Nothing Flashcards
1
Q
Time-space compression
A
Processes and technologies (internet, airplanes, etc.) that reduce the significance of distance and accelerate the experience of time
2
Q
Globalization
A
Concise Definitions for Flashcards
- ‘G’lobalization: Neoliberal political discourse emphasizing free markets and policies like trade liberalization, privatization, and deregulation, often presented as the only option (“TINA”).
- ‘g’lobalization: Increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of global processes, involving the stretching of social relations, intensified flows and networks, interpenetration of practices, and emergence of global institutions. Characterized by unevenness and mutuality.
3
Q
Discourse:
A
A group of statements that provide a language for talking about–i.e. a way of representing–a particular kind of knowledge about a topic. For example, the discourse of ‘the West and the Rest’ is a way of representing the West, the Rest, and the relations between them.
4
Q
International institutions
A
Organizations established by treaties between nations to facilitate and regulate international cooperation, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund
5
Q
Global North/Global South
A
Broad terms used to distinguish between wealthier, more industrialized countries (Global North) and poorer, less industrialized countries (Global South). Though often used interchangeably with “developed” and “underdeveloped,” these terms acknowledge the historical and ongoing relationships between these regions shaped by colonialism, neocolonialism, and uneven development.
6
Q
Uneven Development
A
A key concept describing the unequal distribution of wealth and resources across the globe [18, 19]. It highlights how globalization and capitalism create spatial disparities, concentrating wealth and development in certain areas while exacerbating poverty in others.
7
Q
$$ Structural Adjustment Programs
A
Economic policies imposed on developing countries by the World Bank and IMF, often as conditions for receiving loans and aid, based on neoliberal free-market principles like trade liberalization, privatization, deregulation, and fiscal austerity. SAPs have been criticized for exacerbating poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation in developing countries.
-Structural adjustment programs (SAPs) are loans provided to countries in economic crisis by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The goal of SAPs is to improve a country’s international competitiveness, restore its balance of payments, and adjust its economic structure.
SAPs are based on conditional lending, which means that countries must adopt specific policies to receive the loan. These policies typically include economic reforms, such as:
Free market reforms
Eliminating restrictions on trade
Eliminating economic distortions, such as high fiscal deficits, overvalued exchange rates, and inefficient public services
8
Q
Proxy Wars
A
Conflicts in which powerful countries indirectly engage in warfare by supporting opposing sides in a local or regional conflict, often during the Cold War. This concept is related to the Eurocentric periodization of war and highlights how global power dynamics influence the nature and location of armed conflicts
9
Q
Eurocentric Periodization of War
A
A critique of the dominant understanding of warfare that prioritizes European historical experiences and categories, often overlooking the significance of conflicts and forms of violence occurring outside of Europe. This bias obscures the long history of global interconnections and violence that predates the modern nation-state system
10
Q
Permanent War
A
The idea that war has become a continuous and normalized state in the modern world, particularly in relation to the Global War on Terror. This concept is linked to critiques of militarization, surveillance, and the erosion of civil liberties.
11
Q
Borders
A
Lines of demarcation that create boundaries between different political and social spaces. Borders play a crucial role in regulating movement, access to resources, and shaping identities [24]. National borders, in particular, are a key feature of the modern nation-state system and are increasingly being hardened to restrict the movement of people, especially migrants and refugees.
12
Q
National Borders
A
A type of border specifically demarcating the territorial limits of a sovereign state. They function as key sites of control and exclusion in the global border regime, reinforcing inequalities and shaping migration patterns
-National borders are political boundaries that separate countries, states, and other regions. They can be defined by natural features like oceans and terrain, or by political entities like governments
13
Q
Regimes of Mobility Management
A
Systems and practices used by states and international organizations to control and regulate the movement of people across borders [21]. These regimes often discriminate against certain groups, such as refugees and migrants from the Global South, reflecting global power dynamics and contributing to differential mobilities
14
Q
Migration (trends, patterns)
A
he movement of people from one place to another, often across borders. Migration patterns have been significantly shaped by globalization, economic disparities, conflict, and climate change [21]. Recent trends suggest increasing numbers of migrants and refugees globally, leading to what some call a “global migration crisis”
15
Q
Global Migration Crisis
A
A term used to describe the perceived challenges associated with increasing numbers of migrants and refugees worldwide, often framed in terms of security threats and economic burdens. This discourse often overlooks the complex factors driving migration and the human rights of migrants
16
Q
Push, Pull, and Relational Explanations for Migration
A
Different theoretical frameworks for understanding the causes of migration.
Push factors refer to conditions in the country of origin that drive people to leave, such as poverty, conflict, or environmental degradation.
Pull factors are attractive conditions in the destination country that draw migrants, such as job opportunities or better living standards.
