Global Systems and Governance Case Studies

Question 1

Explain how fishing and whaling is a threat to Antarctica - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 1

19th Century saw Antarctic whales killed for oil and whalebone due to reduced whale populations elsewhere. The overfishing of this population threatens ecosystems here.

Question 2

What protections exist against fishing and whaling in Antarctica? What limitations are there to these? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 2

The Intl. Whaling Commission has been established, ending most whaling by 1985. This body later established the Southern Ocean Whaling Sanctuary, which banned commercial whaling. However, Japan, Norway and Iceland were not signatories to this, while fishing has continued to increase, damaging habitats.

Question 3

What is the Antarctic Treaty? What does it determine? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 3

The Antarctic Treaty is a multilateral agreement signed to protect Antarctica. This restricts military use of the area, creates a nuclear free zone, postpones territorial claims, creates freedom of scientific investigation etc.

Question 4

What is the Madrid Protocol? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 4

The Madrid Protocal is a further agreement between the signatories of the Antarctic Treaty to protect Antarctica from any commercial exploitation (mainly of mineral wealth) until 2048.

Question 5

What is the role of the International Whaling Commission in Antarctica? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 5

The International Whaling Commission aims to regulate whaling and ensure that whale populations remain at a sustainable level. Includes a moratorium on whaling in certain areas of the Southern Ocean.

Question 6

What are successes and limitations of the International Whaling Commission? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 6

Successes - resulted in a whale sanctuary being set up in the Southern Ocean, has also seen regulation of whaling in the region. Banned global commercial whaling.
Limitations - IWC does not adequately measure number of whales in the sanctuary, Japan and Norway have withdrawn from whaling moratorium.

Question 7

What is the role of the United Nations Environmental Protection Programme/Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Antarctica? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 7

UNEP - UN agency which governs the global environment and reports on status of Antarctica to the UN.
Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources - aims to stop illegal fishing and conserve Antarctic ecosystem.

Question 8

What are successes and limitations of the United Nations Environmental Protection Programme/Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 8

Successes - presents report on Antarctica every 3 years, has set up protected fishing areas to stop illegal catchment.
Limitations - individual countries largely seek to protect their own interests, fishing remains high in the Ross Sea.

Question 9

What is the role of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition in Antarctica? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 9

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition protects Antarctica from plans to search for oil, gas and minerals. This body attends Antarctic Treaty meetings and makes these more transparent.

Question 10

What successes and limitations have there been of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition in protecting Antarctica? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 10

Successes - determines whether countries are complying with the Antarctic treaty, protects whale sanctuary from any atttempts to re-establish commercial whaling, monitors climate change.
Limitations - not as influential as individual governments may be.

Question 11

What is the World Bank? What is the International Monetary Fund? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 11

The World Bank is a global institution which facilitates the global financial system, as well as provides loans to LICs to invest in development.
The IMF also facilitates the global financial system by monitoring the global economy and offering financial advice and support to countries with ecoomic issues.

Question 12

What is the World Trade Organisation? What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 12

The WTO is an organisation which oversees international trade and markets, with the aim of promoting free trade.
The IPCC is a multilateral body made up of scientists from across the world which holds summits about the global environment.

Question 13

Explain the role of the IMF in the global financial system (roles, remit, funding, criticisms) - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 13

The IMF oversees the global financial system and provides loans in order to avert global economic crises. This can involve tackling balance of payments issues. This is staffed by 2,300 people with a European President. Funded by quotas from member countries. Critics suggest that conditions are often attached to loans, while financial support may not always solve financial issues.

Question 14

Explain the role of the World Bank in the global financial system (roles, remit, funding, criticisms) - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 14

The World Bank encourages the setting up of private enterprises in developing countries, as well as provides long term loans to reduce poverty. Runs many of its projects in Asia and Africa. It acquires its funding through borrowing and operates as a larger organisation than the IMF (7000 staff). Criticised for ignoring environmental and social impacts of its investments.

Question 15

Explain the role and functions of the World Trade Organisation - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 15

The WTO oversees global trade and aims to liberalise it by removing barriers and limitations to trade. It governs global trade and oversees bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Question 16

What rank of most important food product in LICs are bananas? How many people are these a staple food for? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 16

Bananas are the 4th most important food produced in LICs, being a staple food for 400 million people.

Question 17

Which country do most banana TNCs come from? Give examples - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 17

Most banana TNCs come from America. These include Chiquita, Del Monte, Dole and Fyffes.

Question 18

Which regions are the world’s largest importers of bananas? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 18

The world’s largest importers of bananas are the EU and the USA.

Question 19

What % of the price paid for bananas stays in richer countries and does not reach producers? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 19

90% of the price of bananas remains with wealthier countries and does not go to producers.

Question 20

What event had severe consequences for the trade in bananas in the Windward Islands? How many producers remain active there? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 20

2010 saw a hurricane destroy banana plantations on the Windward Islands, causing banana growers to abandon their farms. This saw only 3000 producers remain active here.

