Globalisation

Question 1

Globalisation

Answer 1

The growing interdependence and interconnectedness of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade, investment, information flows, and migration.

Question 2

Economic globalisation

Answer 2

The spread of capitalism and trade, driven by TNCs, global financial markets, and international organisations like the IMF and WTO.

Question 3

Political globalisation

Answer 3

The growth of international and regional governance (e.g. EU, UN), influencing how countries interact globally.

Question 4

Cultural globalisation

Answer 4

The spread and mixing of ideas, media, food, language, and lifestyles, often dominated by Western influence (aka “Americanisation”).

Question 5

Environmental globalisation

Answer 5

The interconnectedness of environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, which require global cooperation.

Question 6

TNCs (Transnational Corporations)

Answer 6

Companies that operate across multiple countries, driving FDI, outsourcing, and supply chain globalisation (e.g. Apple, McDonald’s).

Question 7

FDI (Foreign Direct Investment)

Answer 7

Investment by a company or government in another country, often used by TNCs to expand operations.

Question 8

Outsourcing

Answer 8

Contracting business processes (e.g. manufacturing, services) to external firms in other countries to reduce costs.

Question 9

Offshoring

Answer 9

Relocating business functions to another country, often where labour is cheaper.

Question 10

Containerisation

Answer 10

The use of standardised shipping containers, revolutionising global trade by reducing transport costs and time.

Question 11

Shrinking world

Answer 11

The perception that the world is becoming smaller due to faster travel and communication technologies.

Question 12

Time–space compression

Answer 12

The idea that globalisation reduces the significance of distance, enabling faster interaction across space.

Question 13

Global shift

Answer 13

The movement of economic activity, particularly manufacturing, from developed to developing regions (e.g. from UK to China/Vietnam).

Question 14

IMF (International Monetary Fund)

Answer 14

Provides loans to countries facing economic instability but often imposes neoliberal reforms.

Question 15

World Bank

Answer 15

Offers development loans to poorer countries to reduce poverty and encourage growth.

Question 16

WTO (World Trade Organization)

Answer 16

Oversees global trade rules and aims to reduce trade barriers.

Question 17

Governments

Answer 17

National and local policies (e.g. free-market reforms, SEZs) can accelerate or resist globalisation.

Question 18

Trade blocs

Answer 18

Groups of countries promoting free trade between members (e.g. EU, NAFTA, ASEAN).

Question 19

Deindustrialisation

Answer 19

The decline of manufacturing industries in developed countries due to the global shift.

Question 20

Economic leakage

Answer 20

Profits made by TNCs are sent back to their HQ country rather than reinvested locally.

Question 21

Cultural homogenisation

Answer 21

The reduction in cultural diversity due to the dominance of global brands and Western culture.

Question 22

Glocalisation

Answer 22

When TNCs adapt products or services to suit local markets (e.g. McVeggie in India).

Question 23

Cultural erosion

Answer 23

Loss of traditional values, languages, and identities due to exposure to dominant global cultures.

Question 24

Environmental degradation

Answer 24

Damage caused by increased global production and transport (e.g. air pollution, deforestation).

Question 25

Switched-on places

Answer 25

Highly connected, globalised regions with infrastructure, investment, and technology (e.g. Singapore, UK, China).

Question 26

Switched-off places

Answer 26

Marginalised from globalisation due to political isolation, poor infrastructure, or conflict (e.g. North Korea, Eritrea).

Question 27

Winners of globalisation

Answer 27

Groups or countries that benefit from growth, investment, and access to global markets.

Question 28

Losers of globalisation

Answer 28

Those who face job loss, cultural displacement, or environmental harm without seeing equal benefits.

Question 29

KOF Index

Answer 29

Measures globalisation based on economic, political, and social dimensions.

Question 30

AT Kearney Index

Answer 30

Ranks global cities using metrics like business activity, cultural exchange, and political engagement.

Question 31

Cultural Imperialism

Answer 31

The dominance of one culture over others, often through media, consumer products, and language — typically led by Western or American influences.

Question 32

Neo-colonialism

Answer 32

The indirect control of developing countries by developed ones through economic, political, or cultural pressures rather than direct rule — often via debt, aid dependency, or TNC influence.

Question 33

Cultural Hybridisation

Answer 33

The mixing and merging of cultures to create new forms — often seen as a counter to cultural imperialism.

Question 34

Brain Drain

Answer 34

The emigration of highly skilled or educated individuals from one country to another, often from developing to developed nations, for better opportunities.

Question 35

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

Answer 35

The total value of goods and services produced within a country in a year. Often used to measure economic growth or development.

Question 36

Trade Deficit / Surplus

Answer 36

Trade deficit – when a country imports more than it exports. Trade surplus – when a country exports more than it imports.

Question 37

GINI Coefficient

Answer 37

A measure of income inequality within a country (0 = perfect equality, 1 = extreme inequality).

Question 38

HDI (Human Development Index)

Answer 38

A composite index measuring average achievements in: - Health (life expectancy), - Education (mean & expected years of schooling), - Income (GNI per capita, PPP).

Question 39

GII (Gender Inequality Index)

Answer 39

Measures gender disparities across three dimensions: - Reproductive health (maternal mortality, teen births), - Empowerment (parliamentary seats, education), - Labour market participation.

Question 40

GNI per Capita

Answer 40

GNI (Gross National Income) is the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents in a year, plus net income earned from abroad (such as remittances and foreign investments), minus payments made to other countries. GNI = GDP + (income from abroad – income paid to foreigners)