordination.
- Resolutions are non-binding but carry moral and symbolic weight.
9
Q
Strengths of the UNGA?
A
- Equal representation – ‘one state, one vote’.
- Platform for consensus-building and diplomacy.
- Can highlight global opinion and legitimacy.
10
Q
Weaknesses of the UNGA?
A
- No enforcement powers – only recommendations.
- Sometimes used for political grandstanding.
- Can be ignored by powerful states (e.g. US on Israel resolutions).
11
Q
What is the role of ECOSOC?
A
- Coordinates economic, social, and development policy.
- Works with NGOs, UN agencies (e.g. WHO, UNESCO, UNDP).
- Key role in advancing SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
12
Q
Strengths and weaknesses of ECOSOC?
A
✅ Links UN to civil society and specialist agencies
✅ Addresses root causes of conflict (poverty, inequality)
❌ Seen as bureaucratic and fragmented
❌ Lacks power to enforce development goals
13
Q
What is the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
A
- Main judicial organ of the UN.
- Settles disputes between states under international law.
- Gives advisory opinions to UN bodies.
14
Q
Strengths of the ICJ?
A
- Promotes peaceful resolution of disputes.
- Upholds international law and justice.
- High-profile rulings raise global awareness (e.g. Myanmar & Rohingya).
15
Q
Weaknesses of the ICJ?
A
- Jurisdiction is voluntary – states must agree to be bound.
- Cannot enforce rulings (e.g. US ignored Nicaragua ruling in 1986).
- Doesn’t hear cases involving individuals – only states.
16
Q
Overall strengths of the UN system?
A
- Only body with global legitimacy and reach.
- Addresses multiple global issues: security, health, development, climate.
- Provides platform for diplomacy and coordination.
17
Q
Overall criticisms of the UN?
A
- Seen as slow, bureaucratic, and weak.
- Dominated by power politics – esp. P5 vetoes.
- Can lack teeth or follow-through on crises.
18
Q
Is the UN still relevant in a changing world?
A
YES:
✅ Promotes cooperation in a fragmented world
✅ Vital on climate, pandemics, peacekeeping
NO:
❌ Gridlocked by vetoes and geopolitical rivalry
❌ Struggles with new challenges (cybersecurity, AI, refugees)
19
Q
What is the purpose of the 1945 UN Charter?
A
- Established the structure, powers, and principles of the UN.
Key aims:
- Prevent war through collective security
- Promote human rights
Uphold international law
- Encourage social & economic development
20
Q
What is NATO and why was it founded?
A
- Formed in 1949 by 12 Western nations (incl. US, UK, France).
- Created during the Cold War to deter Soviet aggression.
- Based on collective defence: an attack on one is an attack on all (Article 5).
21
Q
What is NATO’s main role?
A
- Guarantee the security of its members through political and military means.
- Promote democratic values, crisis management, and collective defence.
- Conduct joint military training, operations, and strategic planning.
22
Q
What is Article 5 and why is it significant?
A
- Article 5: Mutual defence clause – invoked only once, after 9/11 (2001).
- Symbol of transatlantic solidarity.
- Foundation of NATO’s deterrent power.
23
Q
How did NATO’s role change after the Cold War?
A
- Shifted from Cold War deterrence to:
✅ Crisis response (e.g. Balkans)
✅ Counterterrorism (e.g. Afghanistan)
✅ Cybersecurity, piracy, peacekeeping
24
Q
What is NATO’s role in Afghanistan?
A
- ISAF mission (2003–2014): NATO led international forces against Taliban.
- Marked NATO’s first major out-of-Europe mission.
- Mixed legacy: Taliban regained ground after withdrawal in 2021.
25
How has NATO responded to new threats (cyber, terrorism, hybrid warfare)?
- Created cyber defence units and rapid response forces.
- Focus on hybrid threats (e.g. Russian disinformation, cyberattacks).
- Modernised to handle non-state actors and irregular warfare.
26
How did NATO respond to Russia’s aggression (Crimea, Ukraine)?
- Condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea (2014).
- Boosted eastern European presence via Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).
