Global politics and devekopment midterm

Gini Coefficient

The Gini coefficient is a number that shows how unequal income or wealth is in a country. 0 is perfect equality, 1 is perfect inequality, the higher the less perfect.

Ie: 0.25 is pretty fair equality.

HDI (Human Development Index)

A number that shows how well people are living in a country. It measures Health, Education, and Income. From 0 to 1, closer to 1 is very developed, closer to 0 is less developed.

GDP per Capita

How much money each person in a country would have on average if you divided the country’s total wealth equally with everyone.

High GDP- People are richer

Low GDP- People are poorer

Relative poverty Increase

The gap between the rich and poor is growing, inequality is getting worse.

Absolute Poverty Decline

Fewer people are living with the basics needed to survive, like food, clean water, shelter, and clothing.

More people can meet their basic needs

Dependency Theory

Theory stating that poor countries stay poor because the world systems favors rich countries. Rich countries get richer by taking resources from poor countries, poor countries stay poor because they depend on rich countries for trade, loans, and investments.

Modernization Theory

Countries become rich by following the path of already developed nations. Poor countries are poor because they aren’t modernized, to get rich they need to adopt modern ideas.

World Systems Theory

The global economy is structured so rich countries stay rich and poor countries stay poor. Core countries- rich and powerful, control global trade.

Periphery countries- poor, supply raw materials

Semi-Periphery countries- in between, some industry and wealth

Coloniality Theory

Colonial systems and mindsets continue to affect society long after independence. The social, economic and cultural systems set up by colonies often stay in place, keeps inequality, racism and dependence alive in former colonies, it looks at power, knowledge, and culture, not just money.

Decolonization

Single, biggest event after the Cold War, 1947 was the beginning of decolonization. 2nd World War

Group of 77

144 countries working within the UN, try to get fairer trade, more development aid, and better terms in global economic decisions. The goal is to help poorer countries have more influence in the world economy.

Inequality

Some people or groups have more than others. More money, power, education, or opportunities.

Gender/Biodiversity

Linked because fair participation and access for both men and women lead to stronger more sustainable environmental protection.

Human Rights

The basic freedoms and protections every person deserves, simply for being human.

Conditionality

Getting aid or loans only if you agree to follow certain economic or political rules.

Race, culture and religion

Race- Physical identity

Culture- way of life

Religion- Belief system

They all shape who people are and how societies work.

Environment

The natural and human world we live in, and depend on every day.

Developing countries

84 percent of people live in developing countries, global north is only 16% of people.