CHAPTER 1 CASE STUDIES + EXTRA CONTENT: POWER, SOVEREIGNITY AND INTERNATIONAL REALTIONS Flashcards
1
Q
Antonio Gramsci’s Cultural Hegemony
A
- Gramsci’s concept of ‘Cultural Hegemony’ delves into how a dominant social class can influence and establish its values, beliefs, and cultural norms over other classes.
- Can be used by the government to sustain hegemony e.g. Colonial legacy with english as a language
- Culture has power, and can be used as counter-Hegemony which is movements or ideologies that challenge or resist the values and norms of the dominant class. E.g. Arab Spring
- The media plays a large role in this now, with dominant ideologies often being perpetuated by media houses that adhere to the interests of the ruling class, influencing public perception. Think about filter bubbles as well here.
2
Q
Steven Lukes’ Three-Dimensional Power
A
- a comprehensive view of power, highlighting its multifaceted nature across observable decisions, control over agendas, and shaping perceptions.
- First Dimension: Pertains to direct decision-making and control over key resources.
- Second Dimension: Focuses on the power to set agendas, determining which issues get attention and which do not. E.g. UN security council and veto powers
- Third Dimension: Addresses the more subtle means of influencing desires, beliefs, and perceptions. E.g. Media propaganda in North Korea
3
Q
Individual vs Collective Power
A
- Individual Power: The clout wielded by a single entity. China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, for example, demonstrates its individual might.
- Collective Power: Exerted by groups in unison. The African Union’s peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones exemplify collective power in action.
4
Q
Sources of Sovereignty
A
- Force: Acquiring sovereignty through hard power e.g. Through nuclear deterrence or historical precedence of using power
- International Law: Being intertwined in international institutions and following international law e.g. UN ICJ
- Recognition by other states: in modern global politics global trade is essential, which requires recognition. Recognition can conditional.
- Consent of the governed: In a democracy, the concept of sovereignty is tightly wound with the the legitimacy of the leadership. Revocation of consent can occur, and protests can happen etc. Referendums are a way of gauging the consent of the governed, and to provide them say.
4
Q
Unilateral vs Multilateral Power
A
- Unilateral Power: Actions based solely on one entity’s interests. The US’s initial refusal to join the Kyoto Protocol is an illustration
- Multilateral Power: Collaborative actions based on shared interests. The World Health Organization’s coordinated response to health crises embodies multilateral efforts.
5
Q
Political Participation Legitimising state sovereignty
A
- People can participate politically through voting, protesting, working with civil
society engagement, public consultations and participatory budgeting - This builds trust, encourages civic responsibility, ensures responsive
governance, allows for quick conflict resolution before escalation, and
empowers minority groups
5
Q
Indigenous Rights
A
- Indigenous communities often have ancestral claims to lands that national
governments want to develop or exploit for resources. E.g. legal battles of
territorial rights - Indigenous communities strive to preserve their traditions, languages, and
ways of life against dominant national policies. E.g. battle of education
curricula - This threatens the state’s sovereignty, but is also an ethical responsibility.
- The Sami people’s struggle offers insights into indigenous rights versus state
sovereignty. Across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the Sami have sought
greater autonomy, especially regarding reindeer herding and land use.
They’ve achieved some successes, such as representation in national
parliaments, but challenges persist, particularly around land rights and
resource extraction.
6
Q
Amnesty International
A
- They work in Human Rights Advocacy and Research. They are a monitoring
mechanism of human rights. - Their work leads to awareness and possible legislation
- They are criticised for being overly selective and too neutral
- They are particuarly invovled in Myanmar’s Rohingya Crisis where they
document evidence of ethnic cleansing and other human rights abuses. This
Amplified global calls for sanctions against the Myanmar military.
7
Q
Human Rights Watch
A
- They play an investigative role and propose policy recommendations to
governments. They are a monitering mechanism of human rights. - Their work results in accountability and legal and policy reform
- Human Rights Watch is criticized for its shady ways of investigation and data
colleciton and it also is criticized for having a western bias. - An example of their work is the detailed report of the systematic discrimination of
women in Saudi Arabia that prevented them from driving. Ultimately this led to global
advocacy and reforms.
7
Q
International Red Cross
A
- The international red cross offers humanitarian assistance and actively promotes
human rights - They have a huge global presence(190 countries) and they have aided in disease
control in particular world wide(CHolera and measles) - The Red cross is criticised for its operational decisions and how those are influenced
by donor countries. Additionally they are criticised for a lack of transparency. - They were particularly active after the 2010 earthquake in haiti with their rapid
deployment of emergency response units. They also established field hospitals and
distributed vital supplies to thousands.