- Supplied weapons and support to Ukraine (post-2022 invasion).
27
What is NATO’s current role in Europe?
- Continues to reassure and defend Eastern allies (e.g. Poland, Baltics).
- Coordinates joint training exercises.
- Works with EU and partners on regional stability and deterrence.v
28
What are NATO’s key strengths?
✅ Largest military alliance: 31 members (incl. US, UK, Germany, Turkey).
✅ Nuclear umbrella (US, UK, France).
✅ High interoperability among forces – joint planning & operations.
29
How does NATO enhance security cooperation?
- Builds trust and cohesion among democracies.
- Provides strategic deterrence against state threats.
- Shares intelligence, tech, logistics between members.
30
Examples of NATO successes
- Bosnia (1995) & Kosovo (1999): helped end ethnic conflict.
- Somali piracy patrols, cyber defences, and deterrence in Eastern Europe.
- Prevented conflict within member states for 75+ years.
31
What are criticisms of NATO’s relevance today?
❌ Seen as a Cold War relic by some.
❌ Internal divisions (e.g. US–Turkey tensions, Trump’s criticisms).
❌ Fears of US disengagement weaken confidence in collective defence.
32
Why is burden-sharing a major issue in NATO?
- US spends ~70% of NATO’s defence budget.
- Only 11 out of 31 members meet 2% GDP target (as of 2024).
- Creates tensions over commitment and fairness.
33
How does NATO struggle with consensus?
- Decisions are by unanimity – can be slow and gridlocked.
- Different strategic priorities (e.g. US focus on China, EU focus on Russia).
- Turkey has blocked or slowed decisions (e.g. Sweden's membership).
34
Give an example of NATO failing to act decisively.
- Libya 2011: initial success ousting Gaddafi, but failed to stabilise state.
- Afghanistan withdrawal left a power vacuum – criticised as uncoordinated and rushed.
35
What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
- Created in 1944 (Bretton Woods) to ensure global financial stability.
- Aims to promote monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, and balanced growth.
- Offers loans and economic surveillance to prevent financial crises.
35
What is the World Bank?
- Also created in 1944 (Bretton Woods) to support long-term development.
- Funds infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
35
What is the key difference between the IMF and the World Bank?
- IMF = short-term crisis loans and global financial monitoring.
- World Bank = long-term development assistance and poverty alleviation.
36
How are both institutions structured?
- Both are US-dominated: voting power based on financial contributions (quotas).
- IMF Managing Director = European, World Bank President = American, by tradition.
37
What is the IMF’s role during financial crises?
- Provides bailout loans with strict conditionality (SAPs – structural adjustment programmes).
- Aims to stabilise economies, restore investor confidence, and reduce deficits.
38
Example of IMF involvement – Greece
- After 2009 Eurozone crisis, IMF gave €30 billion bailout with the EU.
- Imposed austerity measures (spending cuts, tax rises).
- Helped avoid default but caused recession, unemployment, protests.
39
What are strengths of the IMF?
✅ Prevents global financial contagion.
✅ Encourages macroeconomic discipline.
✅ Can respond quickly in crisis (e.g. COVID-19 emergency financing).
40
What are weaknesses of the IMF?
❌ One-size-fits-all approach – SAPs often harm the poor.
❌ Undemocratic – US holds veto power (16.5%).
❌ Seen as pushing a Western neoliberal agenda.
41
What is the World Bank’s main role?
- Provides loans, grants, and expertise to support development projects.
- Focuses on infrastructure, health, education, and governance.
- Works toward achieving SDGs and ending extreme poverty.
42
Example of World Bank project – India
- Clean India Mission: funded sanitation and water projects.
- Over 100 million toilets built in rural India.
- Improved public health and reduced child mortality.
43
What are strengths of the World Bank?
✅ Huge financial resources & global expertise.
✅ Focus on long-term structural development.
✅ Supports sustainable goals and capacity building.
44
What are weaknesses of the World Bank?
❌ Projects sometimes harm local environments or indigenous communities.
❌ Accused of tied aid – favouring Western firms.
