EQ2 Superpowers Flashcards
what is the aim of the WTO
To help its member use trade to raise living standards create jobs and improve peoples lives.
IGO
what is the aim of the WB
The world bank aims to reduce poverty by lending money ti its poorer members to improve their economies and to improve the quality of life for their people.
IGO
what is the aim of the WEF
The world economic forum is committed to improving the state of the world by meeting each year to discuss issues that impact the global economy.
A swiss not-for-profit organisation which promotes public-private co-operation.
negative of the WEF
The organisation meets every year in Davos where there are thousands of politicians, delegates, economists etc.
HOWEVER- It costs $19,000 to attend, which make attendance for small businesses or under-represented countries limited.
what is the aim of the IMF
International monetary funds, works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability.
criticisms of the IMF and WB
They have both been been criticised due to them providing funds for projects that have been unethical and have damaged the environment e.g. rainforest clearance to make way for developments.
They have also been criticised because they have given loans to countries who are incapable to pay back their loans. These countries, in an attempt to reduce their debt, have had to agree to SAPs forcing them to open up their markets and privatise their companies (more details in Globalisation Detailed Notes).
The USA and EU have the highest proportion of voting rights within both these organisations, so their interests are closely tied with the IGOs, rather than the interests of the indebted countries.
Who governs the WTO
The WTO is governed by 164 member governments.
who governs the WB
The 189 members of the WB govern it through a board of governors.
Who governs the WEF
The WEF is governed by a board of trustees and is chaired by
Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
Professor Klaus Schwab
who governs the IMF
The IMF is governed by and accountable to its member countries. It meets regularly with government and private-sector representatives to inform and improve its work.
MEMBERS
164 members which include; the UK, USA,
Argentina, Barbados,
Australia, Brazil and many more.
MEMBERS
There are 189 member countries, these include: the UK, the USA, China, Brazil.
MEMBERS
3000 paying and selected participants including investors, economists, political leaders and business leaders.
MEMBERS
190 members, including: France, Iceland, El Salvador, Australia, Japan, Germany, Haiti, Israel, Nigeria, UK and US
What emerging superpowers are part of WTO
Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa.
What emerging superpowers are part of WB
Brazil, Russian federation, India, China and South Africa
What emerging superpowers are part of WEF
Brazilian company Vale, India, China, South Africa
What emerging superpowers are part of IMF
Brazil, India, China, South Africa
Are the emerging superpowers influential in the WTO?
How/how not?
The BRICS have some influence in the WTO, however they are emerging superpowers, so with other official superpowers like the UK and USA, they would have a greater significance and authority.
Are the emerging superpowers influential in the WB
The BRICS do have some level of influence within the World Bank but the presence of existing superpowers such as the USA and UK
is often considered to be more significant.
Are the emerging superpowers influential in the WEF
Despite there being representative companies from BRIC nations like Vale from
Brazil, the presence of highly developed companies from existing superpowers such as Google and Goldman.
Are the emerging superpowers influential in the IMF
The BRICS do have some level of influence within the international monetary fund but the presence of existing Superpowers such as the UK, USA, France have greater Influence as are of higher importance.
how does the WTO promote free trade and capitalism?
promotes free trade by reducing barriers, like tarrifs- which are taxes on imports/exports from other countries.
Also breaks down other barriers between people and trading economies.
How does the WB promote free trade and capitalism?
The WB supports regional and multilateral agreements.
The WB also stresses that trade and competitiveness are at the centre of national development.
Furthermore, the WB encourages reforms like Aid for trade.
How does the WEF promote free trade and capitalism
Works to remove barriers to international trade
Has negotiated a sequence of global free trade
agreements that have gradually removed trade taxes and quotas.
How does the IMF promote free trade and capitalism?
Encourages developing countries to accept FDI and open their economies to free trade.
It’s designed to allow the system to balance the rebuilding of international capitalism with the maximisation of national economic sovereignty and human welfare, also known as EMBEDDED LIBERALISM.
How does the WTO impact the global economy?
Helps developing economies build their trade capacity and seeks to a create a more inclusive trading system.
How does the WB impact the global economy?
Promotes long-term economic development and poverty reduction by providing low-interest loans and grants to developing nations.
How does the WEF impact the global economy?
Provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.