8
Q
Greenpeace
A
- Greenpeace does environmental advocacy and some direct action through high
profile protests - Greenpeace’s work has led to legislative influence and change and it iha pressured
several companies into adopting eco friendly policies - Greenpeace is at at times criticised for its lack of scientific accuracy and sometimes
emplying dramatic and unlawful methods - An example of the work of greenpeace is the Brent Spar Platform. There were
Protests against Shell’s plans to sink an oil storage buoy in the North Atlantic. Led to
Shell’s decision to dismantle it onshore, setting a precedent for decommissioning
offshore installations.
9
Q
Economic Influence of MNCs
A
- Scale and Reach: MNCs, with their expansive budgets, often exceed the GDP of
smaller nations. This allows them unparalleled power to influence trade dynamics,
investments, and economies at large. - Employment: Beyond just job creation, MNCs introduce new industries, skills, and
technologies to host nations, fostering economic growth. - Taxation: Complex tax planning, spanning multiple countries, allows MNCs to
maximise profits. This can sometimes reduce tax revenues for host nations,
impacting public funding and services
10
Q
Political Influence of MNCs
A
- Lobbying and Policy Shaping: Through lobbying, MNCs can influence
legislative processes, shaping policies in ways that benefit their operations
and bottom lines. - Partnerships: Collaborations between MNCs and local governments can
influence infrastructural development, trade policies, and more.
11
Q
Cultural and Social Influence of MNCs
A
- Consumer Culture: Global brands shape tastes, preferences, and consumer
behaviour, fostering a globalised culture. - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): MNCs invest in community projects,
influencing education, health, and social fabric of host countries. This, in turn,
improves their corporate image and relations with local communities.
12
Q
Unilever
A
- A giant in the FMCG sector, Unilever’s impact is profound.
- Economic: As a top employer, its supply chain dynamics shape markets. It
introduces products tailored for local markets, driving local economic
activities. - Political: Advocates for sustainability at global forums, influencing
environmental policies. - Social: Unilever’s health and sanitation campaigns, like promoting
handwashing, have far-reaching societal impacts.
13
Q
Philips
A
- A beacon of innovation in health technology and lighting.
- Economic: Contributes to R&D sectors in many countries, spurring innovation
and local technological growth. - Political: Through partnerships, Philips shapes public health policies and
infrastructural development. - Social: Initiatives in maternal health and community care have lasting societal
benefits.
14
Q
IKEA
A
- Beyond being the world’s largest furniture retailer, IKEA impacts
global trends. - Economic: Drives the timber market and impacts local craftsmanship with its
supply chain requirements. - Political: Its sustainability pledges push for greener policies and practices in
countries of operation. - Social: With campaigns promoting sustainable living, IKEA influences
consumer habits and environmental consciousness.
15
Q
Lenovo
A
- This tech behemoth’s strategies often reverberate through the global
electronics market. - Economic: Its acquisitions and mergers reshape competitive landscapes and
introduce new technological fronts. - Political: Lenovo’s navigation of trade barriers, tariffs, and policies impacts its
global strategy and, by extension, the tech industry. - Social: Through products and services, Lenovo influences digital literacy and
access.
15
Q
Tata
A
- A conglomerate originating from India, Tata’s influence is diverse.
- Economic: From steel to software, Tata impacts multiple industries,
generating employment and fostering technology transfer. - Political: Tata’s engagements with governments influence policies,
especially concerning industry regulations and sustainability. - Social: Philanthropy is core to Tata. Through Tata Trusts, they invest in
education, health, and social upliftment projects.
16
Q
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
A
- A behemoth in the world of trade unions, the ITUC has significant clout.
- Advocacy: It persistently champions the cause of workers, pushing for fair wages,
safety standards, and decent working conditions globally. - Political Influence: By engaging with international institutions, ITUC ensures workers’
interests are at the forefront during policy formations. - Social Impact: The ITUC raises global awareness on critical issues, from child labour
to gender parity and rights of migrant workers. Their campaigns foster a culture of
rights and equality in workplaces.
16
Q
Arab Spring Resistance Movement(Origins, Objectives, Outcomes and Long Term
Outcomes)
A
- Origins: Commenced in late 2010 in Tunisia after the tragic self-immolation of
Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor.The event tapped into underlying
frustrations over high unemployment rates, rampant corruption, and
oppressive political regimes. - Objectives: Aimed to dethrone dictatorial leaders and usher in democratic
reforms and aspired for greater freedoms, rights, and socio-economic
betterment. - Outcomes: Saw the toppling of governments in countries like Tunisia, Egypt,
Libya, and Yemen. Sparked widespread uprisings, leading to both civil
protests and protracted civil wars in several nations. - Longer term outcomes: some countries like Tunisia moved towards
democracy, while others, like Syria, were plunged into devastating civil wars
or repressive rule.
