global systems- tutoring

What are the four connections described as the dimensions of globalisation?

Economic, political, social and cultural connections that link countries and show how the world is interconnected.

What do flows of labour involve in globalisation?

Migration of highly skilled and unskilled workers between countries, bringing elements of their culture.

What do flows of information involve in globalisation?

Information such as news spreading quickly via email, the internet and social media.

What do flows of products involve in globalisation?

Manufactured goods are produced and moved across borders, forming global supply chains (often from LDE to other regions).

What do flows of services involve in globalisation?

Customer services provided across borders, often from LDEs to serve customers elsewhere.

What is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

Money invested by companies overseas to establish or acquire business operations in another country; a flow of capital.

What do LDE, EME and HDE stand for?

LDE = Less Developed Economy; EME = Emerging Market Economy; HDE = Highly Developed Economy.

What is meant by the term ‘global shift’?

Movement of production from developed economies to Emerging Market Economies to exploit cheaper land and labour.

What is ‘glocalisation’?

A global company producing goods aimed at local markets, adapting products to local tastes or regulations.

What is ‘global marketing’?

Promotion and sale of goods worldwide using a single global strategy to achieve economies of scale and brand recognition.

How does Coca‑Cola illustrate global marketing?

Sells soft drinks in over 200 countries with a globally recognised brand; a single global strategy reduces costs and boosts sales.

What does time-space compression mean in globalisation?

The shrinking of distances in terms of time and space due to rapid communication and travel technologies.

What is the Rise of Transport in globalisation?

Improvements in transport (steam, rail, jet aircraft, container shipping) reducing distance friction and enabling more movement of people and goods.

What role does container shipping play in globalisation?

Containerisation has significantly increased trade efficiency; modern ships can carry tens of thousands of containers.

What is the Rise of Finance in globalisation?

A global financial system that enables quicker and easier flows of money, goods and services between countries.

What does financial deregulation do?

Reduces barriers to capital flows, speeding up trade and financial transactions; financial markets concentrate in highly developed economies.

What are examples of financial crises impacting globalisation?

Asian Financial Crisis (1997) and Global Financial Crisis (2008) showing how crises can spread globally.

What is the Rise of Security in globalisation?

Countries form military and political alliances (e.g., NATO) and join organisations (e.g., OECD) to promote security, though globalisation can also raise security threats.

What is NATO and its purpose?

A military alliance formed to guarantee the freedom and security of member nations and promote peace.

What is the OECD?

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; promotes international cooperation on issues like cybersecurity and aims to improve global economic and social well-being.

What are trade blocs?

Groups of countries that reduce barriers to trade among themselves to promote free trade and higher volumes of trade.

What is a potential drawback of trade blocs?

There can be external barriers to non-members and a loss of sovereignty; examples include debates around Brexit.

What does the World Trade Organisation (WTO) do?

Provides a forum for negotiations and aims to facilitate trade in goods, services and designs to help trade flow freely.

How do trade agreements accelerate globalisation?

They encourage trade across many countries, can lead to increased investment and movement of labour, and create stronger links between economies.

What is the significance of the 1800s transport developments (steam power, railways) and later innovations (jet aircraft, container shipping)?

They reduced travel time and distance friction, enabling larger volumes of people and goods to move globally, boosting globalisation.

What is the role of the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway example?

An example of modern transport improving connections by reducing journey times between London and northern England.

What is the ‘global village’ concept by McLuhan?

The idea that global interconnectedness reduces the importance of local differences and creates a more integrated world.

What is the KOF Index and what does it measure?

An annual index that measures globalisation across social, economic and political dimensions; countries are scored out of 100, with higher scores indicating more globalised status.

What data does the KOF Index use?

A wide range of indicators including participation in UN peacekeeping, TV ownership, number of embassies, membership in international organisations, etc.

Why is it important to differentiate LDE, EME and HDE in exams?

Differentiate by development level and GDP per capita to choose appropriate case study examples and analysis.

Globalisation is the process whereby the world has become more __ interconnected.

economically, politically and socially

Economic connections refer to the exchange of __ across borders and the creation of global supply chains.

goods and services

Political connections refer to countries working together in international organisations such as the __ or the European Union.

United Nations

Social connections refer to the exchange of cultures and ideas, e.g. people sharing their thoughts and experiences via __.

social media

Cultural connections result from the ability to travel further and more easily, providing greater knowledge and understanding of other __.

cultures

The term 'global village' was used by McLuhan to describe the breakdown of differences between __.

nations

Globalisation is caused by the movement or __ of people, information, money, goods and services between countries.

flow

The map below shows how countries are connected through global trade of a valuable resource such as __.

oil

Flows of labour: Highly skilled and unskilled workers migrate from one country to another, bringing aspects of their __ with them.

culture

Flows of information: Information such as news spreads very quickly and easily via __, the internet and social media.

email

Flows of products: Manufactured goods are often produced in LDE countries due to outsourcing, and then exported for sale in __ countries.

