The Contemporary World Prelim to Finals Reviewer

the worldwide interconnection and interdependence of nations, communities, and economies. It includes several important elements: political interdependence, technical progress, cultural interchange, and economic integration.

globalization

The movement of capital, technology, products, and services across national borders is made easier by globalization. __ is exemplified by global supply networks, multinational firms, and international trade agreements.

Economic Integration

Cultural globalization entails the sharing of beliefs, customs, and ideas. It allows individuals to experience a variety of languages, music genres, art styles, and cuisines that are beyond geographical limits. It also calls into question the preservation of regional customs and cultural uniformity.

Cultural Exchange

Globalization has accelerated due to developments in communication, such as social media and the Internet, and transportation (such as air travel and shipping)

Technological Advancements

International organizations and agreements have been formed as a result of globalization to handle issues, including trade disputes, terrorism, and climate change.

Political Interdependence

A person may effectively engage in the global economy by acquiring the information, skills, and competencies that come with education. People with higher levels of education are more equipped to operate in various settings, adjust to new technology, and promote economic development.

Human Capital Development

Education encourages cross-cultural communication and understanding as well as an awareness of variety. People may overcome cultural barriers and foster tolerance and mutual respect by learning about various cultures, languages, and viewpoints via education.

Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Through education, people may acquire new languages more easily and become proficient communicators across linguistic and cultural divides. Being multilingual improves intercultural communication and teamwork, creating chances for international participation and cooperation.

Language Proficiency

Global citizenship abilities like empathy, social responsibility, and critical thinking are developed via education. Education on global citizenship promotes people's involvement in international affairs, their advocacy for social justice, and their engagement in addressing global issues, including poverty, injustice, and environmental sustainability

Global Citizenship Education

Science, technology, and knowledge creation are all advanced by education-driven research and innovation. Institutions of higher learning operate as centers of research and innovation, producing novel concepts, tools, and approaches with an influence on the entire world.

Research and Innovation

Education has grown more globalized with the increased cross-border mobility of researchers, students, and ideas. Collaborative research, international exchange programs, and transnational education initiatives facilitate globalizing education and knowledge creation.

Internationalization of Education

Globalization has made disparities in education worse inside and across nations. While some areas gain from easier access to opportunities and resources, others confront major obstacles such as a lack of infrastructure, finance, and skilled instructors.

Inequality

Globalized education approaches and curricula have the potential to cause cultural homogeneity, in which prevailing global standards eclipse local identities and cultures. The loss of indigenous knowledge and customs may arise from this.

Cultural Homogenization

The necessity to adapt education to local settings and cultures coexists with the standardization of education to meet global benchmarks. For educational systems, balancing local needs and priorities and global norms is a major problem.

Standardization vs. Localization

There is a digital gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, even if digital technologies have the potential to improve learning possibilities. Inequalities in education are made worse by unequal access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training.

Digital Divide

Due to the quick changes brought about by globalization, the labor market now demands new abilities and skills. There may be a discrepancy between the skills that are taught in schools and the talents that businesses want, though if educational institutions find it difficult to adapt to these changes

Skill Mismatch

The emergence of for-profit schools, standardized testing firms, and educational technology providers is evidence of the rising privatization and commercialization of education brought about by globalization. This can compromise education quality and equality by putting financial gain ahead of learning objectives.

Privatization and Commercialization

Globalization has made it easier for students and talented professionals to migrate across borders, which has caused a ___ in certain nations. Highly educated people leaving their home countries might worsen skill shortages and impede economic growth in their nations.

Brain Drain

Globalization can present issues with language policy and education in multilingual cultures. Minority languages and cultures may be marginalized as a result of dominant languages, like English, dominating international communication.

Language Barriers

The persistent underfunding of the Philippine educational system hampers the government's ability to offer high-quality education to everyone. Inadequate funding allocations lead to overcrowded classrooms, a lack of teaching resources, and subpar teacher pay and training.

Inadequate Funding

The present educational curriculum in the country has come under fire for emphasizing memorization over critical thinking, creativity, and 21stcentury abilities. The curriculum raises questions about the relevance and caliber of education as it does not sufficiently prepare pupils for the needs of the modern world.

Outdated Curricula

There are still gaps in educational access, especially between rural and urban regions and between underprivileged populations, including the poor, indigenous peoples, and children with disabilities. Unfair access to educational opportunities arose due to a lack of adequate infrastructure, transportation barriers, and socioeconomic factors.