Relational explanations emphasize the social networks and connections between migrants and their communities of origin and destination, highlighting the role of family ties, social capital, and information flows in shaping migration decisions
17
Q
Differential Mobilities
A
The concept that different groups and individuals experience varying degrees of freedom of movement and control over their mobility [26]. These differences are shaped by factors such as nationality, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, reflecting and reinforcing global power inequalities.
18
Q
Hardening Borders
A
The trend of increasing border security measures, including physical walls, surveillance technologies, and stricter immigration policies, aimed at restricting the movement of people across borders [27]. This phenomenon is often linked to anxieties about migration and terrorism, but it also has significant implications for human rights and economic development
19
Q
NAFTA (impacts on migration)
A
The North American Free Trade Agreement, implemented in 1994, aimed to liberalize trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While intended to boost economic growth, NAFTA has been linked to increased migration from Mexico to the United States, particularly among displaced agricultural workers
20
Q
Border Myths
A
Misconceptions and false narratives about migration, often used to justify restrictive border policies and fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. These myths often portray migrants as criminals, economic burdens, or threats to national security, ignoring the complex realities of migration and the contributions of immigrants
21
Q
Prevention Through Deterrence
A
A border control strategy employed by the United States that relies on making migration increasingly dangerous and difficult in order to deter people from attempting to cross the border irregularly. This policy has been criticized for its humanitarian consequences, leading to increased deaths and suffering among migrants in border regions
22
Q
The Right to Move
A
A concept advocating for the freedom of movement as a fundamental human right, challenging the restrictive nature of national borders and advocating for greater mobility for all people, regardless of their origin or status
23
Q
The Right to Remain
A
A concept emphasizing the right of people to stay in their place of origin with dignity and security, challenging the conditions that force people to migrate and advocating for social and economic justice within countries of origin
24
Q
Culture
A
The shared beliefs, values, practices, and artifacts of a particular group of people. Culture is not static but rather mutable and contested, shaped by global processes and local adaptations
25
Power Geometries
Massey’s concept describing the unequal distribution of power in relation to mobility and flows [3]. It highlights how different social groups experience varying degrees of control over movement and access to resources, reflecting and reinforcing global power dynamics
26
Multicolored Map
A metaphorical representation of the world that acknowledges the diversity and complexity of cultures, rejecting the simplistic binary of “the West and the Rest” [32]. This concept emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of global cultural processes that goes beyond Eurocentric perspectives
27
Isomorphism
An idea of contemporary national societies that sees them as separate, bounded units
Static/uniformity of culture in bounded areas (we are arguing against this )
28
Cultural Imperialism
The imposition of one culture’s beliefs, values, and practices on another, often through unequal power relations. This concept is often used to critique the global dominance of Western culture, particularly through media and consumer goods
29
Cultural Homogenization
The idea that globalization is leading to a flattening of cultural differences, resulting in a more homogenous global culture. This concept is often debated, with some arguing that globalization also leads to hybridity and the emergence of new cultural forms
30
Massey’s Global Sense of Place
Massey’s argument for a progressive understanding of place that recognizes the uniqueness and dynamism of localities in the context of globalization [34, 35]. This concept rejects the notion of place as static or bounded and instead emphasizes the fluidity and interconnectedness of places in a globalized world
31
Local Distinctiveness
The unique characteristics and identities of particular places, shaped by their history, culture, and interactions with global forces [35]. Massey argues that globalization does not necessarily lead to cultural homogenization but rather to the reconfiguration of local distinctiveness through global interconnections
32
State Sovereignty
The supreme authority of a state within its territorial boundaries. Globalization has been seen as both challenging and reinforcing state sovereignty, raising questions about the balance of power between states and international institutions.
33
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
A landmark document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining fundamental human rights that should be universally protected. The UDHR has played a significant role in shaping international law and promoting human rights globally, although its implementation and interpretation remain contested
34
Human Rights (origins of concept; types of rights; application to local places)
Origins: Rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and natural law traditions, the modern concept of human rights emerged in the aftermath of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, leading to the adoption of the UDHR.
Types of Rights: The UDHR encompasses a wide range of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Application to Local Places: The translation of human rights principles into specific local contexts is a complex process, involving negotiation, adaptation, and potential conflicts with cultural norms and practices
35
Cultural Relativism
The idea that cultural values and practices should be understood within their own context, challenging universalist notions of human rights and morality. This concept raises important questions about the applicability and universality of human rights norms across diverse cultural settings
-Cultural relativism is the idea that people should understand and value the beliefs, behaviors, and practices of others within the context of their own culture, rather than judging them by their own cultural standards. Cultural relativism suggests that all points of view are equally valid, and that truth is relative and determined by the individual or their culture
36
Translation into the Vernacular
The process of adapting and making human rights principles accessible and meaningful within specific cultural contexts [29]. This involves translating legal language and concepts into local languages and cultural frameworks, ensuring that human rights are not simply imposed but rather understood and embraced by local communities
37
Global Warming
The long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases [32]. This phenomenon is a key driver of climate change and its associated impacts
38
Climate Change (causes and effects; unevenness
Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities.