❌ Governance criticised – Global South has little voice.
45
How are both the IMF and World Bank criticised for their impact on sovereignty?
- SAPs and loan conditions reduce a country’s economic autonomy.
- Governments must prioritise repayment and reforms over social needs.
46
How are both institutions accused of being biased?
- Dominated by Western countries, especially the USA.
- Policies often reflect neoliberal values: privatisation, deregulation, free trade.
47
Have they responded to criticism?
- both now emphasise poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
- IMF created Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust.
- World Bank supports climate action and gender equality.
48
Are they still relevant today?
✅ Yes: major global players in debt management, COVID recovery, development aid.
❌ But calls for reform and fairer representation grow louder, esp. from BRICS nations.
49
What is the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
- Established in 1995 (successor to GATT).
- Oversees global trade rules, resolves trade disputes, and aims to reduce trade barriers.
50
What are the WTO’s key principles?
- Non-discrimination
- Free trade via tariff reduction
- Predictability and transparency
- Encouragement of fair competition
51
What is the WTO’s role in global governance?
- Acts as a forum for negotiation (Doha, Uruguay rounds)
- Monitors national trade policies
- Resolves disputes via Dispute Settlement Body
52
What are the strengths of the WTO?
✅ Provides a rules-based system that prevents trade wars
✅ Dispute resolution works (e.g. EU vs US over steel tariffs)
✅ Helps smaller economies challenge powerful ones
53
What are the weaknesses of the WTO?
❌ Progress is slow – Doha Round has stalled since 2001
❌ Seen as favouring wealthy countries (e.g. agricultural subsidies in West persist)
❌ Enforcement relies on member cooperation
54
Example of WTO success
US vs EU Boeing-Airbus subsidies dispute: WTO ruled both broke rules → led to reduced subsidies and negotiations.
55
Example of WTO failure
Doha Development Round (2001–) failed to meet promises to Global South due to disagreements over agriculture and subsidies.
56
Why has the WTO struggled recently?
- Rise of protectionism (e.g. Trump’s tariffs)
- Disputes over leadership & structure
- Deadlock in reforming rules for 21st-century challenges (e.g. digital trade, climate)
57
What is the G7 and G8?
G7 = USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan (richest liberal democracies)
G8 = G7 + Russia (1997–2014, suspended after Crimea)
57
What is the G7’s role in global governance?
- Informal forum for economic coordination, foreign policy, and crisis response
- Discusses global issues: debt relief, pandemics, Ukraine, climate change
58
Strengths of the G7
✅ Quick, flexible, non-bureaucratic action
✅ Shared democratic values aid cooperation
✅ Has initiated major action (e.g. HIPC debt relief, sanctions on Russia)
59
Weaknesses of the G7
❌ Lacks global legitimacy – excludes major powers like China, India, Brazil
❌ No enforcement power – only coordinated intentions
❌ Seen as a rich-country club out of step with modern multipolarity
60
Example: G7 Sanctions on Russia
- In response to Crimea annexation, G8 became G7 again.
- Imposed economic sanctions, expelled Russia from summits
61
What is the G20?
- Group of 19 countries + EU (incl. China, India, Brazil, South Africa)
- Represents 85% of global GDP, 2/3 of population
- Created after 1997 crisis; elevated after 2008 financial crash
62
What is the role of the G20?
- Coordinates global economic policy
- Addresses financial regulation, climate change, inequality
- Bridges global North–South divide better than G7
63
Strengths of the G20
✅ Broader membership = more legitimacy than G7
✅ Major crisis coordination (e.g. 2008 bailout plans, COVID fiscal coordination)
✅ Useful for big-picture cooperation
64
Weaknesses of the G20
❌ Still informal – no treaty or enforcement
❌ Lacks coherence – big disagreements (e.g. US–China trade)
❌ Risk of power imbalance – G7 states still dominate agenda
65
Example: G20 in the 2008 Financial Crisis
- G20 met in 2009 London Summit
- Agreed on $1.1 trillion stimulus, banking regulation reform
- Credited with preventing global depression
