M23 TZ1 [16] National governments and MGOs lost control of global interactions Flashcards
Intro 1
Global interactions have changed a lot in recent years, causing national governments and multi-governmental organisations (MGOs) to interact in more complex ways in an increasingly interconnected world.
MGOs are organisations or countries that come together to form a single entity.
Intro 2
This essay will examine how much national governments and MGOs have lost control over global interactions, focusing on the influence of superpower states, the power of TNCs, the role of MGOs, and the impact of civil society organisations.
Superpower states
Point, evidence
Superpower states, particularly the United States, have increasingly utilised hard power to influence global interactions, especially in geopolitical conflicts.
A prominent example is the U.S. response to Russiaās invasion of Ukraine, where the U.S. has provided substantial military assistance to strengthen Ukraineās defence.
Superpower states
Explanation
This military aid not only demonstrates the U.S.ās commitment to supporting Ukraine but also serves to prevent further Russian aggression.
By using hard power through military support, the U.S. influences the balance of power in the region and reinforces its role as a global leader.
The USā hard power illustrates how superpower states can assert their influence over global interactions.
MGOs
Point, evidence
Multi-governmental organisations (MGOs) play a vital role in global interactions, introducing trade restrictions to address public health, safety, and environmental concerns.
These measures. These measures are often implemented to ensure that imported products meet domestic standards and regulations.
An example of this is the European Union ban on hormone-treated beef from the United States since 1989.
MGOs
Explanation
This restriction is based on concerns about potential health risks associated with growth hormones used in U.S. beef production.
The trade dispute over this ban has led to significant tensions between the U.S. and the EU, with the U.S. challenging the ban in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This ban allows the EU to protect consumer health and maintain its strict food safety standards.
TNCs
Point, evidence
Transnational corporations (TNCs) have emerged as powerful players in global interactions, often having control over national governments and MGOs.
Facebookās role in the spread of misinformation and its handling of user data have raised significant concerns about accountability and regulation.
The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Facebook data was abused for political advertising, demonstrates the challenges governments face in holding TNCs accountable.
TNCs
Explanation
Governments worldwide have struggled to effectively regulate Facebook, as the platform operates in various countries.
This illustrates how the power of TNCs like Facebook can overlook national regulations, making it harder for governments to assert control over free speech and information integrity.
Civil society organisations
Point, evidence
Civil Society organisations have become increasingly influential in global interactions, often challenging the authority of TNCs in situations national governments or MGOs are unable to.
An example of this is the Electronic Frontier Foundation raising concerns about Appleās plans in 2021 to implement a system that scans usersā iCloud photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Civil society organisations
explanation
The EFF argued that even a well-intentioned effort to combat child exploitation could lead to other abuses.
Such scanning technology would compromise Appleās commitment to user privacy and end-to-end encryption.
Following backlash from privacy advocates and the EFF, Apple ultimately decided to pause its plans.
This illustrates the power of civil society organisations in influencing corporate policies.