HDE

Flows of services: Customer services are often provided in __.

LDE countries

Flows of capital: Money is invested by companies overseas – this is known as __.

Foreign Direct Investment

The KOF Index measures the social, economic and political aspects of globalisation and uses data such as participation in UN __ missions.

Peacekeeping

Global Marketing: Marketing is the promotion and sale of goods and services; many companies advertise and sell their product all over the world using one __ strategy.

global marketing

An example is Coca Cola which sells soft drinks in over 200 countries with a brand identity that is recognised __.

globally

Production & Globalisation: The process of moving production to Emerging Market Economy (EME) countries such as China is known as the __.

global shift

LDE countries are those with the __ economic development and a low GDP per capita, e.g., Sudan or Haiti.

lowest

EME countries are those with __ growth and development but they still tend to have lower GDP per capita, e.g., China or India.

accelerating

HDE countries are those with the __ economic development and a high GDP per capita, e.g., UK or USA.

highest

Rise of Technology & Communications: The ready access to information and communication contributes to a shrinking world effect and is also known as __.

time-space compression

Rise of Finance: The global financial system facilitates quicker and easier __ of money, goods and services between countries.

flows

Financial deregulation has reduced barriers to capital __, meanwhile, communications technology has made trade and financial transactions faster and more secure.

flows

The markets and institutions that facilitate global flows of capital are concentrated in __ countries (e.g., the City of London).

HDE

Container shipping has been vital to the global economy since the 1950s; today the largest container ships carry __ containers.

24,000 containers

NATO was founded after the Second World War to promote peace and cooperation in Europe during the __.

Cold War

The OECD promotes international cooperation on issues such as __ by providing a forum for discussion and coordination.

cybersecurity

The backlash against globalisation can be associated with a rise in __ and extremist groups.

nationalism

A trade bloc is a group of countries that work together to increase __ and boost economic growth.

trade

Trade blocs remove or reduce barriers to trade between them such as __ and quotas.

tariffs

There may also be a backlash against loss of sovereignty which could result in members leaving trade blocs e.g. __.

Brexit

Trade agreements such as the WTO cover trade in goods, services and designs and help trade __ across the globe.

freely

What are the five major factors accelerating globalisation?

Technology and Communications, Finance, Transport, Security, and Trade Agreements.

How do fibre optics and satellites contribute to globalisation?

They allow huge volumes of data to move long distances rapidly, enabling instant global communication and underpinning the idea of a 'shrinking world'.

How did social media influence events like the Arab Spring?

It enabled rapid organisation of protests, facilitated citizen journalism, and changed the power dynamic by allowing mass communication across borders.

What is the 'digital divide' in the context of digital globalisation?

It refers to the unequal access to and benefit from digital technologies, where some areas or groups benefit less, leading to an unequal power dynamic.

How does the global financial system accelerate globalisation?

It allows capital, goods, and services to move quickly between countries, facilitated by deregulation and fast, secure communication technology.

What is a major disadvantage of financial globalisation?

Financial crises can spread quickly in an interconnected world, as demonstrated by the Asian Financial Crisis (1997) and the Global Financial Crisis (2008).

Where are global financial institutions typically concentrated?

They are concentrated in High-Developed Economies (HDEs) such as London, New York, and Tokyo.

What role has containerisation played in accelerating globalisation since the 1950s?

It revolutionised shipping efficiency, reducing costs and time, which enabled global supply chains and the more efficient movement of goods.

What event highlighted the vulnerability of global trade to chokepoints and mega-ship dependence?

The Suez Canal blockage in 2021, which caused massive delays and disrupted global supply chains, costing billions.

How has mass air travel, facilitated by aircraft like the Boeing 747 and low-cost airlines, contributed to globalisation?

It enabled intercontinental mass air travel and personal travel, effectively reducing distances and the 'friction of distance'.

How do political and military alliances like NATO contribute to globalisation?

They increase security by building trust, promoting peace and cooperation, and maintaining global stability among member nations through political and military ties, thereby increasing interconnection.

What services do international institutions like the OECD provide in the context of globalisation?

They promote international cooperation on issues such as cybersecurity, provide forums for policy discussion, and aim to improve economic and social well-being globally.

What are some disadvantages or risks associated with globalisation from a security perspective?

Increased risks of crime, terrorism, fraud, smuggling, and a potential backlash that can fuel nationalism and extremism.