How does the IMF impact the global economy?
works to achieve sustainable growth and
prosperity for all its 190 member
countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.
what do superpowers use to influence the global economy?
IGOS- such as WB, IMF, WTO and WEF
What has the WTO been criticised for?
EXAMPLE- eu and usa providing subsides
The WTO aims to ensure free global trade and opportunities are equal for all countries. The WTO generally aims to reduce protectionist measures. However, it has been criticised because it has failed to stop developed nations from protecting its own industries. For example, the USA and EU which give subsidies to their farmers , but this affected developing nations as farmers in developing nations have lost out as their produce becomes less competitive due to it being more expensive.
criticism of IGOS
They tend to support capitalist ideologies over other economic systems, since their members are mainly capitalist nations themselves.
define protectionism
Means that taxes are placed on imported goods Sio they automatically become more expensive than goods served s=domestically. This ‘protects’ local economies, as it creates a STRONGER MARKET for local goods and services,.
Some countries prefer economic policies that promote protectionism, rather than IGOs that promote capitalism.
how much has global trade increased per decade from 1960 to 2010- why?
TNCs have had huge impacts on global trade. The increases in global trade show that between 1960 and 2010 trade increased by at least 46% per decade.
In the 2000s, global trade increased in value by over 85%!
what % of global trade is from TNCS
80%
how much capital do the 500 largest TNCS have
over $30 trillion dollars.
why are TNCS so dominant in the global economy?
- They benefit from economies of scale. They can produce goods cheaply than national firms, so they drive them out of business.
- Their bank balances and ability to borrow money to invest means they can benefit from globalisation by investing in new technology.
- Free market capitalism has opened up new markets, in other words, economic globalisation.
- They can exert political power by using their profits to lobby governments.
How do TNCS have influence over global culture
- example
Europe and America dominate ownership of major TNCs and through which they have spread Western culture across the world. Companies such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s are recognised globally. Most of the world’s global media is dominated by the USA, so their views and ideology is easily spread around the world.
WESTERNISATION
What is a patent
- A patent is legal protection that a company can use to identify a new product or idea (intellectual property) as its own.
- Anyone who wishes to use the patent have to pay a royalty free to the inventor or designer.
- Governments can collect tax on the success of that patent.
- China is responsible for 40% of all patent applications are worldwide.
How do patents make businesses money?
Royalties are paid by other companies to use their patents, however, this is not legally enforced by international law.
- 90% of global parent royalties are paid to EU countries, US and Japan.
how to patents lead to disadvantages in developing countries/LICS
patents developed by pharmaceutical companies make many medicines unaffordable to poorer countries.
e.g- many new treatments for HIV (antiretrovirals) are very expensive.
Early ARVs tended to be toxic, so later and less-damaging versions were more desirable- but also more EXPENSIVE.
This has provided a widespread barrier to HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa- the worst affected area in the world for HIV/AIDS.
- illustrates the importance pf patents and TNCS dominant role as players in technology.
how are patents important for genetically modified crops?
GM crops are controlled by TNCS (e.g- Monsanto in the USA). Using patent laws, they ‘own’ every GM plant grown from their seed.
Some TNCS FORCE farmers to sign contracts to use only their chemicals, or prevent them saving seed to plant the following year.
GM engineers can even stop seeds produced by their crops from germinating- so every year, farmers must buy new seed. Over 1 billion of the world’s poorest people rely on saved seed, but instead they have to buy new seed every year.
This highlights TNCS dominant role in technology and how this leaves them with significant benefits worldwide.
what countries had the largest number of new patents registered in 2015 (top 3)
USA- 57385
Japan- 44235
China- 29846
How are TNCs dominant in influencing trade patterns?
Their economic power influences trade patterns and therefore the location of areas of growth through FDI.
- Partially responsible for global shift, such as car industry from Detroit.
How do TNCs spread their global culture? How are they key drivers go cultural globalisation?
- TNCs can spread their innovation to foreign affiliates.
- Media TNCs have a significant culture influence through media, such as films, adverts, music.
- Food, and arts, e.g McDonald’s.
E.g Disney, Netflix - Top 10 global brands in 2016 originate from the USA.
As a result of their global economic power, it have paved the way for cultural globalisation.
how have western t=TNCS economic power paved the way for cultural globalisation?
Particularly the spread of westernisation:
- A culture of consumerism.