17
Q
Occupy Movement(Origins, Objectives,
Outcomes)
A
- Origins: Initiated in 2011 in New York City’s Zuccotti Park. The movement was
deeply influenced by the Arab Spring and the Spanish “Indignados”. The
slogan “We are the 99%” became iconic, highlighting the chasm between the
elite 1% and the rest. - Objectives: Address the glaring economic inequality and the undue influence
of mega-corporations on politics. Promote a fairer distribution of wealth,
putting the spotlight on the widening rich-poor gap. Advocate for more
transparency in the financial sector and hold financial institutions accountable. - Outcomes and Legacy: Sparked a worldwide dialogue on income and wealth
disparities. Inspired the establishment of Occupy groups across the globe.
Although the physical encampments dissolved, the movement’s ethos
influenced future political campaigns and policies.
17
Q
Avaaz(Origins, Objectives, Outcomes)
A
- Origins: Established in 2007 by organisations Res Publica and MoveOn.org.
Conceived as an online advocacy platform to bridge geographical divides. - Objectives To act as a rallying point for instant advocacy on global issues
ranging from environmental crises to human rights violations. Democratise the
decision-making process by giving people a voice in matters that concern the
global community. - Outcomes and legacy: With over 65 million members spread across 194
countries, it’s one of the largest online activist networks. - Has influenced policy decisions on various fronts, from curbing Amazon
deforestation to advocating for refugees’ rights.
18
Q
FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia)(Causes, Methods, Impacts, Peace
Process)
A
- Causes: there were historical inequality and the Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group
was formed to fight against the significant economic and political disparities in
Colombia. Land reforms and land rights became a central issue as well. - Methods: Guerrilla warfare with specialising in hit-and-run tactics, FARC
targeted Colombian military and police forces, often capturing towns and
military bases temporarily. Kidnappings and ransoms were also used and
Civilians, politicians, and foreign nationals were kidnapped, making it a
lucrative source of funding. Also Narco trafficking with FARC controlling
significant coca-growing regions, became involved in every drug trade aspect,
from cultivation to distribution. - Impacts: Firstly there is internal displacement with seven million Colombians
being displaced, making it one of the world’s most prolonged displacement
crises. Secondly there was economic strain as FARC’s activities, especially
kidnappings and drug trafficking, tarnished Colombia’s global image, affecting
foreign investments. - Peace Process: A landmark 2016 peace deal was signed, though it faced
opposition and implementation challenges.
18
Q
The impact of social and resistance movement on discourse and policy
A
- Enhanced Political Awareness and Advocacy: movements amplified issues,
transforming them into pivotal subjects of global political discussions.The
global reach of news and social media ensured that leaders worldwide
couldn’t ignore these grassroots demands. - Tangible Policy Reform: several governments introduced sweeping policy
changes.For instance, post-Arab Spring, nations like Tunisia and Egypt
underwent extensive constitutional and political reforms. - Alteration of Power Structures: movements disrupted established power
dynamics, giving precedence to grassroots activism. The Occupy Movement,
for example, confronted the unchecked might of Wall Street, paving the way
for discussions on corporate ethics, responsibility, and regulatory frameworks. - Strengthening of Civil Societies Rule:movements underscored the importance
of active citizen participation in shaping policy decisions. They fostered
collaborations across diverse societal groups, encouraging cohesive action
against shared adversities.
19
Q
Hezbollah (Party of God)(Causes, Methods
and Impacts)
A
- Causes: Israeli Invasion of Lebanon: Formed in the early 1980s, Hezbollah
arose as a direct resistance to Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon. Shi’a
Marginalisation: Representing the Shi’a community in Lebanon, which had
been historically sidelined in a predominantly Christian and Sunni political
landscape. Iranian Influence: Post the 1979 Iranian revolution, Hezbollah
found a strong ally in Iran, receiving financial and military support. - Methods: Guerrilla Warfare: Engaged in extensive guerrilla warfare against
the Israeli Defence Forces, leading to Israel’s eventual withdrawal in 2000.