Question 21

How did the EU further impact the banana trade in the Windward Islands? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 21

The EU lowered trade barriers on South American banana producers, allowing TNCs located here to dominate the banana market and further damage producers in the Windward Islands.

Question 22

What are the environmental harms caused by banana production? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 22

Banana production creates 2 tonnes of waste for every 1 tonne of bananas produced, causes extreme deforestation and monoculture (harming biodiversity). Can also lead to droughts.

Question 23

How can trade wars develop from banana production? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 23

Previously trade barriers had been placed on South American banana trades by the EU while former colonies had preferential trading arrangements for bananas with the EU to encourage development. The WTO then ruled against the EU, creating a trade war between the US and EU.

Question 24

How can the trade in bananas create a ‘race to the bottom’? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 24

The banana trade has seen large TNCs relocating to areas with lower labour regulations and standards such as West Africa. They also seek to avoid environmental regulations. This means that, by searching for profits, companies devalue labour and environmental protections.

Question 25

What is the El Guabo Association of Small Banana Producers? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 25

Formed in SW Ecuador, the El Guabo Association exports fairtrade bananas to the USA and Europe. This ended a practice whereby family farms had previously sold bananas through intermediaries at a price too low to cover basic living costs.

Question 26

What are social benefits of the El Guabo Association of Small Banana Producers? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 26

Creates provision of educational/medical supplies and services, provides support for the poorest groups, improves living standards, helps to provide employment opportunities for marginalised groups.

Question 27

What are the economic benefits of the El Guabo Association of Small Banana Producers? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 27

Guarantees fair wages, creates social security systems that support those in need, migrant labourers are helped, incomes are stabilised and secured.

Question 28

What does Apple do? Why is it successful? - Global Systems and Governance

Answer 28

Apple produces, manufactures and sells electronic devices under its ‘i’ brand. It is the world’s 2nd largest IT company by revenue. It is successful because it provides stylish and well-designed products which fit the needs of consumers. It also markets and brands these products well.

Question 29

Where are Apple’s Headquarters/R&D/European HQ?

Answer 29

Apple’s HQ is in Silicon Valley, where its products are designed. Its R&D is in California. Its European HQ is in Cork, Ireland.

Question 30

Where are Apple’s manufacturing centre and retail stores located?

Answer 30

Apple outsources its manufacture to Foxconn in China (mainly in Shenzen’s Special Economic Zone). Its retail stores are located globally, with most of these located in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Question 31

What positive economic impacts does Apple have on its host countries?

Answer 31

Apple has employed 4000 people in Cork, as well as attracted investment in infrastructure in the city. It has also led to jobs being provided in manufacture in Shenzen and led to the development of China through tax revenues here.

Question 32

What negative economic impacts does Apple have on its host countries?

Answer 32

Apple repatriates most of its profits to its HQ, meaning that host countries do not tend to benefit, also accused of avoiding corporation tax through operating across multiple countries. Many of those employed in Cork are EU migrants, hence Apple’s presence is not benefiting locals.

Question 33

What negative social impacts is Apple having on its host countries?

Answer 33

200,000 workers in Shenzen work on less than $100/month for more than 60 hours a week, sweatshop style conditions are used, uses child and student labour to manufacture products, 50 workers poisoned in manufacture in 2010.

Question 34

What responses have Apple taken to concerns over its ethical practices?

Answer 34

Apple settled with claimants out of court over poisoning allegations, has since created a supplier code of conduct which aims to ensure that working practices are improved with Apple and their suppliers.

Question 35

What negative environmental impacts is Apple having on its host countries?

Answer 35

Uses toxic chemicals in its manufacturing processes, factories discharge high levels of pollutants during the manufacturing process into Chinese water supplies, does not use renewable energy in its manufacture.

Question 36

What action has been taken by Apple to improve its environmental practices?

Answer 36

Apple now uses 75% renewable energy in its manufacture process and has invested in solar panels to power its data centres. It has removed toxic substances from its products and is promoting the recycling of its products.

Question 37

What instance is there of national governments being reactive in global governance?

Answer 37

National governments can be reactive by legislating for certain outcomes and reaching international agreements. This can be seen through the global response to the financial crisis of 2008 and efforts to reduce its impacts.

Question 38

What instance is there of national governments being proactive in global governance?

Answer 38

National govts may lobby for and contribute to international discussions. This is seen through the influence and involvement that some countries have on the UN Security Council (permanent members have greater power).

Question 39

What instance is there of TNCs being reactive in global governance?

Answer 39

TNCs adopt new codes of conduct and amend their practices when criticised or if dictated to do so by legislation. This saw Apple introduce a new supplier code of conduct following the use of poor working practices in its outsourced operations.

Question 40

What instance is there of TNCs being proactive?

