Paper 3 Panic Flashcards
Evaluate the extent to which the spread of democracy, rule of law and liberal economies are in decline (R.of.Law)
Democracy declining in countries = rule of law declining. Israeli gov looks to change the way the judiciary is appointed. Lack of rule of law in occupied territories, just military trials. ICC helpless with the Uyghur Genocide.
HOWEVER,
Still international bodies such as ICC and ECHR which can help. EU tries to tie trade with countries such as Tunisia who are trying to improve their rule of law.
Evaluate the extent to which the spread of democracy, rule of law and liberal economies are in decline (Democracy)
Democratic backsliding in the world, Myanmar, India, Israel and Turkey moving away from democratic systems. US seen rise in illiberalism in Trump. US no longer spreads democracy - liberal intervention.
HOWEVER,
Biden established democracy summit, saying democracy cannot be spread through guns. EU still remains committed to spreading democracy through its projects.
Evaluate the extent to which the spread of democracy, rule of law and liberal economies are in decline (Lib.Economies)
Rise in protectionism, USA ‘buy American’ policies of Biden. Gov raised trillions for subsidies in tech sector, against free market. US + EU banned Huawei - looking to also ban tiktok (Chinese success) alongside US placing tariffs on China.
HOWEVER,
Trade between USA and China has increased overall.
Analyse the main ideas of the anarchical society and society of states theory and how it differs to realism and liberalism [12] (Liberalism)
Differs from Liberalism as it rejects idealism, argues sov states always matter and world structure remains anarchic. States always act in self-interest and will prioritise military strength. Rejects EU as too much sov given away, nation states cannot act independently. HR, although important should not jepardise peaceful coexistence, black box idea of realists.
Analyse the main ideas of the anarchical society and society of states theory and how it differs to realism and liberalism [12] (Realism)
Disagree with realists who state that anarchical world leaves little room for cooperation. Argue that anarchical society of states = states coming together around a set of principles, with sov protection at the core. IGOs can be established if they can regulate state behaviour and when states form a society bound by a common set of rules to each other (Hedley Bull).
Evaluate the view that global environmental conferences are doomed to fail (Glasgow COP26)
No enforcement mechanism, language for reducing fossil fuels watered down, specifically by India with coal “phase-down” replacing “phase-out”. China, India, US and Australia did not agree to a domestic coal “phase-out”
HOWEVER,
Endorsed by nearly 200 countries, China and US suprisingly were compliant. Agreement serves as lever for international political pressure. Three largest emitters aiming to reduce contributions to climate change in the future.
Evaluate the view that global environmental conferences are doomed to fail (Paris 2015)
Can be assumed that states will put own economic interest over collective environmental interest, therefore extent is subject to the state.
HOWEVER,
Agreement set global plan to limiting global warming to below 2degrees. Supported by major institutions such as the EU and AU. India, China and US signed agreements to cut down fossil fuel usage.
Evaluate the view that global environmental conferences are doomed to fail (Other Previous)
Kyoto highly criticised as US rejected the treaty and Brazil, China, India and S.Africa were declared entirely exempt. Kyoto protocol didn’t become international law until halfway through 1997-2012 period, by that time global emissions had risen substantially.
HOWEVER,
The states under Kyoto pledged to cut yearly emissions of carbon, nearly all notable states with the exception of the US and Canada ratified the treaty.
Evaluate the extent to which the promotion of HR is a primary driver of western states (H.Intervention)
Kosovo 1999 - UN + NATO forces prevented Serbian attempt of ethnic cleansing genocide. R2P (2005) saw the concept of international bodies stepping in being strengthened. These operations mainly dictated by Western nations.
HOWEVER,
Catastrophes of intervention in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. Obama inaction in Syria showed how as it was not in his self-interest he did not step in. Introduces realist idea of nation self interest.
Evaluate the extent to which the promotion of HR is a primary driver of western states (Courts+Tribunals)
ICC set up in 2002 as a court of last resort. Can also put heads of state on trial, president of Congo sentenced for 18 years in 2016. Dominated by Western opinion, ICC investigating Russian actions in Ukraine only 5 days after it happened due to Western outrage.
HOWEVER,
Selective with involvement in HR abuses, Obama used drone strikes during the war on terror killing many citizens and not getting scrutinised, also America committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Shows how political motions such as sustaining global dominance takes precedence.
Evaluate the extent to which the promotion of HR is a primary driver of western states (Sanctions)
US banned business from conducting trade with Cuban interests, after Cuban gov refused to move towards greater recognition of HR. US and other states placed sanctions on Iran, despite oil reserves.
HOWEVER,
Saudi bombing of Yemen which was ignored by Trump shows how political motion>morality. Afghani sanctions punishment for war rather than a genuine care for women.
Evaluate the extent to which China can now be considered a superpower (Economy)
2015 saw IMF rank China as the number 1 economic superpower in the world, and have 17% of world GDP. Belt and Road Project = use of China’s economic influence. Realists like Mearsheimer = clear power shift due to China’s substantial growth (competitive superpower as there is tension with the USA).
HOWEVER,
GDP is much lower than the GDP of the USA, tensions between free-market and marxism market structures. Over 1bn people - unrepresentative. Ageing population.
Evaluate the extent to which China can now be considered a superpower (Global Influence)
Strengthened political and economic links with countries rich in natural resources, and now has 80% of the world’s rare earths. Brokered a peace deal with Saudi Arabia and Iran. Openly challenged US economic system such as making deals with the Taliban despite US sanctioning Afghanistan.
HOWEVER,
Standard of living despite projected growth 2030 being twice the size of American economy still nearly half avg American. Relative poverty acts as constraint to being a superpower.
Evaluate the extent to which China can now be considered a superpower (Military Expansion)
China has the second largest military behind the US and has had nuclear power since 1964. Has the largest Navy in the world. Neo-realists would see China as a superpower due to them arguing military (hard) power is the safest way to become a global hegemon.
HOWEVER,
China still inferior to US Military. The US has dozens of military bases near China; such as Guam and within Japan and South Korea.