Political Participation: Transitioned from purely militant to political, gaining a
considerable number of seats in the Lebanese Parliament. Social Services: To
consolidate its grassroots support, it established a vast network of hospitals,
schools, and infrastructural projects. - Impacts: Lebanese Politics: As a significant political actor, it’s embroiled in
both domestic politics and regional geopolitics, especially against Israel.
Regional Tensions: Its allegiance to Iran and Syria makes it a player in
broader Middle Eastern politics. Socio-economic: Successfully improved living
conditions for Shi’a communities, earning their loyalty
19
Q
Global Consequences of Violent Protest
Movements
A
- Refugee Crisis: Movements, particularly FARC, led to refugee inflows into
neighbouring countries. - Drug Trafficking: The global narcotics market, especially cocaine, was deeply
influenced by FARC’s extensive involvement. - Terror Designations: With groups like Hezbollah being labelled as terrorist entities,
international relations, especially with Western nations, became strained.
19
Q
Local Consequences of Violent Protest
Movements
A
- Internal Displacement: All these movements have led to significant population
displacements, affecting millions. - Economic Stagnation: Instability, security concerns, and the destruction of
infrastructure hinder economic prospects and deter investments. Political - Polarisation: These entities have created deep political divides within their respective
countries, influencing governance, policies, and public sentiment.
20
Q
US Democratic Party(Ideology, Policy Impacts, Global Influence)
A
- Ideology: Progressivism: Advocacy for social reforms, wealth redistribution, and
environmental sustainability. Social liberalism: Push for civil liberties, gender equality,
and minority rights. - Policy Impacts: Healthcare: Efforts towards more inclusive healthcare, either through
expanded coverage or proposals like “Medicare for All”. Environment: Support for
green initiatives, sustainable energy, and adherence to international environmental
treaties. - Global influence: Focus on collaborative approaches, fostering alliances, and
supporting international organisations
21
Q
US Republican Party(Ideology, Policy Impacts, Global Influence
A
- Ideology: Focus on Conservatism with limited government intervention, placing high
regard on individual freedoms alongside traditionalism that holds a Strong emphasis
on Judeo-Christian values, often opposing progressive social reforms. - Policy Impacts: Seek low taxes and tax cuts, especially for high income earners.
Seek defence and security through investment in military budget and an assertive
military strategy abroad. Conservative individuals are also in favour of deregulation,
sometimes at the expense of the environment. - Global Influence: Generally supports bilateral agreements more than multilateral
agreements. Additionally the foreign policy is generally “america first” often being
sceptical of organisations like the UN.
22
Q
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU)(Ideology, Policy Impacts,
Global Influence)
A
- Ideology: Christian democracy: Guided by Christian social teachings,
emphasising human dignity and social responsibility. Centre-right orientation:
Balancing free-market capitalism with some degree of state intervention. - Policy Impacts: Social market economy: Combination of free-market practices
with a robust welfare state. Integration: Historically, a driving force behind
European unification and strengthening of the EU. - Global Influence: Social market economy: Combination of free-market
practices with a robust welfare state. Integration: Historically, a driving force
behind European unification and strengthening of the EU.
23
Q
Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD)(Ideology, Policy Impacts, Global
Influence)
A
- Ideology: Social democracy: Prioritises social justice, wealth redistribution,
and comprehensive welfare systems. Centre-left orientation: Favors a mix of
state-run and private enterprises for a balanced economy. - Policy Impacts: Worker rights: Advocacy for strong labour laws, minimum
wage standards, and employee protections. Sustainable policies: Focus on
environmentally friendly technologies and green urban development. - Global Influence: Internationalism: Engagement in developmental aid, conflict
resolution, and support for global cooperative institutions.
23
Q
How Non State Actors have reshaped IR
A
- Diverse Voices: With NSAs, underrepresented groups can have a voice on
the global stage. - Increased Complexity: The plethora of actors with varied interests makes
global politics more intricate. - Potential Conflicts: NSAs might sometimes act in ways that states see as
encroachments on their sovereignty. - Collaborative Opportunities: States can partner with NSAs to tackle global
challenges more holistically
23
Q
WEF (World Economic Forum)(Purpose,
effectiveness, criticisms, influence)
A
- Purpose: Established as an annual rendezvous in Davos, Switzerland, the
WEF offers a platform for leaders across politics, business, and civil society to
converge and discuss pressing global issues. - Effectiveness:Inclusivity: The WEF stands out for its multi-stakeholder
approach, engaging leaders from diverse sectors such as government,
business, academia, and civil society. - Criticisms: Elitism: The WEF often faces criticism for being an elite club with
limited on-ground impact. - Influence: While not a decision-making body per se, the WEF plays a pivotal
role in influencing global agendas, priorities, and shaping international
dialogue.