Unequal Access to Education

There is a great disparity in the quality of education provided by different schools in the country. Some of these schools do not have enough equipment, trained teachers, or encouraging learning environments. The quality of education is further harmed by teacher shortages, high student teacher ratios, and a lack of chances for professional development.

This also includes the infamous practice, “No Child Left Behind,” named after the same government policy. Despite the policy aiming to have competent and academically able students, there is still undeniable evidence that mass promotion is still being practiced, lending to the steady decline in student performance

Quality of Instruction

Make education a top priority in national budgets and provide enough funds to meet infrastructural requirements, raise the caliber of teaching, and improve student results.

Increase Funding

The curriculum should be updated to reflect 21st -century skills, prioritize digital literacy, critical thinking, and creativity, and be relevant to the requirements of Filipino students and society.

Curricular Reform

Adopt policies and initiatives that improve infrastructure, increase the number of scholarship programs, and offer assistance to students in underserved and rural locations to reduce inequalities in access to education, especially for underrepresented populations.

Equitable Access to Education

Investing in professional development and teacher training will improve instruction quality, encourage creative teaching strategies, and support the well-being of educators.

Teacher Training and Support

Greater accessibility to medical advances and technology is one (1) of the main advantages of globalization in the healthcare industry. Improved illness detection, treatment, and prevention are the result of increased international commerce and investment, which have aided in the cross-border dispersion of medical technology, drugs, and equipment. For instance, people in rural and underserved locations now have more access to healthcare alternatives thanks to developments in surgical methods, telemedicine, and medical imaging.

Access to Medical Technologies

Cross-border healthcare services and health tourism have grown as a result of globalization. Nowadays, patients can travel abroad to receive medical care that might be unavailable or more costly in their native nations. Due to this tendency, specialty hospitals and medical tourism sites that serve patients from outside have emerged, spurring economic growth in the healthcare industry.

Health Tourism and Cross-Border Healthcare

It refers to the removal (or reduction) of barriers to international trade, such as tariffs, quotas, and trade restrictions, to promote the free and open exchange of goods and services between countries. It is driven by the belief that increased trade leads to economic growth, efficiency, and welfare gains for participating nations.

Trade Liberalization

These refer to the international dispersion of production processes across different countries, where various stages of production are interconnected through trade and investment relationships. This phenomenon allows businesses to specialize in specific tasks and components, increasing efficiency and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Global Value Chains

This refers to the growing influence of financial markets and financial motives in the operation of domestic and international economies. It involves the expansion of financial activities, such as trading, speculation, and the use of financial instruments, often at the expense of traditional productive activities and long-term investment.

Financialization

They break down geographical barriers and enable instantaneous communication and transactions between buyers and sellers across the globe. They enhance efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and expand market access for businesses, fostering greater interconnectedness and competition in the global marketplace.

Technological Innovations

These two influence market integration by shaping consumer preferences and behaviors, impacting the demand for goods and services in global markets. While convergence may lead to the spread of standardized products and global consumer cultures, divergence preserves cultural diversity, and fosters niche markets catering to specific cultural identities and values.

Cultural Convergence and Divergence

These impact market integration by influencing consumption patterns and purchasing power, leading to unequal access to goods and services in global markets. While market integration can exacerbate income inequalities by favoring wealthier consumers and regions, it also presents opportunities for economic growth and poverty alleviation through increased trade and investment.

Income Disparities

This also includes the establishment of international financial institutions (IFIs), institutions that were established by more than one (1) host country to provide financial aid to other countries in need of monetary support. Important IFIs include the __

World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

These institutions help countries grow their economies and improve the lives of their citizens. By providing financial support, they can help build schools, hospitals, and other important infrastructure. They can also help countries recover from natural disasters or economic downturns.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs)

is a political, economic, and cultural cooperation between nations, such as keeping peace, protecting the environment, or helping poor countries. Think of it as a basketball (or an e-sports) team, where the players come from different places, but they work together to win the game.

Internationalism

is an ideology based on the belief that the flow of people, goods, and information should move freely across borders, like a huge supermarket where everyone can buy and sell products.

Globalism

These shape the global interstate system by determining the influence and interactions between nation-states, often leading to alliances, conflicts, and shifts in geopolitical balances. Dominant powers exert significant influence over international affairs, shaping diplomatic relations, security policies, and the distribution of resources on the global stage.

Power Dynamics

These impact the global interstate system by shaping states' foreign policies, alliances, and military strategies in response to threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and regional conflicts. These challenges influence the balance of power among nations, drive arms races, and prompt cooperation or competition in efforts to maintain international stability and security.

