Causes and Effects of Globalisation: Key Concepts for A Level Geography

What is globalisation?

The increasing connectedness of countries through the movement of goods, services, capital, and ideas across borders.

What are Transnational Corporations (TNCs)?

Companies that operate in many countries producing and selling goods and services.

What does glocalisation refer to?

Changing the design of products to meet local tastes or laws.

What is a trading bloc?

A group of countries and/or organisations that work together for trading purposes.

How have past global connections been made?

Through trade, colonialism, and cooperation between countries via international organisations.

What is meant by the lengthening of connections in modern globalisation?

Connections between people and places are made with products obtained from further away than ever before.

What does deepening of connections in globalisation imply?

A feeling of being deeply connected to other people and places in every aspect of life.

How has the speed of connections changed in modern globalisation?

There is a faster speed of connections with real-time communication and quick travel between continents.

What are the main types of global flows?

Capital, commodities, information, migrants, and tourists.

What role does capital play in global flows?

Money flows through the world's stock markets.

What are commodities in the context of globalisation?

Valuable raw materials such as fossil fuels, food, and minerals that are traded.

How does information flow globally?

The internet allows real-time communication between countries.

What challenges do migrants face in global flows?

Challenges due to border controls and immigration laws.

How have budget airlines impacted global tourism?

They have made it possible for people to travel further more easily.

What is the relationship between developments in transport and trade?

Improvements in transport have led to an increase in the amount and value of trade.

What was the significance of steam power in the 19th century?

Steamships and trains moved goods and armies quickly along trade routes.

What impact did railways have globally in the 1800s?

Railway networks expanded globally and remain important for governments.

What was the significance of the intercontinental Boeing 747?

It made international travel easier starting in the 1960s.

Why is container shipping vital to the global economy?

It has been crucial since the 1950s, with the largest ships carrying up to 24,000 containers.

What does the 'shrinking world' effect refer to?

Places around the world take less time to reach due to technological developments.

What is time-space compression?

The perception that distances are shorter due to advancements in technology.

How did the telephone and telegraph contribute to globalisation?

They allowed for real-time communication over long distances.

What role do broadband and fibre optics play in global communication?

They carry large amounts of data across oceans in real time, reducing communication costs.

What is the function of GIS and GPS in globalisation?

They provide continuous position and time data for real-time tracking of deliveries.

How have mobile phones impacted communication in developing countries?

They have enabled countries with limited infrastructure to connect more effectively.

What is globalisation often viewed as by governments?

A threat, leading them to protect against global flows like Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

What do international organisations encourage countries to consider?

The idea of a global economy differently.

What is the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in globalisation?

Lends money on a global scale and imposes conditions on borrowing countries.

What does the World Bank do?

Transfers loans from High-Income Countries (HICs) to countries that have applied for help.

What is the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?

Promotes trade liberalisation and took over from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1995.

What are the conditions for countries receiving loans from the IMF?

Countries must agree to run free market economies.

What is one criticism of the World Bank?

It failed to stop the USA and EU from subsidising their own food producers, hindering farmers in LDCs.

What is a consequence of strict conditions imposed by the IMF?

Governments may reduce spending on healthcare and education.

What is a common characteristic of all World Bank presidents?

They have all been US citizens.

What is one reason why free trade policies are promoted by international economic organisations?

To allow global trade to operate as easily as possible.

How do trade blocs like the EU promote free trade?

By eliminating taxes or tariffs on goods and services.

What is one benefit of Free Trade Blocs?

They allow companies to grow by gaining access to more customers.

What is the impact of a bigger market on demand?

It increases the demand for products and services.

What government policy encourages the growth of TNCs?

Free-market liberalisation, which reduces costs for companies.

What does privatisation involve in the context of globalisation?

Allowing companies to take over important national services to reduce government spending.

What strategy can encourage business start-ups?

Low business taxes and changes in laws, such as allowing Sunday trading.

What is the correct answer for the policy that contributes to globalisation?

D. Privatisation of industries.

What incorrect options limit globalisation?

Internet censorship, increasing tariffs, and restricting migration.

What has contributed to the increase of globalisation in recent decades?

Changing attitudes in regions outside of Europe.

What are Special Economic Zones (SEZs)?

Industrial areas near the coast created to attract Transnational Corporations (TNCs) by providing favorable conditions.

How do government subsidies influence TNCs?

They serve as an incentive for TNCs to locate in a country by reducing operational costs.

What change did Saudi Arabia make to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

Changed its official weekend to Friday-Saturday to align with other countries.

What was the purpose of China's 'Open Door Policy' introduced in 1978?

To open China to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while maintaining one-party rule.

What significant demographic change occurred in China due to rapid urbanisation?

Over 300 million people left rural areas, leading to an increase in low-wage factories in urban areas.

What are Export Processing Zones (EPZs)?

Restricted versions of SEZs that focus on manufacturing goods for export with limited domestic market sales.

What is meant by uneven globalisation?

Globalisation affects places differently due to variations in poverty, resource availability, and government policies.

What does the KOF Index measure?

It measures the social, economic, and political aspects of globalisation based on various data points.

What is a limitation of the KOF Index?

It only includes data for 122 countries and some indicators may be outdated.

What does the AT Kearney World Cities Index aim to assess?

It ranks cities based on business activity, cultural experience, and political engagement.

What is a challenge faced by the AT Kearney World Cities Index?

It only includes 156 cities and may not fully represent globalisation indicators.

What is the difference between globalisation and development?

Globalisation refers to the interconnectedness of countries, while development focuses on improving living standards.

What role do Transnational Corporations (TNCs) play in globalisation?

TNCs connect countries through investment and trade, but benefits are unevenly distributed.

What is offshoring?

Moving parts of production processes to other countries to reduce costs.

What is outsourcing?

Contracting another company to produce goods and services needed by a TNC.

What is glocalisation?

The adaptation of TNC products to suit local tastes, cultures, and regulations.

What are 'switched-off' places?

Areas that remain disconnected from global networks due to historical, political, or economic factors.

What are characteristics of 'switched-on' places?

High trade volumes, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and advanced infrastructure.

What political factor can cause a country to be 'switched off' from globalisation?

Political instability due to war can deter TNCs from investing.

What social factor can lead to a country being 'switched off' from globalisation?

A lack of technology and infrastructure makes trading difficult, unattractive for TNCs.

How does poverty affect a country's ability to engage in globalisation?

High poverty levels reduce a country's capacity to trade and attract investment.

What impact does a low literacy rate have on TNC investment?

A low-skilled population may deter TNCs from investing due to a lack of qualified labor.