Causes: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming and climate change [17].
Effects: Climate change is causing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, shifts in agricultural patterns, and displacement of populations [17].
Unevenness: The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed, with the Global South disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters and environmental degradation, despite contributing less to global greenhouse gas emissions [17].
39
IPCC
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a leading international body of scientists that assesses and synthesizes scientific research on climate change. The IPCC’s reports provide policymakers with crucial information on the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to climate change
40
Anthropocene
A proposed geological epoch marking the period in Earth’s history where human activity has become the dominant influence on the planet’s climate and environment [32]. This concept highlights the profound impact of human actions on the planet and the need for a more sustainable relationship with the natural world
41
CO2 Emissions (different ways of measuring): Carbon dioxide emissions
a major greenhouse gas, are measured in various ways to assess the impact of different countries and industries on climate change. Some common measures include:
Total emissions: The overall amount of CO2 released by a country or entity.
Per capita emissions: CO2 emissions divided by the population, providing a measure of individual consumption and impact.
Historical emissions: The cumulative amount of CO2 emitted over a specific period, highlighting the responsibility of industrialized nations for historical greenhouse gas emissions
42
Climate Refugees:
People forced to migrate due to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, or drought. This term highlights the growing link between climate change and displacement, raising questions about responsibility and the need for international protection mechanisms for climate-displaced populations
43
Climate Apartheid
A term describing the potential for climate change to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, creating a world where the wealthy are able to shield themselves from the worst impacts of climate change while the poor and marginalized suffer disproportionately
44
Climate Colonialism
Climate apartheid on a international scale
he continuation of colonial patterns of exploitation and domination in the context of climate change. This concept highlights how wealthy, industrialized nations, often those with histories of colonialism, continue to benefit from practices that contribute to climate change while shifting the burdens of climate impacts onto less-developed countries
45
Climate Reparations:
The idea that wealthy nations, historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, should provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries to address the impacts of climate change and support their transition to sustainable development
46
Distributive Justice
A principle of fairness in the allocation of resources and burdens, relevant to climate change in terms of addressing the unequal distribution of climate impacts and responsibilities [32]. Climate reparations are often framed as a matter of distributive justice, aiming to compensate those who have been disproportionately harmed by climate change
-Distributive justice in the context of climate change" refers to the principle of fairly distributing the burdens and benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, meaning those who contribute most to the problem should bear the greatest responsibility for addressing it, and those most vulnerable to its impacts should receive the most support; essentially, ensuring that no group or community disproportionately suffers from the effects of climate change due to their lower contribution to emissions
47
Multilateralism
Cooperation between multiple countries to address global challenges, such as climate change. This approach emphasizes international agreements and institutions as key mechanisms for coordinating action and sharing responsibilities in tackling climate change
48
UNFCCC
he United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international treaty adopted in 1992, aiming to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions and prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC provides the framework for international climate negotiations and agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement
49
Climate Debt
The concept that wealthy nations owe a debt to developing countries for the historical and ongoing impacts of their greenhouse gas emissions [17]. This debt is based on the idea that industrialized nations have benefited from carbon-intensive development while shifting the burdens of climate change onto less-developed countries
50
Adaptation
Measures taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change that are already occurring or are expected to occur in the future. Adaptation strategies aim to reduce vulnerability to climate risks and enhance resilience to climate-related challenges
51
Mitigation
Actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to limit the severity of future climate change. Mitigation strategies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting forests
52
Loss and Damages
The unavoidable and irreparable harm caused by climate change, exceeding the limits of adaptation. This concept acknowledges that some climate impacts are already occurring and will continue to intensify, requiring financial and technological support for affected communities
53
social Determinants of Health
The social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. These determinants encompass a wide range of factors, including poverty, education, housing, access to healthcare, and social support networks
54
Global Health Disparities
The unequal distribution of health and healthcare across the globe, with significant differences in life expectancy, disease burden, and access to quality medical care between wealthy and poor countries
Shaped by structural violence of colonialism, racism, uneven development, and poverty.
55
Disease Burden
The impact of a particular disease on a population, measured in terms of mortality, morbidity, and disability. Global health disparities are evident in the unequal distribution of disease burden, with developing countries disproportionately affected by infectious diseases and preventable health conditions
56
Communicable/Non-Communicable Diseases
two broad categories of diseases:
Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are spread from person to person or through vectors, such as mosquitoes. Examples include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria [43].
