Global Perspectives Quick Study

Definition for Global System

A Network of interconnected political, economic, and cultural processes that go across national borders and shape global dynamics

Elements of the Global System?

Trade Networks, Transborder Migration, International Institutions

Define the Global North 

Wealthier, industrialized nations. More developed

Define the Global South 

Less developed, and developing nations 

What is useful about using Global North vs South?

It shows the inequalities between wealth and development.

What are limitations to using Global North vs Global South

It is too broad, and some countries that are defined in the Global South are just as developed or economically stable as global north

What is a Nation? 

A group of people that share common culture, language, history, and identity W

What is a State?

A political entity with defined borders, a government, sovereignty, and is recognized under national law

What is Democracy?

Power lies with the people via elections, Civil liberties, separation of powers, free press/opposition

What is Authoritarianism? 

Power is concentrated in a leader or elite, voting can be bias or fraudulent. Controlled media, suppressed opposition 

Modernization Theory

Development follows a linear path to adopt modern day practices. “Catch Up”

Dependency Theory

Underdevelopment is caused by exploitative relationships with the more developed nations. Causing barriers to development, and so they depend on the consumerism of the Global North

Define a fragile state 

A state that is struggling to provide services, maintain order, and weak governance 

What are the metrics for a fragile state?

Metrics are measured using the Fragile States index. There are 12 indicators,, 2 being demographic pressures, and corruption.

What is Globalization?

Increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies through transborder interactions.

Is globalization new? 

No, dates back to the Silk Road 

Positive Aspects to Globalization

Economic growth, idea exchanges, technological innovation N

Negative Aspects to Globallization

Inequality, Environmental degradation

Impacts to globalization 

Access to global goods, blending of cultures which can reduce traditions, rapid innovation in technology. 

What is Power?

The ability to get the wanted outcome of a situation H

Hard Power?

Coercive by use of military force, economic sanctions. Hard power is more quantitative

Soft Power? 

Persuasive, a more friendly approach to getting your intended outcome. 

Levels of Power

Individual is influence through activism or leadership, National is more of policy, military. Regional is looking at alliances. International is looking at the UN or treaties. S

What is Sovereignty

Supreme authority over your state independent from external control

What is the role of the UN? 

States are equal and autonomous. There to help regulate 

Rationale of Sovereignty

Protects self-determination and non-intervention

Power distribution in the UN

It is not equal, the security council privileges permanent members.

Fragile States w/ sovereignty 

UN interventions may conflict with sovereignty but it aims to protect human rights 

What is National Security?

State protection from external threats. Military and Terrorism W

What is Human Security?

Focuses on individual well-being,

Strengths of both national and human security 

National security can provide a strong defense, and human security enabled satisfaction within one’s nation 

Weaknesses of National and Human security

national security may ignore human rights, while human security is hard to measure

Why is National Security and Human Security useful?

Both are essential as national security ensures stability and safety of the nation. While human security provides satisfaction, and justice.