Threat to globalisation Flashcards
(3 cards)
1) rise of populism and nationalism
Populism and nationalism challenge globalisation by promoting sovereignty over international cooperation.
USA – Trump: “America First” policies pulled the US out of key global institutions.
➤ Withdrew from WHO during COVID-19, criticising its pro-China stance.
➤ Imposed tariffs and rejected trade deals to protect domestic industry.
Europe – Brexit & Populist Leaders:
➤ Brexit: A rejection of EU integration, framed as reclaiming sovereignty.
➤ Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Italy’s populists criticised globalisation as benefiting elites, pushed for border controls and less EU influence.
Cultural Pushback:
➤ China restricts Western media and social platforms.
➤ India promotes indigenous culture over Western influence.
Counterpoint: Liberal pushback has shown continued support for global cooperation.
US – Biden (2020): Rejoined WHO and Paris Agreement, recommitting to multilateralism.
Brazil – Lula (2022): Rejoined international climate talks (e.g. COP27).
UK – Labour (2024): Renewed EU engagement; Starmer visited Brussels.
Conclusion: Populism threatens globalisation politically, but key powers still re-engage internationally.
2) economic protectionism
For Economic protectionism is rising, threatening the principle of free trade.
US-China Trade War:
➤ Since 2018, both nations imposed tariffs worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
➤ Prioritised national power over global cooperation — reflects realist IR theory.
Policy Examples:
➤ USA: Inflation Reduction Act (2022) subsidises domestic green industries.
➤ China: “Made in China 2025” aims for tech self-reliance.
WTO Undermined:
➤ US blocked WTO Appellate Body appointments, weakening enforcement.
➤ EU and US imposed tariffs on China, citing national security, breaching WTO rules.
Counterpoint: Global economic interdependence remains strong.
Multinational Supply Chains:
➤ Apple, Toyota, Amazon depend on global production—too complex to reverse.
➤ Despite tensions, US firms rely on Chinese manufacturing, and vice versa.
Trade Agreements:
➤ RCEP (2022): World’s largest free trade deal (China, Japan, ASEAN).
➤ CPTPP: Expanding free trade in Pacific region.
➤ EU: Still promotes free trade and economic integration.
Conclusion: Free trade is under threat, but full economic globalisation remains deeply entrenched and resilient.
3) declining influence of international institutions
For Political globalisation is under threat due to the weakening of international institutions and law.
International Law Ignored:
➤ China: Rejected 2016 South China Sea ruling.
➤ US: Trump withdrew from Paris Agreement & Iran Deal.
➤ Major powers like US, China, and Russia never joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), avoiding legal accountability.
Geopolitical Division:
➤ Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine ignored global law, backed by China and Iran.
➤ The UN Security Council (UNSC) is paralysed due to veto powers.
➤ Gaza conflict shows UN’s failure to enforce peace or prevent human rights abuses.
Counterpoint: Global cooperation still exists on major issues.
Climate Action:
➤ Paris Agreement (2015) still active—nearly 200 countries involved.
➤ Ongoing summits (COP26, COP27), with countries submitting NDCs.
COVID-19 Response:
➤ COVAX: WHO-led vaccine distribution to poorer countries.
➤ IMF: Disbursed $100+ billion in 2020 alone to support economies and health systems.
Conclusion: Political globalisation is most under threat—institutions are losing authority and facing division from rising powers. But limited cooperation still survives in areas like climate and health.
