ETVT globalization has undermined national sovereignty Flashcards
sections
1.how globalization has made states interdependent
2. the impact of economic globalisation
3. the impact of political globalization
LOA
impact of sov on weaker states is different to powerful states
- global issues force cooperation and undermine states ability to act unilaterally
Globalisation has reduced states’ ability to control issues without cooperation 🌐.
Hyperglobalisers argue globalisation reshapes the world into a highly interconnected system 🤝.
Challenges like climate change 🌱 and COVID-19 🦠 require international cooperation.
🌍 Global issues like climate change require collective agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement 🌍).
Global interconnectedness means national actions can be undermined (e.g., COVID-19 🦠).
Economic globalisation intensifies the need for cooperation (e.g., IMF 💸, G20 🌐).
Global institutions (e.g., WHO 🏥, UN 🌎) limit national sovereignty 🛑, creating a shift towards global governance 🌍
- against - states still have sov
nternal Sovereignty Maintained: 🌍 Despite globalisation, states still control borders, immigration, and national interests 🛂.
Populist Resurgence: 🇺🇳 The rise of populist movements reflects a reassertion of sovereignty ✊.
Globalisation Sceptics: 🤔 Sceptics argue the nation state’s decline is overstated and that countries prioritise their sovereignty and self-interest over global cooperation.
Realists’ View: 🌍 Realists argue that IGOs (International Governmental Organisations) have limited power to coerce states into compliance and states can still assert their interests, especially in negotiations 🌐.
Australia’s Sovereignty Measures: 🇦🇺 In December 2024, Australia’s ‘Operation Sovereign Borders’ intercepted maritime people smuggling ventures 🚢🔒, demonstrating its capacity to regulate migration and protect territorial integrity.
Canada’s Dairy Trade Disputes: 🇨🇦 In 2025, U.S. dairy producers challenged Canada’s dairy tariff-rate quotas 🧀⚖️. A USMCA dispute panel found Canada’s measures inconsistent with its obligations.
Economic Nationalism in the UK: 🇬🇧 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in 2025, advocated for supply-side reforms and deregulation for electric car manufacturers 🚗⚡, prioritising national interests over global cooperation.
- for - economic globalization has removed state state control over national economies
Economic Power of MNCs: 💼 The rise of MNCs (e.g., Apple, Amazon) limits states’ power over their economies 🌍, as these companies can influence policy through their economic power and ability to relocate production 🌍.
Apple & Ireland Example: 🍏 Ireland’s deal with Apple for tax breaks (12.5% → 0.005%) demonstrates MNCs’ influence over national economic policy 🇮🇪💰.
Global Economic Interdependence: 🌐 Global markets mean national economies are vulnerable to external fluctuations in trade, finance, and demand 📉, undermining sovereignty.
2025 U.S. Tariffs Impact: 🇺🇸 President Trump’s widespread tariffs have led to a global economic slowdown, with the IMF lowering growth forecasts and warning of increased financial instability due to trade disputes and geopolitical tensions 📉💥.
IMF & World Bank Influence: 💵 The IMF and World Bank often condition economic aid on free-market reforms, undermining sovereignty in the Global South 🌍.
Cultural & Political Globalisation: 🌎 Consumerism and capitalism spread through cultural and political globalisation 📱, weakening national control over the economy 🏛️.
- against - economy
Economic Control by States: 💼 Despite globalisation, states use policy tools like tariffs, regulations, and subsidies to protect national interests ⚖️.
China’s Economic Sovereignty: 🇨🇳 China maintains control over critical sectors like technology and state-owned enterprises 🖥️🏭, shaping its economic development while engaging in global trade 🌍.
U.S. Protectionism: 🇺🇸 The U.S. imposed tariffs during the US-China trade war to protect its manufacturing sector 🏭💥, demonstrating national control over economic policy.
Agricultural Subsidies: 🇯🇵🇮🇳 Countries like Japan and India provide agricultural subsidies to support domestic food production 🌾🌾, ensuring sovereignty over key sectors.
2025 U.S. Tariffs on China: 🇺🇸 In 2025, President Biden raised tariffs on Chinese electronics to protect the U.S. tech sector against cheap imports 📱💰.
