global-crisis-flashcards-csv

Question 1

Define crisis diplomacy

Answer 1

Negotiations between global actors in response to an abrupt change requiring rapid response; traditionally associated with diplomats and politicians; example includes the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

Question 2

Key aspects of armed conflict (study design)

Answer 2

Intervention;
war as an instrument of state
prosecuting war crimes in international law;

Question 3

Yemen conflict: Timeline and geographic significance

Answer 3

2014: Houthis took control of capital;
2015: Saudi-led coalition intervenes; Large maritime border along Red Sea; connects to Suez Canal; 9% of sea-transported oil passes through; 22,000 ships pass yearly

Question 4

Main drivers of Yemen conflict

Answer 4

Tension between Sunni and Shia Islamic groups; Iran backs Shia Houthis; Saudi Arabia backs Sunni government; regional power struggle; rejection of economic reforms

Question 5

International involvement in Yemen conflict

Answer 5

US, Britain, France support Saudi Arabia; US provided $110 billion arms sale; naval blockade; 8 other Arab states involved; Iran provides support to Houthis

Question 6

Humanitarian impact of Yemen war

Answer 6

UN called it “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”; 22 million face food insecurity (2023); 4 million displaced; 360,000 dead; all sides accused of war crimes

Question 7

Recent peace efforts in Yemen

Answer 7

Oman-mediated peace talks (April 2023); UN mediation efforts; 2022 two-month nationwide ceasefire; 2023 China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal intended to end Iran’s military support to Houthis

Question 8

Ukraine conflict: Geographic and historical context

Answer 8

Strategically important location; massive Black Sea border; oil reserves; many ports; historically “birthplace” of Russian Empire; close relationship between Kiev and Moscow

Question 9

Putin’s claims and Russia’s motivations in Ukraine conflict

Answer 9

Putin claims Ukrainians and Russians are “one people”; aims to prevent Ukraine joining NATO; seeks “buffer zone” of non-NATO states; reassert influence over post-Soviet world

Question 10

International response to Ukraine conflict

Answer 10

US provided $50 billion in assistance (2023); widespread sanctions against Russia; ICC arrest warrants for Putin and other officials; negotiations largely unsuccessful

Question 11

Greek economic crisis: Causes and context

Answer 11

Greece experienced rapid growth after joining Eurozone, led to inflated asset prices and easy to access credit

2008s bust lead to decreased revenue but still high spending. Unsustainable government debt (146.2% debt-to-GDP by 2010);

Question 12

Venezuela economic crisis: Causes and impact

Answer 12

Over-reliance on oil exports (nearly 99% of its income from export); economic mismanagement and corruption; hyperinflation (929,790% in 2018); political instability; GDP contracted 65% (2013-2019)

Question 13

International response to Greek crisis

Answer 13

EU and IMF bailout packages (€289 billion total); ECB monetary policy support; Troika-imposed austerity measures; prevented immediate default but led to severe recession

Question 14

Challenges in resolving Greek crisis

Answer 14

Political resistance to reforms; balancing austerity with growth; Eurozone constraints on monetary policy; high unemployment; social unrest; debt remains high (171.3% of GDP in 2022)

Question 15

International response to Venezuela crisis

Answer 15

Limited due to government resistance; US and EU sanctions on key officials and sectors; regional mediation attempts (Lima Group, OAS); limited effectiveness in changing policies or improving situation

Question 16

Challenges in resolving Venezuela crisis

Answer 16

Authoritarian government resistant to change; lack of economic diversification; hyperinflation and currency instability; isolation from global markets; mass emigration (over 7 million by 2023)

Question 17

Globalization’s role in Greek crisis

Answer 17

Exposure to global financial markets; vulnerability to investor sentiment shifts; Eurozone membership benefits and constraints; tourism dependence (20% of GDP) sensitive to global conditions

Question 18

Globalization’s role in Venezuela crisis

Answer 18

Vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations; isolation from global markets due to sanctions; brain drain and mass emigration; lack of diversification amplifying impact of global market changes

Question 19

Capitalism’s boom-bust cycle in Greek crisis

Answer 19

Pre-crisis credit boom (easy access to low-interest loans); severe bust following global financial crisis; sudden stop in capital flows; banking sector crisis; 25% economic contraction (2008-2016)

Question 20

Capitalism’s boom-bust cycle in Venezuela crisis

Answer 20

Oil boom creating false prosperity (high prices in 2000s funded social programs); subsequent bust due to oil price collapse (from $100/barrel in 2014 to under $30 in 2016) and economic mismanagement

Question 21

Role of global actors in Greek crisis

Answer 21

ECB stabilized Eurozone (liquidity support, “whatever it takes” pledge); IMF provided financial assistance and pushed reforms; EU efforts to prevent Grexit and maintain Eurozone stability

Question 22

Role of global actors in Venezuela crisis

Answer 22

Limited due to government’s isolationist policies; rejection of IMF and World Bank assistance; regional organizations’ mediation attempts; OAS efforts to promote democratic solutions; Mercosur suspended Venezuela’s membership