globalisation

Question 1

first para what is it
keohane and nye

Answer 1

Globalisation is an economic process of complex interdependence which is caused by trade and investment flows which has significantly affected the power of states. According to Keohane and Nye, globalization fosters complex interdependence where multiple channels connect states and societies beyond mere economic ties. This interconnectedness extends to trade, culture and communication making it challenging to pinpoint a dominant agenda. Consequently, globalization was predicted to diminish the reliance on military forces, as heavily interlinked nations would hesitate to resort to aggression against one another as it would severely damage the other. However, this interconnectedness is rarely equal and a power asymmetry is always present. A powerful state such as the US can exert significant influence on others leading to the famous saying ‘when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold’.

Question 2

second para health and safety

Answer 2

Firstly, globalization has challenged the health and safety standards where each state has their own safety standards over food. For example, the US permits the use of chlorine when washing chicken. However this is banned in the EU and UK due to health concerns. Such differences create trade barriers between states, which hinders trade and economic opportunities

Question 3

third para how does it challenge sovereignty

Answer 3

the interconnectedness fostered by globalization also challenges political sovereignty. International institutions like the world trade organization (WTO) establish global trade rules that can restrict a states freedom to set its own economic policies. Additionally, global issues like climate change and terrorism necessitate international cooperation, potentially forcing states to prioritize international agendas over purely domestic concerns. Non state actors such as terrorist groups that operate transactionally further complicate the security landscape. They pose threats that individual states may struggle to address alone, requiring international collaboration.

Question 4

final para how does it erode labor standards

Answer 4

One major concern lies in the erosion of labor standards. Globalization allows companies to relocate operations to countries with lower labor standards. For instance, a company might choose a country with minimal worker protections like bathroom breaks and minimum wage requirements over a country with stricter regulations. This pressures states into lowering their own standards to remain competitive and attract investment. Thus, the ability for companies to move freely across borders due to globalization restricts a states ability to enforce high labor standards.