Global systems Flashcards
(7 cards)
What is Global interdependence?
Interdependence = mutual reliance between countries, organisations, and people. It exists in economic, political, social and environmental forms
Economic interdependence
-Global trade and investment link economies
-Example: HICs rely on LICs/NICs for raw materials/Labour; LICs rely on HICs for capital/infrastructure
+ Promotes growth
-Increases vulnerability
Political interdependence
-Countries cooperate through global governance bodies (UN, WTO, IMF)
-Shared policies and treaties (e.g. Paris Agreement) bind nations
+ Encourages peace and global standards
-Can reduce national sovereignty
Social interdependence
-Migration, tourism, education and social media link societies
-Diaspora communities maintain cultural and diasporic links (remittances)
+ Builds cultural understanding and support networks
-Can a strained infrastructure cause social tension
Environmental interdependence
-Global ecosystem (e.g. atmosphere, oceans) crosses borders
-Pollution, deforestation, and climate change are shared challenges
+Encourages cooperation (e.g. COP summits)
- One country’s actions can harm others (e.g. Amazon deforestation)
Unequal flows of people, money, ideas, and technology
These flows can:
Promote:
-Stability: UN peacekeepers, development aid, remittances
-Growth: TNC investment, skill migration (brain circulation)
-Development: spread of tech/education (e.g. mobile banking in Africa)
Cause:
-Inequity: brain drain from LICs to HICs; tech gaps
-Conflict: migration pressures, economic exploitation
-Injustice: sweatshops, tacit avoidance by TNCs, surveillance of poorer states
Unequal power relations in Global systems
Powerful states (e.g. USA, China, EU)
-Three decision-making in the WTO, UN, IMF
-Influences trade terms, military action, or climate policy
Weaker states:
-Often reactive, not proactive
-can resist, but with limited leverage
