Globalization and Current Issues

sex

biological traits, such as genitalia and reproductive features

gender

roles, behaviors, and temperament associated with masculinity and femininity

hegemonic masculinity

dominant form of masculinity associated with heterosexuality, wealth, military service, whiteness

traditional gender gaps

• conservative ideologies

• lower education for women

• present in Western democracies until the 1970s

modern gender gap

• more liberal ideologies

• and increased educational access for women, manifesting in disparities in income, employment, and political representation

• present nowadays

dissident sexualities

non-normative sexual identities and practices that challenge traditional norms, including LGBTQ+ identities.

race

categorization of people based on physical features, such as skin color and hair texture and often associated with social, economic, and political contexts. It has significant implications for identity and societal dynamics.

ethnic group

grouping of people based on a shared culture and history

imperialism

a policy or practice where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through force or economic dominance.

“white man’s burden”

belief that imperialism was a moral obligation for Europeans to educate the Global South because of their lack of infrastructure

1950 UNESCO Statement on Race

a declaration asserting that all humans belong to the same species and that racial differences are not a valid basis for hierarchies.

2001 World Conference Against Racism

a United Nations conference aimed at addressing racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance on a global scale

eco fascism

combination of extreme environmentalism and eugenics that is anti-immigration and sees climate change as a signal to start a purge

postcolonialism

analyzes the cultural, political, and religious impact of imperialism on the colonies and modern societies

political impact of imperialism

colonies declared loyalty to European powers/monarchs, leading to establishment of political structures that harmed colonized populations

economic impact of imperialism

indigenous and enslaved labor was exploited for profit, leading to the extraction of resources and wealth from colonized regions.

social impact of imperialism

resulted in cultural erasure, loss of identity, and the imposition of foreign social structures on colonized societies.

settlement colonies

creation of inclusive institutions, right to select and constrain government due to European migration

extraction colonies

creation of extractive institutions, power allocated to small elite, no or limited property rights

non-governmental institutions

voluntary organizations engaging in collective action

3 characteristics of NGOs

• non-commercial

• non-violent

• not on behalf of government

information politics

raising awareness to a cause by spreading information

symbolic politics

use of protests or events on symbolic days or significant occasions to draw attention to a cause

accountability politics

holding governments, politicians, and organizations accountable publicly and demanding action

leverage politics

using powerful actors or organizations to exert pressure and instigate change

boomerang model

a strategy where domestic NGOs seek assistance from external allies to pressure their government to comply with their demands.

Anthropocene

period where human activity significantly impacts climate and the biosphere

tragedy of the commons

overuse and exploitation on limited resources demonstrates a conflict between resources and human desire

UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices and assists countries in implementing environmental policies.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, emphasizing the responsibilities of developed countries.

Paris Climate Agreement (2015)

countries agree to contribute to emission reduction; US withdrew in 2025

voluntary migration

movement of individuals out of a country based on economic opportunity and consent

forced migration

movement of people outside a country due to persecution or violence

asylum seekers

those who have crossed a border and have pending refugee status

refugees

individuals who flee their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution, war, or violence, and seek protection in another country.

people in refugee-like situations

individuals who are displaced from their homes but do not meet the strict criteria for refugee status, often facing danger or instability.

internally displaced persons

those who fled their homes but are still within the boundaries of their home nation

groups of concern

those who returned to home despite fear of persecution

Principle of Non-Refoulement

the legal principle that prohibits returning individuals to a country where they may face danger or persecution.

Global North Issues with Forces Migration

• mishandling forced migration flows, using loopholes to avoid taking in refugees

• original definition of a refugee doesn’t consider modern-day causes of forced migration

• inhumane conditions at refugee camps

deterrence model

preventing refugees form reaching destinations

nation

grouping of people based on a shared political identity, associated with a homeland

state

a defined territory with its own population and monopoly over legitimate force, often recognized by other states.

Zionism

A nationalist movement advocating for the re-establishment and development of a Jewish nation in Israel.

Checkerboard Solution

A proposed plan by the UN following Britain’s retreatment in the territory to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by dividing the land into distinct areas for different ethnic groups.

Six Days War

conflict in 1967 where Israel defeated Egypt and took control over the Gaza strip and the West Bank, leading to its occupation in Palestinian territory

Two-State Solutions

A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that envisions an independent State of Israel and an independent State of Palestine coexisting side by side.

US-Israeli Relations

Israel is the top recipient of American aid; US vetoed a UNSC resolution proposing recognition of Palestine as its own state

military and health

• biological warfare

• diseases can be more deadly than conflict

• governments care about the health of their soldiers

trade and health

trade increases points of contact between populations, increases spread rate for disease

World Health Organization

An international agency responsible for coordinating global health efforts, establishing health standards, and addressing health crises.

vertical activity

focused on immediate cases, such as disease - well funded

horizontal activity

focused on public health systems and infrastructure - underfunded

vaccine nationalism

the tendency of countries to prioritize their own populations for vaccine distribution over global sharing.

anti-globalization

a political and social movement opposing globalization, arguing it harms local economies, cultures, and the environment.

leftist anti-globalization

focused on social justice issues and critiques of capitalism.

right anti-globalization

centered on nationalism and opposing social changes that have left behind the less educated and elderly in society

populism

ideology that divides population into the “pure people” and “corrupt elite”

Fukuyama’s “End of History”

liberal democracy will be prevalent in the end of history; conflict will diminish

Rodrik’s Political Trilemma

the concept that a country can only have two out of three goals: globalization, democracy, and national sovereignty, highlighting the trade-offs between them.

Mueller’s “War has almost ceased”

argues that modern warfare has significantly declined due to globalization and the spread of democracy, suggesting a trend towards lasting peace.