Context of Global Challenges / The Anthropocene POLS1201

Liberalism: need cooperation

Global problems like climate change and pandemics can’t be solved by one state alone. Liberalism stresses the importance of international cooperation, institutions (like the UN or WHO), and agreements (like the Paris Agreement).

Constructivism: how we frame threats matters

Constructivism argues that whether we treat something like climate change as an urgent threat depends on how it is discussed and understood socially. Framing shapes political action.

Critical theory: capitalism, inequality

Critical theory focuses on how global challenges are tied to deeper issues like capitalism, exploitation, and global inequality. It questions who benefits and who suffers most from environmental damage.

Anthropocene

A proposed new geological era where human activity is the dominant force shaping the Earth’s systems, especially through environmental degradation and climate change.

Climate change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns due to human activities like burning fossil fuels—posing major risks to ecosystems, health, and economies.

Biodiversity loss

The decline of species and ecosystems due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change, which threatens the balance of life and human survival.

Global risk

Large-scale threats—like pandemics, nuclear war, or climate breakdown—that affect all countries and require global coordination to manage.

Transnational governance

Systems of rule and cooperation across borders involving states, IGOs, NGOs, and other actors working together on shared global problems.

Inequality

Global challenges often impact poor countries and communities the most, exposing and deepening inequalities in wealth, power, and access to resources.

Postcolonialism: climate injustice

Postcolonialism highlights how countries that contributed least to climate change (like those in the Global South) are the most affected—calling attention to unequal responsibility and historical injustice.

Paris Agreement: Liberal cooperation on climate

A global treaty where countries voluntarily commit to reducing emissions. It reflects liberal ideas of cooperation, but success depends on states keeping promises.

Pacific Islands: Rising sea threatens sovereignty (existential risk)

Low-lying islands are at risk of disappearing due to sea level rise, threatening not just land but national identity and sovereignty.

COVID-19: Weak global response, WHO sidelined

The pandemic revealed a lack of strong global coordination. Despite WHO guidance, many states acted alone, showing the limits of global governance.

Brazil/Amazon: Sovereignty vs global ecological concern

The Amazon rainforest is vital for the planet, but Brazil claims the right to control it. This case shows tension between national sovereignty and global environmental responsibility.

Vaccine inequality: Global South suffers more

During COVID-19, wealthier countries accessed vaccines faster, while poorer nations were left behind—highlighting deep global health and economic inequalities.