What is a trade bloc and how does it promote globalisation?

A trade bloc is a group of countries that work together to increase trade and boost economic growth by removing tariffs and quotas between members, thus encouraging free trade.

What are some reasons countries might resist or withdraw from trade blocs?

Reasons include lack of visible benefit, disagreements over regulations, issues of sovereignty, and the rise of nationalist movements that perceive negative impacts on their country (e.g., Brexit).

Give an example of a major trade bloc in Europe.

The European Union (EU), which operates as a single market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour.

What is the KOF Index of Globalisation?

An annual index produced by The Swiss Institute for Business Cycle Research that measures and ranks countries based on their social, economic, and political aspects of globalisation.

What three main aspects does the KOF Index measure to determine a country's level of globalisation?

Economic flows, social contacts, and political engagement.

What does global interdependence mean?

Global interdependence means that the success, stability, or problems in one country or region affect others due to their interconnectedness.

What are the four main forms of global interdependence?

The four main forms are Economic, Political, Social, and Environmental.

What aspects make the European Union a deep form of interdependence?

The EU has a Single Market, Eurozone, shared environmental and agricultural policies, and free movement of people, linking member states deeply.

What are remittances?

Remittances are money migrants often send back from more stable or highly developed countries to their home countries.

What are some positive impacts of remittances on Uganda?

Uganda receives over $1.3 billion annually, which provides income for rural families, reduces poverty, and contributes significantly to the economy, also reducing unemployment pressure.

What is 'brain drain' and how does it negatively affect Uganda?

Brain drain is the emigration of highly skilled and qualified individuals (like health professionals, teachers) from a country for higher pay abroad, leading to a loss of key skills in Uganda.

What are some positive impacts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

FDI creates jobs and infrastructure in host nations, improves development and quality of life through aid and remittances, and can lower global consumer prices.

What are some negative impacts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

Negative impacts include TNC dominance forcing local businesses to close, outsourcing leading to deindustrialisation in HDEs, exploitation of workers in poorer countries, and environmental damage from rapid industrialisation.

How does China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) demonstrate both benefits and drawbacks of FDI in Africa?

The BRI boosts trade, lowers transport costs, and creates jobs through infrastructure investment, but also creates high debt dependency on China for developing nations, limits local ownership, and causes environmental disruption.

What are some positive impacts of global flows of technology?

Positive impacts include improved healthcare, support for clean energy transition, expanded access to education through digital resources, and economic growth in digital/renewable sectors.

What are some negative impacts of global flows of technology?

Negative impacts include widening the digital divide, environmental degradation from high-tech production, and the escalation of global conflict through weapons technology.

How did the solar power project in Rwanda demonstrate the promise and challenges of technology transfer?

It brought cheaper, clean electricity to over 250,000 people, improving education and productivity, but faced high initial costs and reliance on foreign companies.

How do dominant powers influence global systems through the flow of ideas?

Dominant powers export their ideologies (e.g., capitalism, neoliberalism), reinforcing their influence and often perpetuating inequality, shaping global development policy and cultural norms.

What is neoliberalism and what are its core policies?

Neoliberalism advocates free markets, privatisation, trade liberalisation, and reduced state intervention in economies, gaining prominence in the 1980s and promoted globally by institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

How does the historical narrative of 'The Dark Continent' illustrate colonial legacies in shaping global perceptions?

This narrative portrayed Africa as primitive and uncivilised, justifying colonisation and resource extraction. Its legacy continues to shape Western media's portrayal of Africa as poor and conflict-ridden, maintaining unequal power structures.

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

The IMF's primary role is to lend to countries in financial crises, often in return for the adoption of structural adjustment programmes (SAPs).

How does the IMF's quota system reflect unequal power relations?

The IMF operates on a quota system where wealthier countries, such as the USA and Western Europe, hold more voting power, dominating decision-making and ensuring policies reflect Western economic models.

What were the key outcomes of the Greek Debt Crisis after IMF and EU bailouts?

Greece faced austerity measures, privatisation, and tax increases, leading to a 25% economic shrinkage, 27% unemployment, underfunded services, and undermined national sovereignty, while ordinary Greeks faced deepening poverty.

How does China use technology to control information and maintain state power?

China uses its 'Great Firewall' to block foreign platforms like Google and Twitter and the 'Golden Shield' to monitor citizens' internet use, suppressing dissent and limiting Western influence.

How can HDEs use advanced digital capacity to manipulate narratives worldwide?

HDEs with advanced digital capacity can conduct disinformation campaigns (like Russia's in the 2016 US election or Brexit referendum), amplifying division and influencing foreign politics.