Global Governance: political and economic Flashcards
Which two countries membership of the P5 is frequently debated?
UK and France
Why do Britain and France have UNSC permanent membership?
Have nuclear weapons
Had power at the end of WW2
High-profile roles in international diplomacy.
Name four countries which have been called to be included as UNSC permanent members.
Brazil
Germany
India
Japan
Name two continents not permanently represented in the UNSC.
South America
Africa
What are two countries in Africa people are calling to be UNSC permanent members?
South Africa
Nigeria
What would changes to the UNSC require?
Amendments to the UN Charter and this would require a 2/3 majority of the UNGA.
This would also require none of the current P5 members voting against this.
In terms of adding new countries to the security council, name two countries who would possibly oppose each other.
Pakistan would be likely to oppose a permanent membership for India.
What are four options for reform for the UNSC?
- Adding new permanent members with veto power
- Adding new permanent members without veto power
- Removing veto power from some or all of the permanent members
- Increasing the number of non-permanent members or having them serve longer terms.
When did the UNSC previously reform?
In 1965 the number of permanent members increased from 6 to 10.
Why should the UNSC reform?
- France and UK are no longer significant global powers
- Represents 1945 not 21st century
- It has already been successfully reformed in 1965
- More non-permanent or permanent members without veto powers could be a compromise which could allow for greater representation without giving new states too much power.
Why shouldn’t the UNSC reform?
- Current permanent members are likely to be a significant obstacle to reform
- Agreeing to new members would likely involve a lot of disagreement
- More states having veto power could further increase the likelihood of resolutions being vetoes and the UNSC being unable to act
- Measures such as abolishing the veto altogether could see the UN returning to the problems of the League of Nations where the majority of powers withdrew because they had no facility to defend their national interests.
Who do China and Russia usually veto for?
Syria and have vetoed many decisions involving the Syrian Civil War with the most recent being when China vetoed in July 2020.
Name an example of a UNSC failure.
Rwandan genocide in 1994.
How many died in the 1994 Rwandan mass genocide?
Approximately 662000 Tutsis.
What is NATO?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
When was NATO formed?
1949
Why was the NATO formed?
USSR vs ‘West’
How many members are there of NATO?
30 members
Which countries are likely to soon join NATO?
Sweden and Finland
What is the main role of NATO?
Collective security- all help if one member is attacked
What was the role of NATO in the Cold War?
Defensive
No military
What was the role of NATO in the 1990-2000s?
Partnerships with other countries.
Military action in Balkan Wars 1990s, Afghanistan 2005 and Libya 2001.
Anti-terrorism and anti-piracy.
Migration crises.
What is the role of NATO now?
Increased threat from Russia.
How much are NATO countries meant to spend on defense?
2% of GDP
How many countries spend 2% of their GDP on defense for NATO?
8
What is the global economy?
The idea the world is interconnected- 2008 crash being caused by the USA?
Markets and finance for example stocks, shares, investment and currency trading.
Neo-liberal capitalism so privatisation, low tax and low regulation.
What is the 1945 Bretton Woods System?
Allies at the end of WW2.
Economic system to produce peace, stability and trade/cooperation.
IMF, World Bank and WTO (formerly GATT).
What is global governance?
Management of global issues in the absence of a government.
How many UN members are there?
193
What are the two main aims of the UN?
Improve lives of people
Enforce world peace
What is the composition of the general assembly?
193 states with South Sudan being the most recent in 2011.
What is the role of the general assembly?
UNs parliament and every member state can participate in debates.
Annual meeting in NY in September where states vote on major issues.
An example would be the 2012 vote on Palestine’s observer status membership of the UN.
What are the strengths of the general assembly?
All members are represented
Members are equal and everyone can speak
Acts as a forum for global discussion