Security Challenges

Differences between regionalism and globalism affect the global interstate system by influencing the distribution of power, decision-making processes, and approaches to governance in international relations. While regionalism promotes cooperation and integration within specific geographic areas, globalism advocates for broader collaboration and collective action to address transnational challenges, shaping the dynamics of diplomacy and cooperation among states.

Regionalism vs. Globalism

The differences between multilateralism and unilateralism affect contemporary global governance by influencing the inclusivity, legitimacy, and effectiveness of decision-making processes and policy outcomes. Multilateral approaches promote cooperation and shared responsibility among multiple actors, while unilateral actions by individual states may undermine collective efforts and lead to tensions or conflicts in global governance initiatives.

Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism

impact contemporary global governance by highlighting the need for collective action and cooperation among nations to manage and preserve shared resources such as the atmosphere, oceans, and outer space. Effective governance of __ requires international agreements, regulatory frameworks, and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement to address challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, and competing territorial claims.

Global Commons

shape contemporary global governance by establishing norms and principles for addressing mass atrocities and protecting vulnerable populations. These concepts influence the legitimacy of international interventions, the role of regional organizations, and the balance between state sovereignty and humanitarian concerns in global governance frameworks.

Humanitarian Intervention and Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

In today’s popular culture, poverty and segregation are always tackled because these are some of the points of conversation that show ___ between social classes.

disparity (i.e., a marked difference)

is defined as a group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status. It has been studied extensively in social science, as it was covered by several philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, Karl Marx, and Max Weber, to name a few

social class

As referenced in some songs such as Upuan (by GLOC-9) and Tatsulok (by Bamboo), our world can be organized into a pyramid with clear distinctions, generally called the ___

North-South Divide

It is the economic, social, and political gap between the developed, industrialized countries of the Northern Hemisphere (often referred to as the Global North) and the less developed countries of the Southern Hemisphere (referred to as the Global South).

North-South Divide

The perception that one’s identity is inferior compared to foreign culture and ethnicity.

Colonial mentality

The behaviors or attitudes that reflect and foster the belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits, where differences make one (1) superior.

Racism

The unjust (or prejudicial) treatment of different categories of people, particularly with their ethnicity, age, sex, or disability.

Discrimination

Colonizers imposed trade patterns that benefited their economies, leading to enduring economic disparities between former colonizers (Global North) and former colonies (Global South). These can be traced as far back as the Age of Exploration, where Portugal and Spain practically divided the world into the East (Spain-centric) and West (Portugal-centric). This was intensified during the Industrial Revolution, when slavery and exploitation of natural resources became rampant, sparking the rise of imperialism.

Unequal Trade Relationships

• Can create new economic opportunities via:

o Expanded markets

o Foreign investments, and

o Technological advancements

• Generates jobs

• Increases incomes

Positive impacts

• Can exacerbate poverty by widening income inequalities

• May face challenges in competing with more advanced economies

• May lead to job losses in traditional sectors

• Increases vulnerability for marginalized populations

Negative impacts

Latin America is known for its significant income disparities, where a small elite holds a disproportionate share of wealth compared to the majority of the population. This disparity is exacerbated by global economic trends that often favor developed regions over developing ones.

Income Inequality

Latin American countries often face challenges in accessing global markets on equal terms due to trade barriers, tariffs, and unequal trade agreements. This limits their ability to compete globally and benefit fully from international trade.

The Global Market

Many Latin American economies are heavily reliant on exports of primary commodities (such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products). Fluctuations in global commodity prices can lead to economic instability and vulnerability.

Commodities

The global divide perpetuates poverty and social exclusion in Latin America, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. Economic disparities drive migration from Latin America to more developed regions seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions. This has social and economic implications for both sending and receiving countries. Finally, access to quality healthcare and education varies widely across the region, with rural and marginalized urban populations often facing significant barriers to accessing these essential services.

Social and Human Development

Latin American countries may have less influence in global decision-making forums compared to more economically powerful regions. This can impact their ability to advocate for their interests on issues such as trade agreements, environmental policies, and international aid. Economic disparities can contribute to political instability and governance challenges in Latin America, including corruption, social unrest, and political polarization.

Political Influence and Governance

There is a digital divide in Latin America, with disparities in internet access and connectivity between urban and rural areas, as well as across socioeconomic groups. This affects access to information, education, and economic opportunities. Limited investment in research and development compared to more developed regions hinders technological innovation and competitiveness in Latin America, impacting economic growth and development.

Technological Access and Digital Divide

Latin America is home to rich biodiversity and natural resources. However, global environmental policies and climate change disproportionately affect the region, leading to challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The demand for Latin America’s natural resources by more developed regions can lead to environmental degradation and social conflicts over land use and resource extraction.