Non-communicable diseases are not infectious and are often associated with lifestyle factors and chronic conditions. Examples include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
57
Biosocial Analysis
An approach to understanding health that considers both biological and social factors, recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by a complex interplay of biological processes, social structures, and environmental influences
58
Resocializing Disciplines
Interrogate claims of casualty
- how and why illness occurs in people in particular places
- why and how disparities exist
Include disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, and political economy.
A call to integrate social science perspectives into the study of global health, moving beyond purely biomedical approaches to consider the social, economic, and political contexts that shape health outcomes
59
Structural Violence
A concept describing how social structures and institutions can systematically harm or disadvantage certain groups of people, leading to inequalities in health, well-being, and life chances [44, 45]. Paul Farmer argues that structural violence is a key factor driving global health disparities, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of poverty and inequality
60
HIV/AIDS
A global pandemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to other infections and diseases. HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on global health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the need for access to prevention, treatment, and care
61
Global Health Equity
A goal of achieving fairness and justice in health outcomes and access to healthcare for all people, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status [46]. Global health equity requires addressing the root causes of health disparities, including poverty, inequality, and structural violence, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full health potential
62
Barkawi
- "Decolonizing war":
- Eurocentric periodization of war:
- Battle vs. repression (vs. war vs. peace): War is not only the way to think about things, but also repression / coercion; not just "Great wars" (Eurocentric) but also effects of things like colonialism/imperialism, other types of violence
- Permanent War: Always a political force at play that is at war / coercive / repressive force (spectrum of conflict)
○ Related to structural violence
- Proxy Wars: Conflict where international actors are involved but not the location of the conflict, self-interested involvement (usually)
A war that is fought by two states indirectly. (Cold War when the US and USSR
supported different sides of the Korean War)
- War optimism: Overconfidence in war vs. real level of destruction
- Other related ideas: War changing / war becoming less common --> violence is reduced? Or do we need to understand war as less of a binary ; battle/repression. Who internalizes the costs of war?
Case study discussed in the slides: Russia/Ukraine conflict (review this if you haven't!)
- ### Barkawi's Critique of Eurocentric Conceptions of War
Barkawi argues that the conventional Western understanding of war, rooted in a **war/peace binary** and focused on interstate conflict between nation-states, is insufficient for grasping the realities of war in the Global South. This Eurocentric concept of war, he argues, fails to acknowledge the persistent impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism, which have normalized violence and blurred the lines between war and peace in many contexts. Instead of relying on this limited binary, Barkawi proposes a **battle/repression** schema, where **battle** represents the armed resistance of oppressed peoples and **repression** encompasses the coercive measures employed by dominant actors to maintain control. This framework, he contends, facilitates a more nuanced and global understanding of conflict that accounts for the historical and ongoing dynamics of power, violence, and resistance in a world where the distinction between war and peace is often obscured.
63
De Leon
- Chapter 1 and Chapter 4: Land of Open Graves
- State of exception: Legal privileges for citizens but not migrants (at border) -- people stripped of protections under the law
- Deterrence displacement strategy (1993): change of border at US/Mexico border (related to PTD)
○ Illegal immigration vs. death trying to cross the border
- ### De Leon's Ethnographic Approach to Migration
Jason De Leon, in *The Land of Open Graves*, utilizes an ethnographic approach to examine the realities of migration across the U.S.-Mexico border. His work is based on a long-term study involving numerous scholars who employ mixed methods, including ethnography. De Leon’s research specifically focuses on the consequences of the U.S. Border Patrol policy known as "Prevention Through Deterrence". This policy, according to De Leon, outsources border enforcement to the natural environment, creating a dangerous and deadly landscape for migrants. This connects to our previous conversation about Reece Jones, who also criticizes “Prevention Through Deterrence” for leading to increased violence and deaths at the border.
64
Jones
Jones' Argument in *Violent Borders*
Reece Jones argues that current border policies are unjust and that they reinforce global inequality. He asserts that borders function to limit the movement of people from the Global South who are seeking better opportunities. Jones argues that the current system of border enforcement has led to increased militarization and violence at borders, which is illustrated by the U.S. policy of "Prevention Through Deterrence." Jones advocates for a "right to move" and believes that greater freedom of movement would benefit all people.
65
Massey
: A Global Sense of Place Key terms:
Power geometries: Unequal access to / relationship with mobility
- Reinforcing existing inequalities between populations
- Gender, race, social classes --> All have different power
Local distinctiveness: Places are processes and affected by local culture
- Argues against cultural homogenization
Space-time compression
Time-space compression (Massey reading): technological advancements reduce distance/time between people and places; example of tech: internet
- Argument relates to cultural homogenization
- Globalization and time-space compression
- Power geometries: who gets to shape culture? Gender, class, race, etc.
