AOS 1 Case Study

Question 1

Define the term nation as it relates to global politics. 2 marks

• Groups of people claiming common bonds
• May not have a territory
• Nations have their state

Answer 1

A nation refers to groups of people claiming common bonds based on culture, language, and history. A nation may or may not have a territory that is defined by borders or recognized by international law. Some nations have their state, such as the Japanese, while others want their states such as the Tibetans and Kurds.

Question 2

Describe two features of a nation

• groups of people
• recognized sovereignty
• UN or similar organizations
• For instance
• As a result

Answer 2

A nation is groups of people claiming common bonds based on culture, language, and history. A nation does not have recognized sovereignty, and therefore, cannot seek membership of the UN or similar organizations. Hence, a state with unrecognized sovereignty cannot legally combat the threat of another state from conquering its territory. For instance, the Kurds currently reside in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey, but they have not established an internationally recognized state based on their national identity. As a result, the Kurds have suffered the invasion of Turkish troops over the millennia.

Question 3

3. Define the term state as it relates to global politics. 2 marks

• traditionally the central actors
• culturally homogenous

Answer 3

States are traditionally the central actors in global politics. States possess a permanent population, defined territory, and recognized sovereignty. States are not necessarily culturally homogenous, for example, Australia. With recognized sovereignty, states have the right to autonomously govern their territory without and participate in global governance.

Question 4

4. Explain the difference between a state and a nation. 3 marks

• The legitimacy to participate in global governance.
• Kurds
• Restricts their ability to seek membership in global governance
• Internal power and external power.

Answer 4

The differentiating factor between a state and a nation is the legitimacy to participate in global governance. Nation refers to a group of people who share such a culture, language, and history. An example of a stateless nation is the Kurds, who don’t have a worldly recognized sovereignty, which restricts their ability to seek membership in global governance institutions like the United Nations. In contrast, a state has a permanent population, defined territory, and recognized sovereignty and its citizens may or may not have a shared past or culture. An example of a state in Australia, which by the concept of sovereignty, has internal power and external power.

Question 5

5. Define ‘sovereignty’ as it relates to global politics (2 marks)

• Legitimate authority
• The ability to exercise effective control

Answer 5

Sovereignty is the concept that recognizes the state as the legitimate authority within its borders. Sovereignty provides states with the ability to exercise effective control of territory within recognized borders and represent their territorial entity within the international community.

Question 6

6. Explain why sovereignty is important for states (4marks)

-

Answer 6

• Prevents anarchy
• Article 51 of the United Nation charter extends the right to defend
• Article 51 implies
• As mentioned before, simply believing that sovereignty belongs to one is not enough to protect its borders.
• Palestine

Question 7

1. Using one example, explain how issues that require multilateral resolution challenge state sovereignty. 4 marks (word limit: 125 words)

Key

• Define Starting factor
• Briefly link the starting factor to the ending factor
• The example
• Explanation of the example (implications, limitations,
• regulations, interventions)
• The specific challenge to state sovereignty
  Case study

Answer 7

Multilateralism is often required to resolve these issues. Multilateralism is the system of coordinating relations between there or more states, usually in pursuit of a particular common objective. The proliferation of multilateralism has led to the creation of international laws, conventions, and treaties, which (if ratified) can compromise state sovereignty. Globalisation has facilitated the rise of third agenda issues, such as climate change. On the 12th of December 2015, 196 states came together in Paris to combat climate change and global warming in a joint effort. The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Regardless of the economic burdens that may follow, to ratify the agreement, had to comply with the set carbon reduction targets to ensure they were being upheld in the territory. However, the Paris climate agreement challenges state sovereignty as it forces states to comply with certain legal and economic stipulations reducing their ability to make independent decisions within their territory. Moreover, ratifying the treaty may not align with the economic interest of a state. In 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intent to withdraw the USA from the agreement citing ‘’the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country.’’ This illustrates his rejection of the imposition of the multilateral resolution on USA sovereignty.

