Final Exam Flashcards

Flashcards about Globalization and Development Perspectives

Liberal/Globalist perspective

Argues that globalization has improved prosperity and cooperation, and the current problems are fixable within the liberal order.

Example supporting the Liberal/Globalist perspective

EU integration and UN multilateralism.

Counterargument to the Liberal/Globalist view

Ignores rising inequality, climate inaction, and backlash against global governance.

Liberal/Globalist rebuttal

Argue the system needs reform, not rejection—better inclusion can fix the problems.

Skeptical perspective

Globalization is overstated; nations still dominate politics and identity.

Example supporting the Skeptical view

Brexit and U.S. protectionism under Trump.

Counterargument to the Skeptical view

Digital networks and climate issues show global interdependence.

Skeptical rebuttal

Interdependence does not equal cooperative globalization.

Transformationalist argument

Globalization is evolving with shifting power and norms.

Example of the Transformationalist view

China’s rise and BRICS institutions.

Counterargument to the Transformationalist view

Downplays fragmentation and nationalism.

Transformationalist response

Transformation includes fragmentation—globalization is diversifying.

Postcolonial/Critical perspective

Globalization maintains neocolonial power structures favoring the Global North.

Example supporting the Postcolonial perspective

IMF/World Bank programs and resource extraction in Africa.

Counterargument to the Postcolonial perspective

Globalization has reduced poverty and increased education access.

Rebuttal from Postcolonial perspective

Benefits are uneven and often exploitative.

Populist/Nationalists argument

Globalization hurts sovereignty, identity, and working-class livelihoods.

Example of the Populist/Nationalist view

Trump’s America First policy, rise of right-wing parties in Europe.

Counterargument to the Populist/Nationalist view

We need global cooperation for climate, health, and economic stability.

Rebuttal from populists

Populism reflects real discontent with systemic failures.

Alternative approach to development

Focus on inequality, well-being, and participation.

Example of the Alternative approach

Kerala, India: strong social outcomes without high income.

Counterargument to the Alternative approach

China’s growth came from market reforms.

Rebuttal from the Alternative view

China used a hybrid model with strong state involvement.

Orthodox approach to development

Belief in growth, trade, and modernization to reduce poverty.

Example of the Orthodox view

China lifted 800 million people out of poverty post-reform.

Counterargument to Orthodox view

Structural adjustment failed in Africa in the 1980s–90s.

Rebuttal from critics

GDP growth doesn’t guarantee human development or equality.

Major criticism of the IMF/World Bank

They impose harmful conditionalities and reflect power imbalances.

Example supporting criticism of the IMF/World Bank

Ghana and Zambia cut social spending due to structural adjustment.

Defense of the IMF/World Bank

They offer aid, debt relief, and support reforms.

Rebuttal to the defense of the IMF/World Bank

Reforms are limited and imbalances persist in global development priorities.