- ### A Global Sense of Place
Doreen Massey, in "A Global Sense of Place", challenges the notion that globalization leads to cultural homogenization and the erosion of local distinctiveness. She argues against simplistic conceptions of place as static, bounded entities with singular identities. Instead, Massey proposes a “global sense of place,” which emphasizes that places are dynamic and interconnected, shaped by the intersection of multiple, far-reaching relations and characterized by multiple identities. She illustrates this concept through the example of Kilburn High Road, her local shopping center in London, where a diverse array of cultures and histories converge. This perspective encourages us to recognize the complexities of cultural change in a globalized world, where local distinctiveness is not erased but rather reconfigured through interactions with global flows of people, ideas, and commodities.
66
Hawkins and Wasserstrom
○ Local distinctiveness --> Western ideas to Chinese contexts (KFC, McDonald's)
○ Not cultural homogenization
- Argues against/in conversation with Friedman World is Flat
-### Hawkins & Wasserstrom's Perspective on Chinese Culture
Hawkins and Wasserstrom challenge simplistic views of Chinese culture that present it as either entirely adhering to or completely breaking from tradition. They critique interpretations that portray the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as merely replicating Soviet practices or as simply fitting into an unchanging imperial model. Instead, they argue for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the complexities of cultural change in China, acknowledging both continuities and ruptures with the past. This perspective aligns with our previous discussions about cultural relativism, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural practices and recognizes that cultures are not static entities, but rather evolve and adapt over time.
67
Engle Merry
Human rights are also cultural; translating culture; use of intermediaries
- ### Engle Merry's Argument for Translating Human Rights
**Sally Engle Merry, in “Culture and Transnationalism,” argues that the effectiveness of international human rights law hinges on its translation into local contexts, where meanings and power dynamics vary significantly.** She highlights the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as key actors in this translation process, bridging the gap between global norms and local understandings of gender, violence, and justice. Merry emphasizes that this translation is not a straightforward process, as it involves navigating diverse cultural perspectives and negotiating power dynamics at various levels, from international conferences to local communities. This connects to our previous conversations about cultural relativism and the importance of understanding cultural differences. Engle Merry’s work emphasizes how the idea of “culture” is used in various ways, sometimes to resist human rights by invoking cultural exceptionalism, and sometimes to romanticize culture as a static entity in opposition to globalization. She suggests that this translation process requires careful consideration of the complexities of cultural change and the need for a nuanced understanding of how global norms can be adapted to local contexts while upholding the core principles of human rights.
68
Eshet
Eshet's Argument for Eleanor Roosevelt's Role in the UDHR
Dan Eshet, in *Fundamental Freedoms: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,* and the accompanying video, argue that **Eleanor Roosevelt played a crucial role in the drafting and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights**. While acknowledging the contributions of other figures like John Humphrey, René Cassin, and Charles Malik, Eshet highlights Roosevelt's skill in directing the drafting process, maintaining simplicity and practicality in the language of the document, and achieving consensus among diverse perspectives. Eshet suggests that Roosevelt's personal experiences with loss and her commitment to social justice, shaped by her upbringing and her work as First Lady, informed her vision for a postwar world founded on universal human rights. The sources emphasize Roosevelt's ability to navigate complex ideological debates, as illustrated by her handling of the contentious issue of religious freedom during the drafting process. Eshet concludes that Roosevelt's leadership was essential to the successful completion of the UDHR, which continues to serve as a foundational document for international human rights law.
69
Lustgarten (ProPublica article)
Climate refugees
Differential effects of climate change / uneven development Migration (trends and patterns) -- predicted in the ProPublic piece!
- The authors of the ProPublica article, "Where Will Everyone Go?", posit that climate change is driving migration as once-fertile regions become increasingly uninhabitable. They project a massive wave of climate migration in the coming decades, primarily from regions like Central America and Southeast Asia to wealthier nations in the Global North, including the United States. The article highlights that this migration will likely lead to increased urbanization and strain resources, potentially destabilizing societies and leading to conflict. The authors present two possible scenarios: one with open borders and another with hardened borders. They argue that open borders, while posing challenges, could offer benefits like a more diverse workforce for countries with declining populations. Conversely, they suggest that hardened borders will exacerbate suffering in the Global South and trap millions in increasingly desperate situations. Ultimately, the authors call for a proactive approach to climate migration, advocating for policies that address climate change, aid vulnerable regions, and prepare for the inevitable influx of migrants seeking refuge from the changing climate.