Question 8

2. Outline how one regional grouping challenges the sovereignty of a specific state.

• political and economic benefit.
• The Eu has 28 member states,
• However, in return for these benefits,
• For example, in 2016, the European Commission declared that Ireland’s
• 14.3 billion euros from Apple in unpaid taxes. Here, the EU

Answer 8

Regional groupings are collaborative, geographical assemblages that states will enter into for political and economic benefit. Perhaps the most prolific regional grouping globally is the European Union (EU). The Eu has 28 member states, who joined the groping on the premise that they would receive economic and political advantages by signing up to the EU’s policies and agreements. However, in return for these benefits, EU members transfer considerable decision-making power upwards to supranational authorities. For example, in 2016, the European Commission declared that Ireland’s tax breaks for Apple constituted illegal state aid, ordering that the Ireland government collect 14.3 billion euros from Apple in unpaid taxes. Here, the EU presented a clear challenge to Ireland’s economic sovereignty by diminishing its ability to make independent decisions regarding its economy. Furthermore, if Ireland refuses to follow EU directives, the European Commissioner can begin infringement procedures against Ireland, which will give Ireland time to comply or propose a penalty payment. However, Ireland’s sovereignty is challenged as the infringement procedure interferes with Ireland’s internal affairs.

Question 9

Identify and explain two ways the European Union (EU), as a regional organization, challenges state sovereignty. Provide an example for each of these. (4 marks)

Question 10

Using one example, explain how contested borders challenge state sovereignty.

• Contested borders refer to the dispute between
• Perhaps the biggest challenge posed to Palestinian sovereignty is how
• Area C of the Westbank
• Here, Palestine’s reliance on the Israeli government to allocate resources to meet the
• Israel wants to prevent Palestinians from leading a dignified life and uses

Answer 10

Contested borders refer to the dispute between two or more global actors over what is perceived to be a rightful ownership claim to the territory. Perhaps the biggest challenge posed to Palestinian sovereignty is how restricted their economy is due to the carved upland in the westbank. Area C of the Westbank contains the majority of the West Banks’ agricultural land, as well as water and mineral resources. These are resources are under Israeli governance, which the Palestinian interim government has no control over, forcing them to comply with Israel’s restrictions in order to have access to the resources. Here, Palestine’s reliance on the Israeli government to allocate resources to meet the needs and wants of Palestinians living in Area A and B puts pressure on the Palestinian government to compromise their national interest to literally survive, thus challenging its sovereignty as Israel uses agricultural control to control the Palestinian government and protect their national interest. Israel wants to prevent Palestinians from leading a dignified life and uses its control of the shared resources to this end.

Question 11

Explain one role of the state in global politics. Provide a specific example to support your response.

• One role of a state is to negotiate international
• France hosted the Paris Agreement in December 2015,

Answer 11

One role of a state is to negotiate international agreements on issues that require multilateral resolution, such as climate change. Joining these agreements can promote a state’s national interests, particularly international standing. For example, France hosted the Paris Agreement in December 2015, which aims to limit global warming by 2 degrees. As they were the host and it is named after a French city, this has increased France’s international standing in relation to fighting climate change.

Question 12

Evaluate the power of states, referring to at least two challenges to sovereignty.

Question 13

1. Identify two aims of the united nations and how it is carried out
   - One of the aims of the United Nations is to promote human rights and freedom for the people of the world.

Answer 13

One of the aims of the United Nations is to promote human rights and freedom for the people of the world. The united nation carries this aim out through the treaty of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 1965. Another aim is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems. This aim is carried out through the providence of international forms like the General Assembly, where all states have an equal vote.

Question 14

1. Identify and explain the role of the United Nations Security Council
   - One of the roles of the United Nations security council is to determine when and where a UN peace operation

Answer 14

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security. One of the roles of the United Nations security council is to determine when and where a UN peace operation should be deployed. The security council have carried out this role through the deployment of peacekeepers to various contested borders to ensure international peace. An example of this is the peacekeeper mission in the Republic of South Sudan. The objective is to protect civilians, monitor human rights & support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Question 15

1. Describe one way in which the United Nations (UN) encourages cooperative action among state actors. 3 marks (word limit: 100 words)

• Enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter is the vision for the organization to be a guardian of international peace
• The UN General Assembly
• The UNSC encourages cooperative action as the UN does not have its military forces,
• One way is by the deployment of peacekeepers to a specific region to assist host states to navigate
• An example of this is the UN’s military observer group in India and Pakistan,

Answer 15

The UN is an intergovernmental organisation to maintain international peace and security. Enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter is the vision for the organization to be a guardian of international peace and security, as a promoter of human rights, as a protector of international law, and as an engineer of socio-economic advancement. The UN General Assembly is a forum where sovereign states can come together to share burdens, address common problems, and seize common opportunities. The Charter gives the UNSC primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and to recommend what measures should be taken. The UNSC encourages cooperative action as the UN does not have its military forces, thus needing the assistance and willingness of its member states to agree to interfere in situations where there is a threat to international peace. One way is by the deployment of peacekeepers to a specific region to assist host states to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. An example of this is the UN’s military observer group in India and Pakistan, which consisted of a military force from multiple member states of the UN, intending to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Operations like these, where states combine their resources through the UN to achieve its aims and encourage cooperative action among state actors.