- A culture of capitalism and attaining wealth.
- English is the dominant languagterm-42e.
- A culture that cherry picks and adapts selective parts of other cultures.
in 2016, where did the top 10 global brands originate from?
USA
TNCS, globalisation and spread of western ideas
[7.5A] Why may it be argued that the US be the global police?
- intervention
- terrorism prevention
- response to Haiti 2010 eq
The US has intervened in the last 40 years a number of times using military through:
- UN Security Council Action
- Coalition with allied countries outside of UN.
- Unilaterally wit no support from other countries.
War on Terror:
- Since 2001, the USA has led a global effort against Islamic terrorism in Afghanistan and the Middle East countries.
2010 Haiti Earthquake:
- The USA used its vast naval and Air Force assets to respond to the disaster with medical, food and infrastructure aid.
- US Air Force restored Port au Prince air traffic control.
- 1600 US marines arrived by sea to provide assistance.
[7.5B] Why do governments form alliances?
Governments may form alliances with other countries for a variety of reasons: to reduce conflict, co-operate efforts or combine intelligence, strengthen trade partnerships, improve and protect the natural environment.
what are the 2 types of TNCS?
The largest TNCs in the world originate from superpowers and emerging nations. TNCs come in 2 different types:
● Publicly traded TNCs who are owned by various shareholders generally pension funds and banks
● State-owned TNCs which are owned by governments through 100% share or majority
- Many TNCs in emerging superpowers are state-owned.
[7.5B] Why are military alliances such as NATO key to superpower status?
- Military alliances add to the strength in numbers.
- Allies can be eyes and ears in distant parts of the world.
- Force agenda on wider world.
- The NATO alliance for example has 28 member states that collectively account for the most of the world’s military capability, including nuclear weapons.
- Has a mutual defence agreement, meaning if one member is threatened, all others come to its aid.
how can super powers/emerging play a key role in global affairs?
through crisis response
e.g- the Nepal eq of April 2015 attracted aid from 48 countries, ranging from finance, personnel, emergency supplies and shelter equipment, to materials for rebuild
how can superpowers and emerging nations play a key role in military conflicts?
Acting as ‘global police’
what is the conflict in Afghanistan?
for nearly 40 years, int has suffered almost constant conflict- from foreign invasion to civil war. Geopolitics is the driving factor.
why is Afghanistan’s geopolitical location and physical landscape significant?
- Historically, it linked into the trans-Asian ‘silk road’
- more recently it has strategic importance for overland trade routes between India and Pakistan into central Asia and Russia. However, its largely mountainous terrain within the high Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges makes travel difficult, particularly in times of conflict, and strategically its 5500 km mountainous borders with six other countries are hard to defend. Most areas of conflict are challenging to access via mountain routes and passes (often impassable in winter), and opposing forces may be concealed within deep valleys and small isolated communities. Central government control is difficult to maintain.
why are there religious tensions in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is also a deeply religious Muslim state, with a 99% Muslim population.
However, different Sunni and Shia factions have led to conflict both internally and with some of Afghanistan’s neighbours.
how many people in Afghanistan live below the poverty line?
35% (2016)
what happened in the 1970s, Afghanistan and what did this lead to?
How did the USSR get involved in 1978?
In the 1970s, Afghanistan’s young king, Zahir Shah, wanted to develop the economy, and allow women greater freedom than traditional Islamic society allowed. This took hold in Kabul, the capital, but failed to reach remote areas.
- Frustrated by the slow economic growth, the Afghan COMMUNIST party seized power in 1978, which in 1979 was supported by invading troops and tanks from the USSR.
How did1978 Afghanistan provoke the USSR and USA conflict?
- when did soviet troops withdrew?
USSR troops were rested by Afghan guerrillas (islamic warriors), provoking conflict between USA and USSR.
The USA supported afghan guerrillas with weapons and recruiting muslim fighters.
With American funding, they resisted Soviet troops, which withdrew in 1989.
What were the 2 major consequences of the Soviet’s departure of Afghanistan in 1989 leaving a power vacuum?
1) By 1995, the Taliban (militant group among the afghan guerrillas) gained control of the country. They enforced programmes of radical Islamic law/sharia, including restrictions on women- such as denying them education.
