GP- Global Governance: Political & Economic-The role of global civil society and non-state actors

Question 1

The Role of Global Civil Society and Non-State Actors
* Positive Roles:

Answer 1

• Charitable NGOs (e.g., International Red Cross, Oxfam) support global development projects.
  
  • International foundations (e.g., Carter, Clinton, Gates) encourage sustainable development.
  • Human rights NGOs (e.g., Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International) publicize human rights violations.
  • Gender equality groups (e.g., Global Fund for Women) promote action.
  • Environmental groups (e.g., Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace) raise climate crisis awareness.
  • Social groups (e.g., Black Lives Matter) encourage debate on issues like racial inequality.
  • Global opinion-formers (e.g., David Attenborough, Malala Yousafzai) promote action on global issues.
  • MNCs (multinational corporations) can commit to corporate social responsibility (e.g., Disney, Microsoft).

Question 2

The Role of Global Civil Society and Non-State Actors
* Negative Roles:

Answer 2

• MNCs (e.g., H&M, GAP) can exploit workers in developing countries.
  
  • MNCs (e.g., Shell) can cause environmental damage.
  • The internet and social media can spread extremist views, fake news, and misinformation.

Question 3

Does Economic Global Governance Reduce Global Poverty?

• Arguments for “Yes”:

Answer 3

• ECOSOC’s MDGs and SDGs have made progress (e.g., reduced extreme poverty, increased access to safe water).
  
  • The WTO has expanded membership and resolved trade disputes.
  • World Bank SAPs can help developing countries benefit from global trade.
  • The IMF provides emergency relief during economic crises.
  • The reduction of poverty in developing nations shows a reduction in the north south divide.

Question 4

Does Economic Global Governance Reduce Global Poverty?
* Arguments for “No”:

Answer 4

• Global crises (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, Ukraine war) have reversed progress.
  
  • The WTO has limitations (e.g., failure of the Doha trade round, inability to resolve US/China trade war).
  • World Bank SAPs are not always appropriate for developing countries.
  • IMF austerity programs can harm vulnerable populations.
  • Economic global governance does not fully protect workers’ rights or the environment.
  • Economic growth is uneven, with sub-Saharan Africa benefiting the least.