Question 16

Using a specific example, explain the way in which the UN challenges state sovereignty. 4 marks (word limit:125 words)

• Ratification of the treaty on the ‘’prohibition of nuclear weapons 2017’
• peace is achieved when the costs of going to war outweigh the benefits of doing so.
• The ratification of the treaty challenges a state’s sovereignty as it limits its defensive capabilities/military power.
• With a reduced ability to defend its borders, a state leaves itself open to

Answer 16

Ratification of the treaty on the ‘’prohibition of nuclear weapons 2017’’, requires states to comply with certain legal and political stipulations to reach the requirements of the treaty. States signing up promise to never develop, test, produce, manufacture, otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Member states that have invested a large sum of their economy to strengthen their military power, believe that peace is achieved when the costs of going to war outweigh the benefits of doing so. Thus, with the capacity to cause mass destruction, the stockpile of nuclear weapons is a security measure that states have to prevent the invasion of another state. The ratification of the treaty challenges a state’s sovereignty as it limits its defensive capabilities/military power. With a reduced ability to defend its borders, a state leaves itself open to the potential invasion or succession from internal and external forces, therefore undermining its ability to effectively maintain its sovereignty.

Question 17

3. Explain one limitation of the power of an intergovernmental organisation. 3 marks (word limit: 100 words)
   - The P5 – Russia, China, France, the UK and the US hold veto power, which is the right to block an action desired by the other members of the UN.
   - By the UNSC charter, it was incumbent of the P5 to initiate an investigation into where and how the virus came about.
   - Despite the other 14 member states seeing a need to pass a proposal on the global issue, due to China’s power to veto.

Answer 17

The permanent members of the United Nations Security Council veto power ironically limits the power of the UN to achieve its aim to maintain international peace and security.

The P5 – Russia, China, France, the UK and the US hold veto power, which is the right to block an action desired by the other members of the UN. For example, COVID 19 caused thousands of deaths around the world, which posed a threat to the maintenance of international peace, potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine the state’s ability to fight the disease. By the UNSC charter, it was incumbent of the P5 to initiate an investigation into where and how the virus came about. However, due to veto power, China has blocked the global issue to be discussed in the UNSC. Despite the other 14 member states seeing a need to pass a proposal on the global issue, due to China’s power to veto, the aim to solve humanitarian problems cannot be achieved. Thus, the veto power has limited member states’ ability to maintain international peace.

Question 18

Explain one challenge to the power of the UN. 4 marks (word limit:125 words)

• The internationally recognised principle of sovereignty challenges the power of the United Nations to achieve its aims and ensure international law is upheld.
• On August 25, 2017, Myanmar launched a major military crackdown on the Muslim ethnic minority, killing almost 24,000 civilians and forcing 750,000 others,

China stood behind Myanmar on the Rohingya crisis by blocking efforts for the Rohingya in the UN Security Council,

Answer 18

The internationally recognised principle of sovereignty challenges the power of the United Nations to achieve its aims and ensure international law is upheld. Sovereignty is the concept that establishes the state as the legitimate authority within its borders, and thus requires global actors to refrain from intervening in the internal affairs of the state, unless it poses a threat to international peace. However, the notion that all member states have equal sovereignty has challenged the UN’s ability to influence a state’s action or behaviours to align with the interest of the UN. On August 25, 2017, Myanmar launched a major military crackdown on the Muslim ethnic minority, killing almost 24,000 civilians and forcing 750,000 others, including women and children, to flee to Bangladesh. China stood behind Myanmar on the Rohingya crisis by blocking efforts for the Rohingya in the UN Security Council, stating that to intervene in the internal affairs of Myanmar is a challenge to its sovereignty. Whether China truly meant this, or it was an action to prevent the UNSC from conducting investigations into the atrocities that China has committed against its citizens, this is an example of how the concept of sovereignty has limited the ability of the UN to maintain international peace.

Question 19

1. Evaluate the extent to which the UN achieves its aims.

Question 20

. Outline one aim of the International monetary fund

Answer 20

• To establish international monetary cooperation and stability which ensures states do not default on their foreign debts.
• Provide monetary advice to governments and central banks based on analysis of economic trends and best practice.
• Provide concessional loans to help fight poverty in developing states
• Provide a forum for cooperation on international monetary problems
  Promote exchange rate stability and an open system of international payments
• Facilitate the growth of international trade, thus promoting job creation, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

Question 21

To what extent can the IMF challenge state sovereignty? Discuss with reference to at least two state case studies. 7 marks (word limit: 225 words)

Answer 21

The extent to which the IMF challenges state sovereignty, the power to determine their own fiscal and economic policies, depends on the borrowing member states fiscal position. The loans provided to two states, Iceland and Greece, highlight this.