2) The Taliban (supported by the West) gave protection to Saudi militant; Osama bin Laden (9/11). He established training camps in Afghanistan with western backing; then he organised attacks AGAINST US interests.
9/11- two passenger planes were hi-jacked and flown into New York’s world trade towers, killing nearly 3k people.
How did the US respond to 9/11?
The US led an international military coalition against the Taliban, with forces seeking to destroy training camps, and kill militant leaders- particularly Bin Laden.
- Coalition troops captured Afghan cities and supported the Northern Alliance- a group of Afghan resistance fighters.
- New afghan president- Hamid Karzai was installed, easing rules on women’s dress and schooling, training an Afghan army and introducing DEMOCRATIC elections.
- The continued presence of overseas troops antagonises many supporters of reform.
what have Taliban militants continued to do since Bin ladens death in 2011?
continued to attack forces and government targets.
what’s china’s view on the Afghanistan conflict?
Less concerned than many of its neighbours, but there is a large muslim population in western China, so it fears any potential destabilising Islamic threats within Asia.
What’s India’s view on the Afghanistan conflict?
Fears incursions and destabilisation from fundamental Islamists based in Afghanistan and Pakistan- particularly after previous Islamic attacks, such as on a major mUMBAI HOTEL IN 2008.
India wants a western-supported, stable government in Afghanistan.
Why does Iran oppose Afghanistan?
Why are western governments suspicious of it?
Since 1917, Iran has been ruled by a tradionalist Islamic Shia government, and is opposed to the western-backed sunni government in Afghanistan.
Iran is also regarded with suspicion by many Western governments, who fear its recent attempt to develop nuclear weapons and technology.
Former USSR countries (Afghanistan’s neighbours) view on Afghanistan
Since the break-up of the USSR, Russia no longer has a direct border with Afghanistan, although Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan (all part of the USSR until 1991) do.
All four states fear Islamist uprisings within their own borders (e.g. Chechnya, within Russia), so they are always concerned about the rise of any Islamist groups in neighbouring countries.
What are Afghanistan’s neighbours?
India, Pakistan, china, turkmenistan, uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
China is protected by the Himalayas.
Why was the UN created?
In an attempt to prevent conflict on the scale of WWII happening again.
Today, the UN recognises the reasons for conflict can include issues like provision of food, safe water and the protection of human rights.
Whoa re the 5 permanent members of thew UN Security Council?
The USA, UK, Russia, France and China
10 members from other countries that serve on the council for two years at a time.
Criticisms of the UN Security Council (3)
A criticism of the Security Council is that any permanent member can veto (reject) a decision that the other 14 members are in favour of. This maintains the political power held by the world’s strongest powers.
Being a member of the Security Council does not prevent members from taking military action against each other.
This has the potential to derail the work of the council in trying to maintain peace internationally.
It could be said that the UN Security Council works in an imperfect way because:
▪ Any of the permanent member states can veto a decision
▪ The USA, UK & France usually vote together whilst Russia and China generally vote
together which leads to no progress within the council.
Aim of the UN Security council
- army and sanctions
One branch of the UN is the UN Security Council. This is a group of 15 countries that aims to maintain international peace and security by reacting to outbreaks of conflict. Member countries vote on deploying UN peacekeeping forces or applying sanctions to a country that has started a conflict.
1) The UN peacekeepers are a neutral army made up of troops from all Security Council members. They aim to maintain order in areas of conflict but are not allowed to use an armed response to a situation except to defend themselves from attack.
2) A sanction is an action taken by a country or a group of countries against another country by withdrawing from a mutually beneficial agreement.
For example, a country may be removed from trade deals or banned from competing in international sports for having a poor record in protecting the human rights of its citizens.
How does the UN aim to encourage the protection of the environment and reduction of ghg emissions?
( agreements and protocols)
The changing attitude of many state governments has been caused by several important conferences:
● Montreal Protocol - Finalised in 1987. Aimed to stop the use of CFCs and Halons, both highly damaging to the ozone layer.
● The Kyoto Protocol - Held in 1997. Aimed to generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions
● The Paris Agreement - Held in 2015. Highest number of signatures/ states participating to date. However, key emitters such as the USA have withdrawn since.
weaknesses of the 2015 Paris agreement
Like all global agreements, the 2015 Paris Agreement is as good as its weakest link. Whilst 55 countries (between them responsible for 55% of global emissions) signed the 2015 Agreement, many more did not. Climate change has become a political tool, with climate change
deniers in Australia (with the world’s largest per capita emissions) and the USA (producing 25% of all emissions) undermining agreements.