23
Q
G20(Purpose, effectiveness, criticisms, influence)
A
- Purpose: Born out of the ashes of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the G20 was
established in 1999, originally catering to Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors. It saw a significant transformation in 2008 when it expanded its
ambit to include Heads of States, a direct response to the global financial
crisis. Its primary objective is to gather the world’s major economies, both
developed and developing, to discuss, promote, and ensure international
financial stability. - Effectiveness: Promotes dialogue: The inclusion of both major advanced and
emerging economies fosters a broad-based and inclusive discussion. Prompt
decision-making: Being an informal gathering, the G20 has shown the ability
to make decisions rapidly compared to larger and more structured
international bodies. - Criticisms: Exclusivity: Its claim to inclusivity stands contested as many
countries remain unrepresented. Lack of enforcement: The G20 faces a
significant challenge as it lacks a mechanism to enforce its decisions or
recommendations. - Influence: Apart from providing a platform to discuss measures for global
economic recovery and reforms, the G20 also addresses multifaceted issues,
ranging from climate change to counter-terrorism measures.
23
Q
Effectiveness of Non State Actors in their operations
A
- Effective aspects: They have focused agendas that allow for expertise and
efficiency. Due to their smaller size they can rapidly mobilise. They also form a
valuable bridge between conflicting groups. Finally they have good amounts
of agenda setting power. - Ineffective aspects: They have resource limitations, credibility issues(What
are their true motives? transparency?), other operational hurdles e.g. logistical
challenges.
24
Q
The Paris Agreement
A
- An example of global governance through it being a climate agenda
- Objective: To keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius,
aiming for a more ambitious target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. - Nationally Determined Contributions: Countries set individual emission
reduction goals, which are periodically reviewed and updated. - Green Climate Fund: A financial mechanism to assist developing countries in
mitigation and adaptation efforts
24
Q
Advantages of Global Governance Mechanisms
A
- Standardisation: By setting global standards, international interactions
become more predictable and consistent. - Pooling Resources: Collective efforts can harness resources more effectively
to address shared challenges. - Promotion of Peace: Mediation and dialogue mechanisms reduce the
likelihood of conflicts. - Knowledge Sharing: Encourages the exchange of best practices and
innovations
24
Q
Limitations of Global Governance Mechanisms
A
- Enforceability: The absence of a centralised global enforcement mechanism
weakens the effectiveness of many international agreements. - Inequitable Representation: Decision-making structures sometimes reflect
historic power dynamics, rather than equitable representation. - Sovereignty Concerns: International regulations can be viewed as infringing
on national sovereignty. - Fragmentation: Overlapping mandates of different bodies can sometimes lead
to confusion and inefficiency.
24
Q
Examples of Economic Partnerships
A
- European Union (EU): The EU’s Single Market represents an ambitious
economic partnership, promoting the free movement of goods, capital,
services, and people. - NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement): This agreement aimed to
eliminate trade barriers between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
25
Q
Benefits of Cooperation in Global Politics
A
- Shared Resources: States can leverage collective resources and expertise to
address challenges more effectively. - Peace and Stability: Cooperative efforts in security and diplomacy can deter
potential conflicts and foster an atmosphere of trust. - Economic Growth: Economic partnerships can lead to market expansions,
investment booms, and increased prosperity.
25
Q
Challenges of Cooperation in Global Politics
A
- Sovereignty Concerns: International cooperation might impinge upon a state’s
sovereignty, leading to resistance. - Power Disparities: Dominant nations might exercise disproportionate
influence, causing tensions. - Enforcement Difficulties: The success of cooperative agreements often hinges
on robust enforcement mechanisms, which might be lacking.
25
Q
Civil Unrest
A
- Is a type of conflict
- Can come in the form of riots, protests, or insurections
26
Q
Factors contributing to conflicts
A
- Political factors: regime changes, nationalism, power vacuums(lack of stable
government) - Economic Factors: trade disputes, resource scarcity, economic disparities
- Social factors: ethnic or religious tensions, historical grievances,
misinformation
27
Q
Role of International community in conflict resolution
A
- Mediation: neutral negotiators, track II diplomacy(Unofficial, informal
interactions among private citizens or groups) - Sanctions: economic sanctions, travel sanctions, arms embargoes
- Peace keeping missions: deployment of troops, monitoring ceasefires,
disarmament - Diplomatic pressure back-channel diplomacy(Confidential communications to
ease tensions. Role of Organisations in Conflict Resolution) and multilateral
forums