The IMF aims to foster global economic growth and stability. It requires all member states to cede certain aspects of their economic and political decision making but when a state is experiencing balance of payment problems, the IMF further challenges that state by making the loans conditional. For example, the sovereignty of Greece was challenged to a great extent following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, which is still not resolved. The IMF provided Greece with loans to stabilise its finances and quell market fears. However, this challenged the economic and political sovereignty of Greece by enforcing alterations to domestic legislation and, by imposing strict austerity measures that required tax increases, extensive cuts to public spending and the privatisation of many government utilities. This challenged the ability of Greece to exercise effective control within their recognised territory.

Question 22

State one aim of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (1mark)

Answer 22

Ensure the worst perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.
Serve as a court of last resort that can investigate, prosecute and punish the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Assist national judiciaries in investigating and prosecuting the worst perpetrators, allowing states to be the first to investigate and prosecute.
Help promote international peace and security by deterring future would-be perpetrators.

Question 23

(b) Using a contemporary example, explain one limitation of the power of this intergovernmental organisation. (3 marks)

Answer 23

The ICC’s lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure states comply with their rulings undermines the effectiveness of the IGO to carry out its role. This means that the court is reliant on the co-operation of member and non-member states. As an international court of last resort, the ICC aims to hold perpetrators of the worst crimes accountable as well as promote peace by deterrence and by assisting states to investigate and prosecute their own citizens. However, this power is limited by states’ unwillingness to comply and cooperate with the ICC. For example, Sudan, which is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, has refused to hand former-President Omar al-Bashir to the court following the issuing of arrest warrants in 2009 and 2010 on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and committing genocide in Sudan’s war-torn region of Darfur.

Thus, the ability of the ICC to effectively hold perpetrators accountable is limited as it has no means of enforcing cooperation. Between its first sitting in 2002 and 2015, the ICC cost 1 billion USD to run and achieved only two convictions, partly due to the unwillingness by states to cooperate, and this lack of achievement further undermines state cooperation.

Question 24

1. Evaluate the extent to which a global actor achieves its aims. 6 marks (word limit:200 words)
   - With a support base of over 7 million and a presence in over 150 states worldwide, Amnesty international can exert vast pressure on states to alter foreign policy decisions that violate international human rights standards.
   - However, the fact that Amnesty International lacks sovereignty and defined borders limits its ability to ensure all individuals enjoy all of the human rights enshrined in the universal declaration of human rights.

Answer 24

• A non-state actor is an organization with sufficient power
• With a support base of over 7 million and a presence in over 150 states worldwide, Amnesty international can exert vast pressure on states to alter foreign policy decisions that violate international human rights standards.
• Amnesty was effective in achieving its aims through its ability to mobilise their large support base.
• However, the fact that Amnesty International lacks sovereignty and defined borders limits its ability to ensure all individuals enjoy all of the human rights enshrined in the universal declaration of human rights.
• For instance, following Amnesty international’s allegations that torture was increasing in china, the Chinese foreign minister claimed the organisation
• In conclusion, the limited ability to place immense pressure on governments to initiate policy changes indicates that NGOs must

Question 25

2. “Citizens’ participation in global NGOs is increasingly facilitated by dramatic changes in communications and technology.” Discuss this statement with reference to one human rights NGO. 7 marks (word limit: 225 words)
   - Amnesty International is a legal Human rights NGO that campaigns courageously for Human Rights.
   - The availability of inexpensive and very fast communications technology has made it easier for such groups to export their aims and objectives.
   - In 2020, through fact-finding, Amnesty International had researched and documented more than 2,500 human rights violations occurring in the Brisbane City Watch House.
   - The use of modern technology was successful as Amnesty International supporters called, emailed and met with Queensland politicians to place pressure on the Queensland Government to address these violations.
   - hrough its ability to mobilise its support base with the use of social media, Amnesty placed immense pressure on the Queensland government to initiate policy changes.

