3.2.1.2 Global Systems

Question 1

Interdependence

Answer 1

Interdependence between countries means that they are dependent on one another in some way.

Question 2

Economic Interdependence

Answer 2

Countries rely on each other for economic growth.

E.g. countries that produce oil rely on other countries to buy it.

Question 3

Political Interdependence

Answer 3

Countries rely on other countries to intervene if there is political unrest.

Question 4

Social Interdependence

Answer 4

Migration has caused social interdependence as there are now diasporas all over the world that are dependent on the place they live in.

Countries rely on each other for leisure activities.

Question 5

Environmental interdependence

Answer 5

All nations are affected by other nations’ greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear waste emissions, etc. meaning all countries rely on each other to protect the environment.

Question 6

Diasporas

Answer 6

Groups of migrants of the same origin living in another country.

Question 7

Unequal flows of people benefits

Answer 7

• Migrants become intertwined in work forces and do often unwanted jobs.
• States that are home to large diaspora population often have strong ties with the diaspora’s country origin.
• Workers send remittances back to their home country, helping their economy to grow.
• Those fleeing from conflicts or poor quality of life may have a better life in countries they move to.

Question 8

Unequal flows of people problems

Answer 8

• Host country may become dependent on the migrant workers, which may
  cause issues if there is a change in circumstance.
• Unequal flows can cause overpopulation. Many countries experiencing large flows of people believe they suffer due to pressure on services such as healthcare, and migrants ‘taking’ jobs.
• The country that migrants originate from may become dependent on remittances, so a change in circumstance may be detrimental to the economy.
• Large amounts of emigration (leaving) can cause unemployment and economic deterioration, as areas may become underpopulated. Skilled workers leave to work in high income countries, meaning unskilled people are left to keep the economy running.
• As many migrants are more desperate for work than nationals, they may be vulnerable to exploitation, such as poor working conditions and low wages.

Question 9

Unequal flows of money problems

Answer 9

• Workers in low income are often dependent on the higher wages, meaning they must subject themselves to dangerous working conditions and low wages set by large companies.
• Large companies can pressure governments to alleviate taxes or relax social and environmental laws so that TNCs will invest.
• TNCs may profit too much; the amount of profit that stays in the country is very small.

Question 10

Unequal flows of money benefits

Answer 10

• To the country receiving money, foreign direct investments can improve quality of life as it provides an income, usually an income that is higher than other employment in low income countries.
• Aid and remittances can also help to improve quality of life, such as rebuilding after a disaster.
• Help for Homes scheme, which helps rebuild stronger homes.
• Those sending money can take advantage of lower labour costs, maximising their profits

Question 11

Unequal flows of ideas benefits

Answer 11

• High income countries have introduced ideas of deregulation to developing countries and newly emerging economies (NEEs).
• Free-trade (created by HIC deregulation) has increased globally due to deregulation, allowing global markets to thrive and decreasing the risk of conflicts.
• Countries with successful strategies can educate low income countries on how to create economic growth or remove social injustice, meaning low income countries can implement these strategies.

Question 12

Unequal flows of ideas problems

Answer 12

• Some argue that deregulation is occurring too quickly for low income countries to keep up, and this is not allowing the full benefits of the growth of the private sector to be achieved.
• Low income countries may feel forced to keep up with ideas of the wealthier countries, even if the ideas are not the most beneficial to these countries.
• Deregulation may lead to more relaxed social and environmental laws in low income countries, causing social injustice and environmental damage without proper government regulation.

Question 13

Unequal flows of technology benefits

Answer 13

• The economies of LICs can develop through technology investments, opening up factories and increasing employment. This also strengthens trade deals between HICs and LICs, which allows HICs to benefit from the exports of HICs.
• The concentration of technology innovation in HICs has lead to the development of beneficial technological advancements. This leads to consumers getting better products.
• Companies benefit from products being produced overseas, meaning they can maximise profits

Question 14

Unequal flows of technology problems

Answer 14

• People in LICs cannot afford to purchase technology that will advance their economy and improve quality of life, meaning HICs can rapidly develop with a technological advantage while LICs are left behind.
• Employees receive so little compared with what they are sold for, which is an injustice.
• Companies investing technology into LICs means that HIC manufacturing jobs are often lost.