70
Adow
Climate Debt: There is a 'debt' of high emitter countries that were able to develop to developing countries that can't develop in the same, high-emission way
- The author, a native of northern Kenya, argues that **climate change has profoundly impacted pastoralist communities in the Global South, particularly in Africa, and that wealthy nations bear a significant responsibility to address this injustice.** The author highlights the lived experiences of pastoralists, who are increasingly vulnerable to droughts and other climate-related disasters, forcing many to abandon their traditional livelihoods. The sources emphasize the disparity in greenhouse gas emissions between developed and developing countries, noting that the former have historically contributed disproportionately to the climate crisis while the latter bear the brunt of its consequences. This aligns with Sparke’s critique of globalization, which highlights the uneven distribution of benefits and burdens associated with global processes, and Farmer's concept of "structural violence," where historical and economic forces shape health inequalities. The author calls for increased financial assistance from wealthy nations to support adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries, emphasizing the moral obligation of historical polluters to address the climate crisis they have created. They criticize the inadequate funding currently offered and the emphasis on mitigation over adaptation, highlighting the need for a more equitable approach that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable communities.
71
Táíwò and Cibralic
Táíwò and Cibralic argue that the international community must adopt a climate reparations approach to address the climate crisis, rather than continuing with the status quo which will likely result in climate colonialism. They contend that climate change will exacerbate existing global inequalities caused by colonialism and that wealthy countries are obligated to help mitigate the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populations. They propose a two-pronged approach: first, increasing developed countries’ contributions to climate change mitigation efforts; and second, reforming the international refugee regime to accommodate the growing number of climate refugees. They reject the current system of warehousing refugees and advocate for increased migration from the global south. Instead, they argue that the international community must acknowledge the West’s role in creating the climate crisis and adopt policies that promote a more just and equitable distribution of resources and responsibilities. This includes considering the entitlement of people from the Global South to a form of “First World citizenship” that challenges the right of states to exclude climate refugees.
72
Farmer
- Biosocial Analysis: Medicine + public health (population-level) + "re-socializing disciplines" (history, economic, etc.)
- biology (like genetics or health) and social factors (like culture, environment, or relationships) work together to shape human behavior and experiences
- HIV/AIDS
○ Access to testing, access to medicine, access to treatment, access to doctors
- Haiti as a key case study for HIV/AIDS / recall the Daily Podcast
○ Structural Violence
○ Colonialism, double debt, military occupation, Election interference/sanctions, Trade dependence, North American sexual tourism
- Paul Farmer, in "An Anthropology of Structural Violence," argues that the prevailing focus on individual behaviors and cultural beliefs in global health discourse often obscures the larger historical and socioeconomic forces that shape health inequalities, a phenomenon he terms "structural violence." Farmer contends that an understanding of the deep historical roots of poverty and inequality, stemming from legacies of colonialism, slavery, and debt, is essential for understanding contemporary health crises, particularly in postcolonial settings like Haiti. Drawing on his experiences working with patients in Haiti, Farmer emphasizes that the suffering caused by infectious diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis is not simply a matter of individual risk factors or cultural practices, but rather is deeply embedded in enduring structures of inequality that constrain agency and limit access to resources, including healthcare. This perspective, he argues, demands a shift in focus from blaming victims to analyzing and addressing the broader political and economic forces that produce and perpetuate health disparities.
73
Les Sauteurs (Directors: Estephan Wagner, Moritz Siebert, Abou Bakar Sidibé)
-- Those Who Jump (Les Sauteurs)
○ Melilla / Spanish enclave in Morocco
○ Abu (cameraman) -- who has access to movement? Who is able to migrate?
○ Push / Pull factors to migration
○ Borders as a social process
○ Related to: Regime of mobility management: upholding borders thru surveillance, violence, etc.
Prevention through deterrence (PTD): discouraging migration by making it more dangerous (De Leon reading)
Global migration crisis: Uneven development / historically marginalized countries (e.g., Sub-saharan
Africa) trying to migrate; differential mobility
- "Those Who Jump" (Les Sauteurs), a documentary film, provides a firsthand perspective on the struggles of sub-Saharan African migrants attempting to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Melilla. This echoes the conversation surrounding the sources about Rwanda's community healthcare system after the genocide, particularly the concept of structural violence as highlighted by Paul Farmer. While Rwanda has made strides in healthcare, "Those Who Jump" illuminates a different facet of structural violence. The film portrays the harsh realities these migrants face, including poverty, conflict, and persecution in their home countries, which forces them to seek a better life elsewhere, mirroring the challenges faced by climate migrants discussed in previous conversations. Much like the community health workers in Rwanda, these migrants demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in navigating a system that often marginalizes and exploits them. Please note that this response utilizes outside knowledge of the film "Those Who Jump" and is not derived from the sources provided.