Answer 25

Amnesty International is a legal Human rights NGO that campaigns courageously for Human Rights. Amnesty aims to ensure that every individual enjoys all the human rights enriched in the universal declaration of human rights and other human rights treaties. The availability of inexpensive and very fast communications technology has made it easier for such groups to export their aims and objectives. As a result, a global citizenry has developed – people have begun to develop international rather than local or nationalist loyalties. In 2020, through fact-finding, Amnesty International had researched and documented more than 2,500 human rights violations occurring in the Brisbane City Watch House. This included, Staff not providing children with adequate clothes, personal hygiene products, or access to an adequate education. The strategy to mobilize the issue through the use of social media created awareness across Australia and got people feeling like it’s their prerogative to ensure every individual’s human rights are upheld. The use of modern technology was successful as Amnesty International supporters called, emailed, and met with Queensland politicians to place pressure on the Queensland Government to address these violations. According to amnesty’s final report on the issue, more than 17,000 people signed an Amnesty petition to get kids out of watch houses, and over 2,500 people emailed and called the Minister. Through its ability to mobilize its support base with the use of social media, Amnesty placed immense pressure on the Queensland government to initiate policy changes. Global citizenship made the human rights violation in Queensland, an issue that concerns the Australian society, hence collective pressure led to the Queensland government acting.

Question 26

Explain how advances in both technology and communication have expanded the power of one transnational corporation TNC. (4marks)

• Advances in technology and communication have played a significant part in expanding the power of Walmart.
• In 2018, Walmart collaborated with Microsoft to take on its rival Amazon, significantly enhancing the power and dominance of Walmart.
• Similarly, Walmart’s use of newer means of communication such as social media platforms, Facebook, where it has 33 million followers, and Twitter (2.2 million followers),
• In 2014, Walmart used its leverage with Republican members of the US Congress to obtain their support for opposing

Answer 26

Advances in technology and communication have played a significant part in expanding the power of Walmart. The TNC has consistently embraced advances in technology to increase its efficiency in manufacture, transport, and retailing enabling it to have an annual revenue, surpassing the GDP of 157 states, and thus the ability to use its wealth to influence states.

In 2018, Walmart collaborated with Microsoft to take on its rival Amazon, significantly enhancing the power and dominance of Walmart. It embarked on machine learning, data platforms and artificial intelligence putting it at the frontier of technological advancement, enabling Walmart to reach more markets and streamline supply chains, thus maintaining its position as the world’s most powerful retailer.

Similarly, Walmart’s use of newer means of communication such as social media platforms, Facebook, where it has 33 million followers, and Twitter (2.2 million followers), help counteract activist criticisms and enable the creation of an image of the corporate giant as an advocate of healthy food, charities, and human rights. This image of responsibility not only boosts consumer spending and thus profits, but it also enables Walmart to influence domestic laws and obtain government subsidies. In 2014, Walmart used its leverage with Republican members of the US Congress to obtain their support for opposing rises to the minimum wage and to support the granting of the TNC annual tax credits worth US$20 - 40 million to subsidize the wages of their younger employees.

Question 27

Explain how advances in both technology and communication have expanded the power of one transnational corporation TNC. (4marks)

• Advances in technology and communication have played a significant part in expanding the power of Walmart.
• In 2018, Walmart collaborated with Microsoft to take on its rival Amazon, significantly enhancing the power and dominance of Walmart.
• Similarly, Walmart’s use of newer means of communication such as social media platforms, Facebook, where it has 33 million followers, and Twitter (2.2 million followers),
• In 2014, Walmart used its leverage with Republican members of the US Congress to obtain their support for opposing
• TNC annual tax credits worth US$20 - 40 million to subsidize the wages of their younger employees.

Answer 27

Advances in technology and communication have played a significant part in expanding the power of Walmart. The TNC has consistently embraced advances in technology to increase its efficiency in manufacture, transport, and retailing enabling it to have an annual revenue, surpassing the GDP of 157 states, and thus the ability to use its wealth to influence states.

In 2018, Walmart collaborated with Microsoft to take on its rival Amazon, significantly enhancing the power and dominance of Walmart. It embarked on machine learning, data platforms and artificial intelligence putting it at the frontier of technological advancement, enabling Walmart to reach more markets and streamline supply chains, thus maintaining its position as the world’s most powerful retailer.

Similarly, Walmart’s use of newer means of communication such as social media platforms, Facebook, where it has 33 million followers, and Twitter (2.2 million followers), help counteract activist criticisms and enable the creation of an image of the corporate giant as an advocate of healthy food, charities, and human rights. This image of responsibility not only boosts consumer spending and thus profits, but it also enables Walmart to influence domestic laws and obtain government subsidies. In 2014, Walmart used its leverage with Republican members of the US Congress to obtain their support for opposing rises to the minimum wage and to support the granting of the TNC annual tax credits worth US$20 - 40 million to subsidize the wages of their younger employees.