3.6.1 Globalisation critique

Question 1

What are the three different groups of people who have different views on globalisation?

Answer 1

• Hyperglobalists
• Transformationalists
• Sceptics

Question 2

Hyperglobalist

Answer 2

• Supports globalisation.
• Believes that countries are no longer important, and that trading blocs are key.
• Believe decision making at the global level is more important than decision making at the local/national/regional level.

Question 3

Transformationalist

Answer 3

• They hold a view in between the two extremes.
• They accept the process of increasing globalisation but think that the role of governments is changing rather than being overtaken by group decision making.

Question 4

Sceptic

Answer 4

• Hold the view that globalisation is northing new and that the world has always been integrated.
• They are sceptical of the free movement of goods and services. There are aspects of the hyperglobalist view as many countries adopt protectionist measures.
• China, India and the USA have achieved their growth through government and upholding their sovereignty. Sceptics also believe that globalisation marginalises the poor.

Question 5

Anti-globalisation movement

Answer 5

A social movement comprised of those against globalisation and widespread commercial capitalism.

They oppose large TNCs having unregulated political power, exercised through trade agreements and the deregulation of financial markets.

Common targets include the IMF, World Bank, OECD and free trade treaties such as NAFTA or FTAA.

Question 6

Differential access to markets - example: covid

Answer 6

The ability to obtain information on resources, for example, is not equal for all countries worldwide.

For example, HICs hoarded as many Covid Vaccines as possible, whilst LICs struggled to get access to them – likely because HICs developed them.

Question 7

Global corruption

Answer 7

Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefits.

Government or political corruption occurs when an office-holder acts in an official capacity for personal game.

Question 8

Cyber security

Answer 8

Cyber security comprises technologies, processes and controls that are designed to protect systems, networks and data from cyberattacks.

Question 9

Cyberterrorism

Answer 9

The use of computer network tools to shut down critical national infrastructure (such as energy, transportation, government operations) or to coerce or intimidate the government or civilian population.

Question 10

Give an example of cyberattacks

Answer 10

The NHS, Royal Mail and Twitter were all victims of cyberattacks.

Question 11

Benefits of globalisation

Answer 11

• Integration
• Stability
• Development
• Economic growth

Question 12

How is integration a benefit of globalisation?

Answer 12

Globalisation allows countries to pool their resources to solve global issues that are too great for a single country to deal with. Greater integration of information and people creates a better understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures.

Question 13

How is stability a benefit of globalisation?

Answer 13

As countries become more interconnected, they become more dependent on one another. This discourages any actions that would upset global stability, because of the negative consequences for all countries.

Question 14

How is development a benefit of globalisation?

Answer 14

Foreign investment brings capital into a country, which can be used to improve education and infrastructure. This in turn can attract further trade and investment, which leads to further development. Global institutions like the World Bank can direct resources to help countries develop further.

Question 15

How is economic growth a benefit of globalisation?

Answer 15

Participation in global trade allows countries to profit from their natural resources and specialist industries, generating wealth.
Countries can also gain products and services that they would be unable to produce themselves. Greater access to money and products improves people’s standard of living.

Question 16

Costs of globalisation

Answer 16

• Inequalities
• Conflict
• Injustice
• Environmental damage

Question 17

How are inequalities a cost of globalisation?

Answer 17

As companies move low-skilled jobs to less developed countries, low-skilled workers in developed countries find it more difficult to earn money - this creates a greater divide between rich and poor people within countries. Developed countries have greater access to capital and technology, meaning they have an advantage over less developed countries - these increases inequalities between countries.

Question 18

How is conflict a cost of globalisation?

Answer 18

Developed countries have intervened in conflicts in order to secure access to natural resources like oil. Cyber warfare is a new source of conflict — countries, companies and individuals are now dependent on the Internet, so attacks on their computer systems can have a large impact.

Question 19

How is injustice a cost of globalisation?

Answer 19

Improved transport and communications systems have made human trafficking easier. Many people in less developed countries have to work in sweatshops to make products for people in developed countries.
- However, globalisation has allowed organisations like the Interpol and the ICC to pool resources and work together to bring criminals to justice.

Question 20

What are the consequences of globalisation for the environment?

Answer 20

• Global trade increases the amount of transportation required, which means more pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Access to resources from around the world causes deforestation (e.g. clearing rainforests for oilseed plantations) and overfishing.
• Global trade can lead to a race to the bottom, in which countries and companies ignore environmental impacts in order to produce cheaper goods.
• The abundance of cheap products around the world means people can afford to be more wasteful, creating lots of landfill.