74
Facing History video
The Facing History video, "Fundamental Freedoms: Eleanor Roosevelt, the Holocaust, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," explores **Eleanor Roosevelt's work in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in the wake of World War II and the Holocaust**. Scholar Allida Black explains how the document was drafted by an international committee led by Roosevelt. It stemmed from the UN's mission to prevent future atrocities and "reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights". The sources elaborate on Roosevelt's journey, revealing that her commitment to human rights developed from her early work on social justice issues in the United States and expanded as she witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust. Through her leadership, Roosevelt championed the UDHR, aiming to establish a global framework for the protection of individual rights and freedoms, ensuring that the atrocities of the past would not be repeated.
75
To Kill a Tiger (Director: Nisha Pahuja)
- Sexual assault case of a young girl in SE India
- Key ideas and terms:
○ Translating rights into the vernacular
○ Cultural translation (Engle-Merry): Global rights need to be translated/localized
Balancing act between universality and locality
Cultural relativism: human rights should be evaluated in the context of a specific culture
○ The role of cultural intermediaries: help to translate culture
NGOs, activists, local leaders, etc.
- Recall the scene of the intermediary talking to the women in the village
- "To Kill a Tiger", directed by Nisha Pahuja, examines the aftermath of the gang rape of a young girl in India and the struggle of her family to seek justice within a patriarchal and often corrupt system. The film focuses on the girl's father, who defies social norms and risks his family's safety and standing in the community by pursuing legal action against the perpetrators. This echoes themes of injustice and power dynamics that resonate with our previous conversations about globalization, structural violence, and the challenges of translating human rights principles into local contexts. The film provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities of gender, violence, and justice within a specific cultural setting, prompting viewers to consider the broader implications for women's rights and the fight against impunity in a global context. Please note that this response is based on my general knowledge and understanding of the film "To Kill a Tiger" and is not derived from the sources you provided.
76
PBS Newshour segment on Rwanda’s post-genocide health system
- From Global Health (week 10)
- Post-genocide Rwanda affected by instability, poverty, dysfunctional medical systems
○ PIH work with local leaders/locally trained paraprofessionals --> preventative medicine
○ Greatly reduced child mortality (malnutrition, preventable illnesses)
○ Partner org worked with government to build capacity within Rwanda
- Key term/readings this is related to:
○ Engle-Merry reading?
○ Localization of care
○ Uneven development / historical continuity
○ Structural violence: Systematic/systemic violence that's upheld by institutions/governments (Farmer) -- healthcare, employment, economic activity, etc.
○ Communicable/noncommunicable disease
- "Rwanda rebuilds after genocide with focus on community health care" highlights the remarkable progress Rwanda has made in improving healthcare and reducing poverty in the two decades following the 1994 genocide. The article emphasizes the role of community health workers, like Bosco Ntawugiruwe, who play a crucial role in providing basic healthcare services and connecting people to regional health centers. This focus on community-based healthcare aligns with Paul Farmer's concept of "structural violence," discussed in our conversation, which emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health disparities, rather than simply focusing on individual behaviors. The article also credits the Rwandan government's commitment to public healthcare and its partnership with organizations like Partners in Health for the country's successes. This resonates with Engle Merry's work on translating human rights into local contexts, highlighting the importance of collaboration between international organizations and local actors. The piece underscores Rwanda's progress in key areas like reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and expanding access to treatment for diseases like cancer, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges the country faces. The article concludes by suggesting that Rwanda's post-genocide resurgence in healthcare can serve as a model for other nations seeking to improve health outcomes for their citizens.
77
cc Push/pull factors to migration
Push/Pull Factors and Migration
**Push factors** are negative conditions in a person's home country that encourage them to leave, such as conflict, poverty, or lack of opportunity. **Pull factors**, conversely, are positive attributes of a destination country that attract migrants, such as better economic prospects, safety, or greater freedoms. Both factors are used to explain migration patterns, but they can be overly simplistic. They tend to view migration as a linear process driven by individual choices, overlooking the complex interplay of global and local forces that influence migration decisions. The relationship between **push** and **pull** factors is intertwined, as many **push** factors are often a consequence of global economic and political structures shaped by the same countries that present **pull** factors. For example, global trade policies that benefit wealthy nations can lead to economic hardship in developing countries, creating a "push" for migration towards the wealthier nations. Understanding migration requires a more nuanced approach that considers the interconnectedness of global forces and local realities.
78
cc Adaptation vs. mitigation (climate change)
Adaptation vs. Mitigation: Addressing the Climate Crisis
**Adaptation** involves adjusting to the actual or expected effects of climate change, aiming to minimize negative impacts or seize beneficial opportunities . **Mitigation**, in contrast, focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the severity of future climate change . Both strategies are critical for addressing the climate crisis, but they differ in their timelines and objectives . **Adaptation** tackles present and unavoidable impacts , while **mitigation** strives to prevent more drastic future consequences . The two are interconnected, as effective mitigation can reduce future adaptation needs, but adaptation remains essential as some climate change is inevitable due to past emissions . A balanced approach incorporating both **adaptation** and **mitigation**, supported by global cooperation and investment, is crucial for a comprehensive climate response .