Transformationalist View: 🌍 Transformationalists argue globalisation is complex and uneven—powerful states adapt and thrive, while others experience reduced sovereignty 🌎.
Economic Influence of Powerful States: 💪 More powerful states have the ability to protect their economies, while weaker states struggle to impose their will 🌏.
- for - political glob constrains how states act
Political Globalisation: 🌍 IGOs (e.g., UN, ICC, EU) set binding rules on trade, human rights, and conflict resolution ⚖️.
International Law: 📜 States must comply with international law, limiting their sovereignty 🌍.
Weaker States: 🏛️ Weaker states are more vulnerable to international rulings and sanctions 🌐.
Greece EU Sanctions (2015): 🇬🇷 Greece sanctioned by the EU for breaching the Common Agricultural Policy, repaying €425 million 🌾💶.
Libya UN Intervention (2011): 🇱🇾 UN authorised NATO intervention to protect civilians from the Gaddafi regime 💥.
2025 EU Sanctions on Russia: 🇷🇺 EU sanctions Russia for human rights abuses in Ukraine 🌍💣.
Liberals’ View: 🌍 Undermining sovereignty is crucial to protect human rights and prevent conflict ✊
- against- states choose to participate in political globalisation and can opt out
States’ Voluntary Participation: 🌍 States can choose to opt out of IGOs and maintain sovereignty 💪.
Brexit Example: 🇬🇧 The UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit) shows how countries can reclaim control over policies like trade, immigration, and law 🏛️.
ICC Non-Ratification: 🌏 Major powers (e.g., U.S., Russia, China) have opted not to join the ICC, protecting their sovereignty over international justice ⚖️.
China & South China Sea (2016): 🇨🇳 China ignored a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on territorial claims, showing that powerful states can defy international rulings 🗺️.
Realist Perspective: 🌍 Realists argue international organisations hold limited power; powerful states use them to advance their own interests 🌐.
U.S. Influence in WTO: 🇺🇸 The U.S. shaped global rules through the TRIPS agreement, securing intellectual property protections that benefit American industries 💼.
2025 U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: 🇺🇸 In January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14155, directing the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived political influences 🏥❌.
How have MNCs like Apple and Amazon influenced national sovereignty?
MNCs like Apple and Amazon have significant economic power, often exceeding that of states.
This influence allows them to shape policy decisions in their favor.
What is the Apple-Ireland example of MNC influence?
Apple’s deal with Ireland resulted in a 0.005% tax rate, showing how MNCs can negotiate favorable tax arrangements.
This undermines national economic policy.
How has global economic interdependence undermined national sovereignty?
National economies are vulnerable to global fluctuations in trade, finance, and demand.
This weakness diminishes the state’s control over its economy.
What happened with the 2025 U.S. tariffs on China?
President Trump raised tariffs on China in 2025, contributing to a global economic slowdown.
This highlights the power of national decisions on global markets.
How do the IMF and World Bank influence sovereignty?
The IMF and World Bank condition economic aid on free-market reforms.
This forces states, especially in the Global South, to adopt policies that undermine their sovereignty.
What is the impact of cultural and political globalisation on national sovereignty?
Globalisation spreads consumerism and capitalism, weakening national control over the economy.
This results in diminished sovereignty.
Can states opt out of political globalisation?
Yes, states can voluntarily choose to opt out of IGOs and retain sovereignty.
An example is the UK’s Brexit from the EU.
How does Brexit relate to national sovereignty?
The UK’s exit from the EU (Brexit) allowed the country to reclaim control over policies like trade, immigration, and law.
Why haven’t all states ratified the ICC treaty?
Major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China have opted not to join the ICC to maintain sovereignty over international justice.
How did China defy international rulings in 2016?
China ignored a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
This action asserted its sovereignty over the region.
What does the realist perspective say about international organisations?
Realists argue that international organisations have limited power over sovereign nations.
Powerful states use them to advance their own interests.
How did the U.S. influence the WTO?
The U.S. successfully pushed for intellectual property protections under the TRIPS agreement.
What happened with the 2025 U.S. withdrawal from the WHO?
In 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14155, directing the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO due to concerns over its handling of COVID-19.
