Theme 2: Geopolitics, Global Economics, and Wealth Disparities

Geopolitics, Global Economics, and Wealth Disparities

Global health is shaped by power, wealth, political relationships, and the way economic institutions distribute resources

What is global north?

A broad term often used for wealthier, more economically powerful countries. It is not simply a geographic label.

What is the global south?

A broad term often used for countries that have historically experienced greater economic disadvantage or unequal relationships within the global economy. It is not strictly a geographic label.

What did the first world, second world, and third world mean during the cold war?

First world: Countries aligned with the united states and it’s allies

Second world: Countries aligned with the Soviet Union

Third world: Countries that identified as non aligned with major bloc

What are extractive institutions?

Institutions that concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a limited group and extract resources from the wider population, often contributing to inequality and stagnation.

What is the IMF?

The International Monetary Fund. It is important for it’s role in international lending and the economic conditions attached to financial assistance

What is the World Bank?

An international financial institution involved in lending and development programs. It is particularly important for it’s role in development financing and structural adjustment policies.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A U.S. led post World War II program that provided grants and resources such as food, machinery, and fuel to support European recovery. It was open to European countries, although the soviet Union refused participation.

What was the Molotov plan?

A Soviet led alternative involving trade agreements and economic coordination with countries aligned with the USSR, alongside Soviet style economic planning.

What is soft power?

Influence gained through attraction, ideas, aid, cultural influence, or cooperation rather than only through military force.

How did the cold war affect global health?

The United States and Soviet Union used medical assistance, hospitals, medical education, and health care models to build relationships and influence other countries

How did the United States and Soviet Union cooperate in global health despite political competition?

They cooperated on polio vaccination from 1956-1960 and small pox eradication efforts from 1966-1980.

What was the Semashko model?

The Soviet healthcare model associated with a centrally organized, state-run healthcare system. It was presented as an alternative model during Cold War competition.

How was universal healthcare politicized in the United States during the Cold War?

Opponents used anti-communist sentiment and the Red Scare to frame universal healthcare as un-American.

How can economic inequality affect health?

Unequal access to income, education, housing, clean water, nutrition, and medical care can lead to unequal health outcomes.

How can extractive institutions contribute to poor health?

When resources and decision-making power are concentrated, communities may lack the investment and services needed to protect health.

Why are inclusive institutions relevant to health?

Broader participation, public investment, and legal protections can support access to resources and services that improve population health.

Inclusive

Includes people and distributes opportunities more broadly

Extractive

Extracts resources and concentrates power

Cold war

Health assistance could be both healthcare and political influence