79
cc Right to move, right to remain
Comparing and Contrasting "Right to Move" and "Right to Remain"
The **Right to Move** advocates for the freedom of individuals to move between countries without restriction. The **Right to Remain**, conversely, emphasizes the right of individuals to stay in their home countries without being forced to migrate due to factors like poverty or climate change. Both rights aim to address global inequalities in wealth and opportunity. However, they differ in their approaches: the **Right to Move** focuses on equalizing access to opportunities globally, while the **Right to Remain** seeks to improve conditions in origin countries so migration becomes a choice rather than a necessity. The relationship between these two rights is complex and interdependent, as achieving one may rely on progress in the other. Ultimately, both rights are necessary for a more just and equitable world, where movement is a right, not a privilege determined by circumstance.
80
cc Isomorphism/cultural homogenization vs. Cultural relativism
Isomorphism is a view of the world that sees modern national societies as separate, bounded units, implying that each society is distinct and self-contained. However, **cultural homogenization** suggests globalization could lead to the dominance of certain cultures, especially Western culture, leading to a world with less cultural diversity. Some argue that this is already occurring as Western goods, media, and ideas spread globally. **Cultural relativism** posits that what is considered right or wrong is specific to each culture, recognizing that moral principles and social norms are not universal but are shaped by each culture's unique context. While both cultural homogenization and cultural relativism respond to globalization, they offer different perspectives: cultural homogenization views globalization as a threat to cultural diversity, whereas cultural relativism sees it as a chance to appreciate different cultures. The sources lean more towards cultural relativism, suggesting globalization can contribute to "local distinctiveness". Globalization can change social relationships and create new and unique places while respecting different cultural values.
81
cc Permanent wars, proxy wars, battle/repression
Understanding War in a Global Context
**Permanent war** is a concept that challenges the traditional war/peace binary by suggesting that the use of force is an ordinary and ongoing aspect of politics, particularly in the context of colonialism and post-colonial societies. **Proxy wars** are conflicts where major powers use third parties as substitutes rather than directly engaging with each other. **Battle/repression** is a schema that Barkawi proposes as an alternative to the war/peace binary, highlighting the interplay between armed resistance (**battle**) and the coercive power of the state or other dominant actors (**repression**). These three concepts are interconnected in the sense that they all point to a broader understanding of war that extends beyond traditional definitions. **Permanent war** can create the conditions for **proxy wars**, where major powers seek to maintain dominance without engaging in direct conflict. Both **permanent war** and **proxy war** often involve elements of **battle** and **repression**, as dominant powers seek to maintain control through a combination of armed force and coercive measures. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these concepts helps to decolonize the understanding of war by acknowledging the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism on conflict dynamics in the Global South and beyond.
82
barkawi war
Explaining Barkawi's Concept of "Battle/Repression"
Barkawi introduces the **battle/repression schema** as a more fitting framework for understanding war than the traditional Western **war/peace binary**. He argues that the Western concept of war, focused on interstate conflict between nation-states with clearly defined periods of war and peace, is inadequate for capturing the realities of conflict in the Global South.
**Battle**, in Barkawi's schema, represents **armed resistance or reciprocal violence**, reflecting the aspirations of oppressed people to fight for their liberation. He cites Fanon's observation that colonized people dream of engaging in battles like Adwa, Tsushima Straits, or Dien Bien Phu, seeking to emulate historical victories against colonial powers.
**Repression**, on the other hand, encompasses the **coercive power of the state or other dominant actors**. This can manifest as the threat of force, surveillance, punitive expeditions, police actions, or the use of spies and death squads. Barkawi emphasizes that repression doesn't always involve direct violence, but the **threat of violence** is always present, shaping the behavior of those subject to it.
He argues that in many contexts, particularly in the Global South, **violence is not limited to distinct periods of war**. Instead, it exists as a **continuous presence**, blurring the lines between war and peace. This concept aligns with the idea of "**permanent war**" discussed in our previous conversation, where the use of force becomes normalized as a tool of political control.
The battle/repression schema highlights how **power dynamics** shape the experience of war and violence. It acknowledges the agency of those who resist oppression through **battle**, while also recognizing the pervasive nature of **repression** that can extend far beyond conventional battlefields and into everyday life.
By shifting the focus from a war/peace binary to a battle/repression schema, Barkawi aims to **decolonize the concept of war**. He encourages a more **nuanced and global understanding of conflict** that accounts for the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and neocolonialism. This framework allows for a more comprehensive analysis of power dynamics, violence, and resistance in a world where the lines between war and peace are often blurred.
