Unit 1: Interdependence Flashcards
(11 cards)
define interdependence
when groups in global politics rely on each other, have shared interests or have an impact on each other
in what areas are states becoming more interdependent?
- economically (trade, recession in one state affects the trade ability in another, recession from one state to another (global financial crisis 2008))
- politically (civil wars impact refugee numbers and instability in another)
(due to globalisation)
IGOs benefit
provides member states with a number of benefits, like economic strength and more influence in global politics
the UN
leading IGO
- 193 member states
- objectives range from peacekeeping to hr protection to economic development and climate change reduction
economic IGOs
- purpose is to prevent poverty, manage international trade regulations and promote global economic development
- The World Bank
- the WTO
security IGO
providing states with collective security - all member states offer one another military protection in the event of an attack
- NATO
hybrid IGO
regional IGOs with a range of functions like economic matters (shared currency, free trade agreements), political cooperation, etc.
- EU
- African Union (AU)
how is the effectiveness of global governance being challenged?
States increase the prioritisations of their own interests above that of global issues (i.e. UN security council members increasingly using their veto power)
examples of treaties
- Paris Agreement
- What is it?
An international treaty adopted at COP21 in Paris under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on 12 December 2015, entered into force in November 2016. - Goal:
To limit global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. - Key Provisions:
-> Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
Each country sets its own climate action plan — bottom-up approach with no legally binding emissions caps, but mandatory reporting and updating every 5 years.
-> Global Stocktake:
Assessment every 5 years to track progress and inform updates to NDCs (next big one: 2023).
-> Finance Mechanism:
Wealthier countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to help developing nations with mitigation and adaptation.
-> Transparency Framework:
Countries must report emissions and progress; peer-reviewed processes to increase accountability.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement for the second time. This occured on the basis that the Paris Agreement imposes unfair economic burdens on the United States while allowing countries like China to continue high levels of pollution.
- Realist thinking: prioritizing national interest and rejecting international constraints.
- Challenges to global cooperation: how leadership changes in powerful states impact global governance.
- Constructivist view: how domestic political identity and ideology shape a state’s engagement with global norms like sustainability.
- Treaty of Lisbon:
Amended the EU constitution. Created new powers for the European Parliament. Created a long term president of the European Council and a High Rep. for Foreign Affairs.
- All EU member states w some choosing to hold a referendum (France, NL) as part of the ratification process
- negotiations began in 2001, significant amendments were needed after voters in France and NL voted against the treaty in referendums
strategic alliances
- cooperation more informal without the need for treaties or IGOs
- reliable and profitable allies needed for states to achieve goals and protect interests
- mutual gain: Chinas investment in Africa in exchange for deals on Africa’s natural resources
- powerful state with emerging power: US and China building economic ties w India and Brazil (rising economic powers)
strategic alliance example
“Special Relationship” US and UK
- peaked after 9/11 and subsequent military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq when relationships between Bush and Blair became closer, both states involved militarily in Iraq and Afghanistan