Answer 40

TNCs can support the work of NGOs and international organisations. This was seen when British American Tobacco sponsored anti-smoking NGOs to publicise health risks from smoking and protect themselves from legal action.

Question 41

What instance is there of international organisations being reactive?

Answer 41

Intl. organisations respond to global events to advise national governments and publicise NGO work. This was seen through the WHO’s role in the response to contain the Ebola epidemic/Coronavirus pandemic and their advise to national governments.

Question 42

What instance is there of international organisations being proactive?

Answer 42

International organisations sponsor and facilitate discussions and agreements over issues. This was seen when the UNI Global Union and leading NGOs secured improved labour standards in Bangladesh.

Question 43

How does global governance create stability? What example is there of this?

Answer 43

Global cooperation and management of issues through shared conduct and common rules mean that the likelihood of conflict is reduced as countries find it harder to exploit each other. The WTO’s common laws on trade prevent trade conflict and the WHO’s pandemic management creates social stability.

Question 44

How does global governance promote growth? What example is there of this?

Answer 44

Global governance creates increased stability through the greater use of international institutions, meaning that increased economic growth can occur as a result. This can be seen through the WTO creating free trade and providing conditions for economic growth, as well as the use of World Bank development loans.

Question 45

What is the UN? What does its charter aim to achieve?

Answer 45

The UN is a body set up in 1945 to promote a fair and peaceful world. The UN’s charter aims to maintain peace and security, develop friendly relations between nations, settle disputes cooperatively.

Question 46

How does the UN promote growth through global governance?

Answer 46

The UN Millenium Development Goals have reduced the number of people living in poverty. These have led to increased numbers of people in primary schools and reduced child mortality rates. They have also introduced the 2015 and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Question 47

How does the UN promote stability through global governance?

Answer 47

UN peacekeeping missions have allowed peaceful elections to be held in the Ivory Coast after years of civil war, have also intervened in various global conflicts to preserve life.

Question 48

How does the UN promote inequality through global governance?

Answer 48

In the UN, HICs hold most power over UN decision making, while many decisions that are made by the UN about developing regions are done without any consulting of these areas in the final decision making.

Question 49

How does the UN promote injustice through global governance?

Answer 49

The UN has failed to be effective at times, with its peacekeeping missions in Srebrenica unable to prevent the massacre of Bosnian Serbs.

Question 50

What is the UNDP? What does it aim to achieve?

Answer 50

The UNDP is the UN Development Programme. This aims to eradicate global poverty and inequality.

Question 51

What benefits exist from the flows of people?

Answer 51

People are able to move for job opportunites from LICs to HICs/NEEs (London, Dubai, Singapore), allow labour shortages in these countries to be filled, people are able to support families back in peripheral regions, people can move to escape war and famine (Ukraine).

Question 52

What problems exist with flows of people (inequalities, conflict, justice)?

Answer 52

Inequalities: LICs suffer from the ‘brain drain’, reinforcing existing inequality between countries.
Conflict: low skilled migrants work for less money than low skilled locals, depressing wages and creating conflict between locals and migrants.
Justice: migrants may be forced to work in dangerous conditions. Seen in Qatar for WC2022.

Question 53

What benefits are there from flows of capital?

Answer 53

FDI allows foreign companies to take advantage of raw materials and low labour costs, while host countries can benefit from expertise. May improve living standards or build infrastructure.

Question 54

What problems (in terms of inequality, conflict and justice) are there from flows of capital?

Answer 54

Inequalities: foreign aid may create dependency on this source of money, reducing incentive for countries to finance development themselves.
Conflict: foreign aid may finance insurgents or armed conflicts if allocated incorrectly.
Justice: companies may pressure countries to weaken regulation to make investment more profitable.

Question 55

What benefits are there from flows of ideas? (ideas relating to trade)

Answer 55

Disengagement of governments from trading and deregulation of economies has created free trade. Trade between countries reduces conflict due to global interdependence. Enhanced wealth creation.

Question 56

What problems have been created by flows of ideas (relating to trade) in relation to inequality, conflict and justice?

Answer 56

Inequalities: neoliberalism tends to concentrate wealth in hands of few individuals and excessively favours large TNCs in HICs.
Conflict: wealth creation creates mass inequality, leading to conflict between rich and poor.
Justice: favours poor working conditions and deregulation of labour laws in order to generate wealth. Leads to lack of welfare and protection.

Question 57

What benefits exist of flows of technology?

Answer 57

Technology has begun to rapidly develop and advance, creating innovation in healthcare, security, comms. These developments can develop LICs as technology flows from HICs to LICs.

Question 58

What problems exist with flows of technology (in terms of inequalities and conflict)?

Answer 58

Inequalities: HICs can afford latest tech but LICs cannot, creating disparity between levels of tech in terms of comms and information.
Conflict: weapons manufactured and sold by HICs to LICs may end up possessed by oppressive governments, funding internal conflicts against a government’s own people.