Recent Developments in Global Politics

Question 1

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
(links to state sovereignty and importance of state)
What are Realists sceptical about globalisation for? Why? Give some examples of this.

Answer 1

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
the novelty and extent of it

because they argue that globalisation is nothing new and its impact has been exaggerated

e.g. East India Company and Silk Route as historical examples of trade and cultural influence

Question 2

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
Does globalisation change the status of the state? Why is this?

Answer 2

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
No, it continues to be the most important actor internationally

Because international organisations represent states, not ordinary citizens

Question 3

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
How is globalisation used by states? Give an example of this.

Answer 3

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
to promote their own interests

e.g. US used Bretton Woods system of fixed exchange rates pegged against the dollar to promote financial stability to ensure markets for US goods

Question 4

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
What does the greater interdependence that comes with globalisation lead to? Give an example of this.

Answer 4

REALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
‘mutual vulnerability’

e.g. Brexit may have come about as UK voters felt British interests were being undermined by EU membership

Question 5

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
What is the trend associated with globalisation? Give an example of this.

Answer 5

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
It is novel and intensifying
e.g. trade and number of TNC’ grew exponentially in latter half of 20th century

Question 6

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
What is the status of the state after globalisation?

Answer 6

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
It is declining in importance as international actor

Question 7

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
How does globalisation advantage everyone? Give an example of this.

Answer 7

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
Integration allows for ‘comparative advantage’ - the production of goods at lowest price for best quality

It also spreads ideas and values of democracy through economic interdependence (Arab Spring in 2011)

e.g. China has become workshop of the world

Question 8

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
How does globalisation lead to peace and cooperation? Give an example of this.

Answer 8

LIBERALISM
STATE & GLOBALISATION
Globalisation promotes economic, political, cultural interdependence (leading to peace)

e.g. The UN has prevented a third world war

Question 9

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Why are realists sceptical of intergovernmental organisations?

Answer 9

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
States are competing for power, so it does not make sense to share power with international organisations

they can also not act independently of states

Question 10

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Why are international organisations not useful in the realist perspective?

Answer 10

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
they are not a forum for international cooperation but a tool for powerful states to promote their own selfish interest

hegemonic and dominant states exercise control over other states through international organisations, so they are ineffective for achieving much else than that of the dominant state’s agenda

Question 11

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Do realists agree that international organisations can be useful? Give an example.

Answer 11

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Yes, to a small extent. However this is only because states can use them to promote their own national interest
e.g. US domination of NATO, IMF and World Bank

Question 12

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Can we rely on world government of higher authority?

Answer 12

REALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
No, state cannot rely on organisations such as UN, international courts or concepts such as international law because powerful states will ignore or influence the workings of such organisations

Question 13

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Why do liberals advocate global governance through international organisations?

Answer 13

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
to promote peace and cooperation

Question 14

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Why would states cooperate in this way? Why evidence is there to show this is already happening?

Answer 14

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
because it is in their interest to do so

there is a rising level of organisations and integration

Question 15

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
What liberal concept do international organisations promote? How do they do this, with an example?

Answer 15

LIBERALISM
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Complex interdependence

they enforce a set of rules that prevents states from ‘free-riding’ or defecting
e.g. EU with its single market