Superpowers EQ2 Flashcards
What do IGOs generally do?
Promote:
- Free trade
- Capitalism
What do the World Bank do?
World Bank
- IGO that provides finance, advice and research to developing nations to aid economic development.
- funded from wealthy nations and interest from loans
- Acts to reduce poverty and increase economic growth
- Funds projects and issues low interest loans / grants
What do the WTO do?
World Trade Organisation
- Replaced the GATT in 1995.
- 164 countries have signed - agreeing to ensure protection of producers, exporters and importers.
- It aims to reduce barriers and promote free trade between countries whilst ensuring that trading nations keep to the agreed International Trade Rules. (settles disputes)
What are the criticisms of the IMF?
Seen as promoting austerity measures, sometimes leading to social hardship in borrowing countries.
Also string attatched loans / SAPs
What do the IMF do?
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Its main aim is to allow the currency to be exchanged freely and easily between 190 global member countries.
- Promotes global economic stability and growth.
- Lends money and provides advice - monitors global economic trends and provides economic forecasts.
What are SAPs?
Economic reforms imposed by the IMF and World Bank on developing countries to stabilize and grow their economies.
- Austerity measures: Cuts in government spending, reduced public services.
- Privatisation: Selling state-owned enterprises to the private sector.
- Liberalisation: Reducing trade barriers, encouraging free market policies.
- Devaluation: Lowering currency value to boost exports.
This promotion of capitalism from string attatched agreements leads to economic hardship, poverty and inequality and social unrest.
What is the washington consensus?
A set of 10 economic policy recommendations promoted by the IMF, World Bank, and U.S.
It is often a “string attatched” agreement that promotes fiscal dicispline, privatisation and FM policies.
What is the World Economic Forum (WEF)?
World Economic Forum (WEF)
- Promotes free trade and TNCs
- Attempts to bring businesses and governments together, encouraging public and private co - opeartion.
What do Patents do?
These are intellectual property systems which are used to prevent technologies and medicines being copied.
They protect the wealth of the developed countries where the TNCs usually originate.
In a developing country, strong intellecutal property rights are more attractive for investment.
How do TNCs work?
TNCs directly invest in one country (often developed) and later expand to other nations (usually developing countries) to take advantage of lower labour costs and incentive
What other power do TNCs have because of their economic muscles?
The huge profits of TNCs mean that they can exert political pressure and influence
What are patents?
Intellectual Property Rights that prevent other people from using an invention without paying a fee to the inventor.
What has westernisation done to the world?
This is a soft power and has led to countries around the world adopting western culture and values including:
- Freedom of speech
- Dress and music
- Food - the spread of fast food outlets McDonalds, Starbucks and KFC
- Use and importance of technology
- Democracy
What is crisis response?
During times of crisis such as floods or earthquakes countries provide help to other countries.
- Superpowers and emerging nations pay a leading role in this.
- The aid can be in the form of finance, building materials and other resources.
How is aid provided?
Aid is provided through International Governmental Organisations (IGOs) and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)
What was Roosevelts idea of policing?
In 1942 President Roosevelt proposed the concept of ‘four policemen’.
USA, UK, China and the former USSR would be the only ones to have arms
They would work together to maintain global peace. This did not come to fruition - however the USA did become “global policemen”.
How have superpowers / emerging nations responded to climate change?
In 1988 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up to assess the ‘risks of human-induced climate change’.
What 3 key international agreements followed the IPPC?
Earth Summit 1992
Kyoto Protocol 1997
Paris Agreement 2015
Explain NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was formed in 1949
The purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of member nations
Collective defence means that an attack on one nation is an attack on all NATO nations
Explain ANZUS?
Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS) formed in 1951
Original focus on co-operation on military matters in the Pacific Ocean region
Now relates to worldwide conflicts
Explain NAFTA?
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Established in 1994 creating a free trade zone between Canada, USA and Mexico
In 2008 all tariffs and quotas were abolished on US exports to Canada and Mexico
Since changed
Explain ASEAN?
The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Established in 1967 by the nations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, ASEAN aims to:
- Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development
- Promote regional peace and stability
- Promote collaboration between nations
It now has ten member states
Explain the UN
Founded by 51 states at the end of WW2, it aims to:
- Maintain international peace and security
- Develop relations between countries
- Promote social progress, living standards and human rights
THERE ARE 193 MEMBERS TO DATE
What is in the UN?
The UN includes many of the world’s most powerful and influential intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) For instance:
- (UNICEF)
- (WTO)
- (WHO)
- World Bank
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
What is the UN security council?
The security council is responsible for maintaining peace and preventing conflict. one way this is achieved is peacekeeping missions.
The five members have power of veto and can reject any proposal
China France Russia UK US
What is COP?
COP has two main purposes:
To assess the effects of the past measures that have been introduced to limit climate change
To reach agreement and set out plans for future ways to limit climate change
What is the Paris agreement?
In Paris 2015 (COP) every country agreed to:
- Limit global warming to below 2C and aim for 1.5C
- To make money available to adapt to the impacts of global warming
- Review the progress every 5 years
This is known as the Paris Agreement
What are the main causes of increased food demand?
Population growth
Increased calorie intake (as incomes rise)
How has the USA’s attitude toward climate action varied?
The USA has shown inconsistency—withdrawal from Paris Agreement under Trump, rejoined under Biden.
Why does energy demand increase in developing countries?
Industrial growth
More domestic tech (fridges, TVs, etc.)
Fossil fuels are cheaper & locally available
How are minerals used in modern life?
Energy: fossil fuels, solar panels, turbines
Industry: electronics, cars, machinery
Construction: concrete, bricks, metals
What is a common U.S. AND Chinese priority that can conflict with climate action?
Economic growth and energy security.
