The State & Globalisation

What is a nation-state?

A nation-state is a clearly defined geographical area with internationally recognised borders.

Why is the nation-state important in global politics?

The nation-state is often regarded as the most powerful actor in global politics.

What is a nation?

A nation is a political community bound together by citizenship and nationality.

What is a state?

A state is a political entity with a defined territory, population, government and sovereignty.

What is national sovereignty?

National sovereignty is the principle that a state has ultimate authority to govern itself and make decisions within its own borders without interference from other states or external organisations.

What does sovereignty mean in the Edexcel specification?

It refers to the state's absolute power over its citizens and subjects.

What are the three key characteristics of national sovereignty?

Control of territory, control of citizens/subjects/residents, and the exclusive use of force.

What does control of territory mean?

It means that the nation-state has control over its geographical area and borders and can limit outside interference.

What does control of citizens, subjects and residents mean?

A sovereign government has the authority to make decisions affecting the lives of people within the state.

What does exclusive use of force mean?

The government of the state has the legitimate authority to use force, usually through the military and police.

Why is international recognition important to sovereignty?

States recognise the sovereignty of other states in return for their own sovereignty being recognised and respected.

What is weak national sovereignty?

Weak national sovereignty occurs when a government struggles to exercise effective authority over its territory, population or use of force.

What can happen when a state cannot control its borders?

The government may be unable to monitor people crossing the border, threatening the stability of the nation-state.

What is an example of weak border control?

The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced repeated attacks from armed groups, including the Rwandan-based M23.

What can happen when a government is ineffective or corrupt?

It may fail to protect citizens, while justice systems and economic stability can be threatened.

What is an example of ineffective or corrupt government?

Political instability and corruption have left Haiti close to state collapse.

What happens when non-state actors use violence?

The security of the population can be threatened and society can become destabilised.

What is an example of violent non-state actors weakening state sovereignty?

Drug cartels in Mexico have inflicted high levels of violence and contributed to political instability.

What is Palestine's status as a nation-state?

Palestinian leaders declared independence in 1988, but recognition of Palestine as a nation-state is not universal.

What areas does Palestine mainly refer to?

The West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Why do some states recognise Palestine?

Reasons include self-determination, elements of statehood, international support and support for a two-state solution.

How does self-determination support recognition of Palestine?

International law supports the principle that peoples should be able to govern themselves.

What elements of statehood does Palestine possess?

It has a population, claimed territory and governing bodies such as the Palestinian Authority.

How much international recognition does Palestine have according to the notes?

Over 130 UN member states recognise Palestine, and it has non-member observer state status at the UN.

Why does recognition of Palestine support a two-state solution?

Recognition can be seen as encouraging peace through two states existing alongside each other.

Why do some states not recognise Palestine?

Reasons include unclear borders, limited governance, a negotiation-first approach and foreign policy considerations.

How do unclear borders affect recognition of Palestine?

Palestine does not have fully agreed or controlled borders, which some states argue weakens its claim to full statehood.

How does divided governance affect Palestine's statehood?

Control of territory and government is divided, which some argue weakens its statehood.

What is a negotiation-first approach to Palestine?

Some states believe recognition should only occur after a final peace agreement.

How can foreign policy influence recognition of Palestine?

States may make recognition decisions based on their wider diplomatic relationships.

What is globalisation?

Globalisation is the interconnectedness and interdependence of multiple actors in the world today.

What does globalisation mean for political power?

Power and influence are increasingly shared between many different actors rather than being controlled by states alone.

What is interconnectedness?

Interconnectedness refers to the growing links between people, states, institutions, cultures, economies, technology and political systems.

What is interdependence?

Interdependence occurs when actors depend on one another, meaning actions in one area can have consequences elsewhere.

What is the key effect of global interconnectedness?

Decisions made in one area can have wide political, economic, social or environmental consequences elsewhere.

How does globalisation affect the distribution of power?

Power becomes more diffuse because many actors influence global politics.

Does one actor fully control global politics under globalisation?

No. Globalisation means that no single actor fully controls global politics.

Why are people important to globalisation?

People act as citizens, voters, workers and activists, and their beliefs and behaviour influence governments, markets and political ideas.

How do societies and cultures influence global politics?

They shape political values and attitudes towards issues such as democracy, equality and authority.

How do political ideas influence globalisation?

Ideas such as liberalism and nationalism influence how states respond to globalisation.

Do states remain important under globalisation?

Yes. States remain important but increasingly operate within a global system involving many other actors.

How does globalisation affect state sovereignty?

State sovereignty can be influenced and constrained by global economic, political, legal and social pressures.

How do international institutions affect states?

Institutions such as the UN, WTO and IMF create rules that can guide or constrain state behaviour.

How does economic globalisation affect state independence?

Trade, investment and global supply chains make economies increasingly interconnected, reducing economic independence.

How does technology contribute to globalisation?

Technology allows information, political ideas, protests and political movements to spread rapidly across borders.

What is economic globalisation?

The increasing integration and interdependence of national economies through trade, investment, finance, production and global supply chains.

What is political globalisation?

The increasing development of political cooperation, international institutions, international law and global political decision-making.

