EQ3 7.7 CONTESTED GLOBAL INFLUENCE Flashcards
why are there tensions in the Arctic
Tension is increasing in the Arctic where the ownership of oil and gas reserves is disputed. There are several national claims to the Arctic and some of these claims overlap. In other words, different countries think they own the same part of the Arctic.
what do the UN say about exclusive economic zones
the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) says that a country can control the seabed and its resources within 200 nautical miles of its coastline. This is called the Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ.
Where countries dispute the boundaries of EEZs, it can cause political and military tensions.
what do people think the actic disputes will lead to
Canada has recently carried out military exercises in the Arctic, and Norway has expanded its navy.
Some people go as far as to predict that tensions in the Arctic could cause a new Cold War between the USA and Russia.
how are countries trying to avoid the tensions in the arctic
In order to try and avoid this tension, since the end of the Cold War, the US, Russia and 6 other neighbours of the Arctic have worked together in the Arctic Council.
This is a group of countries aiming to work together to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction between the different members and indigenous communities.
resource disputes in the arctic
As well as ownership disputes, there is disagreement over whether or not the resources should be exploited.
Climate change is making the oil and natural gas more accessible and these resources will be highly profitable.
However, it is likely to cause major environmental problems if it is accessed.
who is involved in protection of the arctic
The Arctic Council particularly works on issues such as sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
The international NGO Greenpeace campaigns against the exploitation of resources in the Arctic.
How can economic tensions arise
Tensions can arise when the global system of intellectual property is undermined by counterfeiting and imitation. Tariffs are also becoming more common in 2018.
counterfeiting
Counterfeiting strains trade relations and TNC investment.
In 2017, it was reported that 88% of fake goods seized in the United States originated in China. This has strained the trade relationship between the two superpowers.
If TNCs feel as though all of their products and technology can be easily counterfeited then they are likely to stop their research and development into new products.
counterfeiting and imitation
Faking brands is illegal and is a crime against the IPR- Intellectual Property Rights which are part of the WTO rules.
This is linked to the TRIPS agreement which ensures that companies own the right to their own technology.
However, counterfeiting and pirated goods are big business and worth nearly half a trillion dollars a year according to the OCED.
Although this may not be counterfeiting, there are great similarities between Apple’s iPhones and Huawei, Motorola and Goophones’ products. This may be imitating good practice or it may infringe on Apple’s intellectual property in some cases.
examples of counterfeiting
Napster was one of the first companies to pirate music.
Alibaba is a Chinese company that hosts a marketplace which may sell counterfeit goods.
trade wars in the eu
The EU has implemented tariffs on Chinese Steel as part of anti-dumping measures. They claim that Chinese companies are selling steel in Europe below the cost it takes to make them.
what are political tensions
Political spheres of influence can be contested and lead to tensions over territory and physical resources.
why are there political tensions in south china sea
Many countries claim to own the territory in the South China Sea.
China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei all claim that the land is theirs. There are two island chains called the Paracels and the Spratlys that countries dispute.
why does the south china sea cause tensions
This region matters so much because of its strategic importance with access to the wider Pacific Ocean.
This region matters so much because of its strategic importance with access to the wider Pacific Ocean.
There are also natural resources around and under these islands.
In this sea, China has now seized small land formations or reefs and used dredging technology to make the islands large enough to support military equipment. It also patrols the waters with its navy.
political tensions in eastern europe
in Western Russia and Eastern Europe, this contest has lead to open conflict and had impacts on people and the physical environment.
Russia’s sphere of influence has changed significantly over time- particularly in Eastern Europe.
Since 2014, Russia has used both hard and soft power to re-establish itself as a superpower with political influence.
It annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and used hard power to do so. This is an example of political contests leading to open conflict.
