superpowers EQ2 Flashcards
What is the role of the IMF?
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
- give loans out to countries that are struggling e.g. after a natural disaster
What is the role of the World Bank?
focused on development- not generally loans but investment
What is the role of the WTO?
WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION
- focuses on trade and it rules (free trade with no barriers)
How do superpowers exert power through the IMF?
USA controls 16.5% of votes
- promotes capitalism
- reflects western policies
How do superpowers exert power through the World Bank?
USA controls 16.5% of the votes
- countries can vote for projects that will benefit themselves
- uses the US$
How do superpowers exert power through the WTO?
Has never held a vote?!?! But is only one vote per country
- advantageous for TNCs and the countries they come from as profit is maximised
Who benefits from patent systems?
TNCs- spend money on research which is high cost, so feel justified patenting it. They make money on royalties.
Who organises the global patent system?
WTO
Who are the losers of the global patent system?
- people from poorer nations who cannot afford the money for drugs treating diseases such as HIV
- farmers using GM crops, and have to buy seeds yearly from TNCs
Why is the US known as the world police
they always have to intervene!!!!!!!
Global security and superpowers?
- join military alliances
- membership of UN and voting
- International court of justice- holding countries accountable but favours the western world
- economic alliances create security through integrated economies
- UNILATERAL ACTION