7.2.2 Flashcards
Outline the main trend in unequal power relations
HDE countries have more control over global systems bringing benefits such as greater wealth, better access to technology and increased economic and political power
Meanwhile, LDE countries have limited power and struggle to respond to global challenges such as climate change and sea level rise
How do IMF and World Bank reinforce unequal relations?
Decisions are heavily influenced by the USA
When borrowing countries remove trade barriers, it can damage their economy
Loans tend to have conditions attached reducing the sovereignty of borrowing countries
They promote neo-liberalism
Outline how use of technology can be an example of unequal power relations on the example of China
Increasingly the internet is utilised to influence and control global information
China has the ‘Great Firewall’ which is used to regulate the internet and blocks access to certain foreign websites
The launch of the ‘Great Cannon’ followed in 2015 which is able to adjust and replace internet content
The ‘Golden Shield’ is the use of technology as surveillance to monitor any dissent and anti government activity amongst the population
Concerns about the use of technology by one country to influence voting behaviour in another have also increased
Outline an example of unequal power relations in military (South China Sea example)
China’s expansion in the South China Sea has included:
Building islands and arming them
Violating international law by laying claim to 90% of the South China Sea
Military exercises and manoeuvres
This expansion were it permitted would give China control of a vital trade route
There are attempts to control this through military, diplomatic and legal means
The nations in the South China Sea are reliant on other nations such as the USA as they cannot match China’s power