What is cultural globalisation?

The increasing exchange and spread of cultures, ideas, lifestyles, media and values across national borders.

What is cultural homogenisation?

The process by which cultures become increasingly similar as global cultural influences spread.

What is a global monoculture?

A global culture in which similar values, media, lifestyles, products and cultural practices are shared across different societies.

What is global governance?

The coordination of international political action through states, international institutions and other global actors without a single world government.

What is world government?

A theoretical system in which a single global authority would govern the world's states and populations.

What is the difference between global governance and world government?

Global governance involves cooperation between multiple actors without one supreme global authority, whereas world government would involve a single overarching global authority.

What are the main factors driving globalisation?

People, technology, transport and international institutions.

How have people driven globalisation?

Migration, tourism, international study and global communication have increased interaction across borders.

How has technology driven globalisation?

The World Wide Web, computers, smartphones and social media allow information, political ideas, news and activism to spread instantly across borders.

How has technology reduced the importance of distance?

Instant communication allows people and organisations to interact globally without being physically close.

How has transport driven globalisation?

Improved land, sea and air transport allows goods, services and people to move more efficiently around the world.

How has container shipping contributed to globalisation?

It has made the international movement of goods faster and more efficient, increasing global trade.

How have low-cost airlines contributed to globalisation?

They have made international travel more accessible and increased movement between countries.

How have international institutions driven globalisation?

Institutions such as the UN, World Bank, IMF and WTO encourage international cooperation, trade and economic development.

What major international institutions emerged after 1945?

The United Nations, World Bank, IMF and WTO.

What was the Paris Climate Accord (2015)?

An international agreement in which states committed to limiting global temperature rise.

How do international institutions promote globalisation?

They coordinate negotiations, encourage cooperation and promote free trade and economic development.

How does globalisation challenge the state system?

Increased interconnectedness and interdependence challenge the assumption that states alone are the most powerful actors in global politics.

How does economic interdependence challenge state power?

States depend increasingly on other states and multinational corporations.

How can citizens challenge state authority?

Informed citizens can use technology, activism and political participation to challenge laws and government authority.

How do non-state actors challenge state power?

Organisations such as NGOs, multinational corporations and international institutions can influence political decisions.

How does international law challenge state sovereignty?

Global and regional institutions promote international laws and standards that can constrain state behaviour.

How can human rights standards challenge state sovereignty?

States may face pressure to change domestic policies to meet international human rights standards.

How can globalisation challenge the state's monopoly on force?

Non-state actors and international institutions can challenge the state's ability to exercise authority and control within its territory.

What are hyperglobalisers?

Hyperglobalisers argue that globalisation has transformed the world economy and significantly reduced the importance of national economies and the nation-state.

What do hyperglobalisers argue about national economies?

They argue that the global economy has become increasingly unified while the importance of individual national economies has declined.

What do hyperglobalisers argue about the power of the state?

They argue that globalisation has significantly weakened the ability of states to control economic and political developments.

What is an argument in favour of hyperglobalisation?

Globalisation can increase international trade, investment, technology transfer and economic interdependence.

What are globalisation sceptics?

Globalisation sceptics argue that globalisation has been exaggerated and that nation-states remain powerful and important.

What do globalisation sceptics argue about inequality?

They argue that globalisation has contributed to greater wealth inequality.

What do globalisation sceptics argue about the environment?

They argue that globalisation has increased consumerism and environmental damage.

What do globalisation sceptics argue about state stability?

They argue that globalisation can threaten the stability of states.

How can economic interdependence create a domino effect?

Economic problems in one state can spread to other interconnected states through trade, investment and financial links.

How can multinational corporations contribute to inequality?

They may exploit workers in less economically developed states while contributing to unemployment in more economically developed states.

What are transformationalists?

Transformationalists argue that globalisation is neither wholly positive nor wholly negative but is reshaping how societies interact.

What do transformationalists think about inequality?

They agree with sceptics that globalisation has not benefited everyone equally.

What do transformationalists think about the nation-state?

They do not believe globalisation necessarily threatens the stability or importance of nation-states.

How do transformationalists differ from hyperglobalisers?

They accept that globalisation produces positive economic benefits but reject the idea that this necessarily means the nation-state will decline in importance.

How do transformationalists differ from sceptics?

They accept that globalisation has significant positive effects and reject the idea that it is simply damaging to states.

What is the liberal view of globalisation?

Liberals see states as important but argue that many actors shape global politics and that interconnectedness and interdependence can support peace, economic growth and human rights.

What do liberals believe about interdependence?

They argue that interconnectedness creates mutual benefits and can encourage cooperation between states.

How can globalisation promote peace according to liberals?

Economic and political interdependence increases the costs of conflict and encourages states to cooperate.

How can globalisation promote economic growth according to liberals?

Free trade, investment, technology and international cooperation can increase economic development.

How can globalisation promote human rights according to liberals?

International institutions, global norms and increased communication can encourage states to respect human rights.

What did John Rawls argue about globalisation?

Rawls saw globalisation as potentially important for achieving global justice.

What is the realist view of globalisation?

Realists argue that the state remains the most powerful actor and will prioritise its own national interests.