Topic 1 - THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Flashcards
Define the global economy
The economy which is based on all the world’s countries
What is GWP
sum of total outputs of goods and services of all economies OVER A PERIOD OF TIME!!!!!! GWP is adjusted for purchasing power parity (takes into account exchange rates and price variations)
Define globalisation
Process of increased economic integration between different countries
What are the indications of increased economic integration
- International trade flows
- Financial flows
- International investment (long-term)
- Technology, transport and communication
- International division of labour and migration
What is the international business cycle
Fluctuation in world economic growth due to changes in aggregate demand and supply (upswing, boom, downswing, trough)
Outline factors that strengthen the international business cycle
- Trade flows
- Investment flows
- TNC’s
- Financial flows
- Technology
- Global interest rates
- International organisations
Outline factors the weaken the international business cycle
- Domestic interest rates
- Government fiscal policy
- Domestic economic policy (restrictions)
- Exchange rates
- Structural factors
- Regional factors
What is an opportunity cost
cost of satisfying one want over an alternative want
Outline the basis of free trade
Most fundamental assumptions of economists is that free trade is good and will achieve fastest rates of economic growth to an economy. There has been progression towards free trade shown in Australia’s progressive protectionism reforms throughout different governments since the 1980’s as well as recently Australia’s participation in AUSFTA, NAFTA, AANFTA and finishing up free trade agreements with China in 2014.
Advantages of free trade
- Allows specialisation which drives efficiency and more efficient allocation of resources in an economy
- Leads to economies of scale
- Encourages international competiveness
- Higher living standards as prices are lower and greater option in the economy
Disadvantages of free trade
- Increased in short-term structural unemployment as businesses may find it hard to compete internationally
- New industries may find it hard to establish themselves
- Dumping
Outline the role of the 5 different International organisations
- WTO: Promote free trade, Negotiate any trade disputes
- IMF: Maintain international financial stability
- World bank: Assistance to developing countries to further economic development through low/no interest loans
- UN: Provides economic development assistance
- OECD: Provide economic advice and actively provide economic help to membering countries
Explain the role of the g8
Largest industrialised nations, operated as the economic council of the world’s wealthiest nations. Agenda often includes general political issues and current priorities such as CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL POVERTY and SECURITY BETWEEN NATIONS
What is a trading bloc
Occurs when a number of countries join together in a formal preferential trading agreement to the exclusion of other countries
Name Australia’s multilateral trade agreement
-World trade organisation (WTO)