In 2016, the UK signed the Agreement, but the election that year of US President Trump - an avowed climate change denier - was a setback.
NATO
- Formed in 1949, at the start of the Cold War.
- Adopts the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
- the North Atlantic treaty organisation
- its members carry out regular military exercises on each others territory.
Who has questioned NATO’s influence?
Since 1991 and the end of the Cold War, NATO’s influence has diminished, to such an extent that its role and cost are now bet ng questioned.
e.g- By US President trump during his 2016 election campaign.
What has bought NATO back to the fore again?
- what has this caused them to do
Russian military activity in Georgia (2008) and Ukraine and Crimea (2014, ongoing), as well as Russian naval and air exercises in European waters and airspace in 2016, have brought NATO to the fore again- and led to the decision to base extra troops in Poland and the 3 Baltic States (geo strategic).
How many personnel does NATO currently have on its missions and where are they?
Around 20k personnel on missions around the world.
It is operating in Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Mediterranean.
Who are members of NATO?
Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK and US.
who were the 12 founding members of NATO?
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK and USA.
what is the ANZUS treaty?
- what has it allowed the US to do?
- what has it done for Afghanistan?
A 1951 security agreement between Australia, New Zealand and the US. The aim of the treaty is to cooperate on military matters in the Pacific.
- The treaty has allowed the US to maintain a presence in the Pacific.
- Also lead Australia and New Zealand to provide military forces for Afghanistan.
Aim of the ANZUS treaty
To protect the security of the Pacific
- Each party recognises that an armed attack in the Pacific area on any of the parties would be dangerous to tis own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet in common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.
- Acts as a collected defence if any of the 3 nations are attacked.
How does ANZUS increase interdependence between countries?
- co-operate military matters between regions
- USA has a navy port in New Zealand
- Join military exercises (joining numbers to do things more efficiently).
Examples of ANZUS being important in geostrategy:
- After the war, the Americans wanted Japan to remain strong, as a barrier to the spread of communism in East Asia.
- New Zealand and Australia were worried that the resurgent (rising back to life) could again threaten the region,
- The ANZUS treaty was signed in 1951 to reassure the two countries that they would be protected and improve their support for the anti- communist cause.
How has ANZUS been important in global influence?
Australia and New Zealand both provided military units in support of the US-led ‘operation enduring freedom’ for support for anti-Taliban forces, in response to the 9/11 attack.
How many troops does Australia provide to Afghanistan? (ANZUS)
- 1500
- Remains the largest non-NATO contributor of military personnel in Afghanistan.
How many troops have New Zealand contributed to Afghanistan (ANZUS)
191
what war did ANZUS fight in?
the Korean War, with Australia and New Zealand supporting the US
What did New Zealand send to Afghanistan in 2001? (ANZUS)
- transport aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, soldiers and medical forces.
Critiques of ANZUS
There is an underlying Nuclear dispute between the US and New Zealand
- New Zealand opposed nuclear war and weapons testing.
- No military is legally obliged to come to the aid of another if they are attacked.
What are the two main international military alliances ?
- following the dissolution of the Warsaw pact (Eastern European countries previously communist nations) in 1991
1) NATO
2) ANZUS
What are the 3 main economic alliances?
1) EU
2) NAFTA
3) ASEAN
Why was ASEAN formed?
- when
- members
- This consists of 10 South-East Asian nations. The organisation was formed to encourage greater cooperation between the different states and also increase economic growth in the region.
- Formed in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand
Why is the ASEAN cooperation important?
This cooperation is important since there has been historic conflict between ASEAN States.
How does ASEAN aim to increase interdependence between countries?
- ASEAN joined negotiations to form the world’s greatest free trade agreement and signed 6 free-trade deals with other regional economies.
Examples of ASEAN being important in geostrategy- location and trade
ASEAN nations occupy a crucial geopolitical position, covering vital sea routes between the Persian gulf and Indian Ocean, through to the west and south/east china seas over to the east.
- over 1/3 of the world’s seaborne trade passes through the south East Asian waters, including 80% of both china and japan’s oil imports.