Environmental and Climate Challenges

The integration of Philippine industries into global markets has stimulated economic growth, particularly in sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing, and tourism. This has contributed to overall GDP growth and increased foreign direct investment.

Economic Growth

Despite economic growth, income inequality remains a significant challenge. Globalization has concentrated wealth in urban centers and among certain sectors, leaving rural areas and marginalized communities behind. This disparity in wealth distribution underscores persistent poverty and social inequities within the country.

Income Inequality

The United Nations has identified poverty eradication and reducing inequalities as central goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encapsulated in the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The UN aims to eradicate extreme poverty globally, ensuring that all people have access to basic resources, services, and economic opportunities.

SDG 1: No Poverty

Addressing inequalities within and among countries is crucial to promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The UN advocates for policies that empower marginalized groups, promote social protection systems, and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities. The UN encourages member states like the Philippines to adopt inclusive policies that prioritize poverty reduction and equitable economic growth. This includes investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods to uplift disadvantaged communities and bridge the gap between rich and poor.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

it refers to the process of Asian countries coming together to foster cooperation, integration, and collective decision-making within the region. This regional cooperation aims to enhance economic growth, political stability, and cultural exchange among Asian nations.

Asian regionalism

Promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

FOUNDING MEMBERS: • Australia • Brunei • Canada • Indonesia • Japan • South Korea • Malaysia • New Zealand • Philippines • Singapore • Thailand • United States

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC:1989) 

Economic integration, political cooperation, social progress, and cultural development. 

MEMBERS: • Brunei • Cambodia • Indonesia • Laos • Malaysia • Myanmar • Philippines • Singapore • Thailand • Vietnam

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN:1967)

To ensure dynamic and mutual cooperation, especially in the areas that are of common interest to the member countries. To create an environment for ensuring expeditious economic growth in the South Asian and Southeast Asian countries.

MEMBERS: • Bangladesh • Bhutan • India • Myanmar • Nepal • Sri Lanka • Thailand

Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC:1997)

Regional cooperation in economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields. Attempts to address common challenges in the region and foster regional stability

MEMBERS: • Afghanistan • Bangladesh • Bhutan • India • Maldives • Nepal • Pakistan • Sri Lanka

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC:1985)

Enhancing cross-border connectivity between the member nations, promoting trade and economic growth.

MEMBERS: • Bangladesh • Bhutan • India • Maldives • Myanmar • Nepal • Sri Lanka

South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC:2001)

Globalization profoundly influences Asian regionalism in several ways, shaping its economic, political, and socio-cultural dimensions.

Impact of Globalization on Asian Regionalism

Globalization facilitates increased trade flows and investment within Asia and between Asian countries and the rest of the world. Regional economic integration efforts such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and bilateral trade agreements are accelerated by globalization, promoting cross-border economic activities.

Trade and Investment

Globalization has led to the development of complex supply chains across Asia, with countries specializing in different stages of production. This integration enhances economic efficiency and competitiveness within the region.

Supply Chains

Globalization encourages Asian countries to form and strengthen regional organizations such as ASEAN, SAARC, and BIMSTEC. These organizations promote political dialogue, conflict resolution, and cooperation on regional issues such as security, climate change, and disaster management

Regional Organizations

Increased connectivity and cultural exchanges due to globalization enhance countries' soft power. Asian countries use cultural diplomacy, tourism, and educational exchanges to strengthen regional ties and influence international relations.

Soft Power and Diplomacy

Globalization facilitates cultural exchanges among Asian countries, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of diversity. This cultural interaction fosters regional identity and cohesion.

Cultural Exchange

Globalization contributes to the spread of technology, knowledge, and best practices in areas such as healthcare, education, and urban planning. This enhances social development and resilience within the region.

Social Development

Globalization promotes digital connectivity across Asia, bridging urban-rural divides and improving access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). This connectivity supports economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Digital Connectivity

Globalization encourages collaboration and innovation in technology-intensive industries across Asian countries. Joint research initiatives, technology transfers, and investments in innovation hubs contribute to regional technological advancement.

Technological Innovation

The region faces challenges such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, which require regional cooperation and sustainable development strategies.

Globalization Challenges

Thus, globalization shapes Asian regionalism by promoting economic integration, enhancing political cooperation, facilitating cultural exchange, advancing technological innovation, and presenting both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development

Globalization Opportunities

The spread of ideas and advocacy from Western countries influences discussions and perceptions about SOGI in Asia.

Global Influence

Platforms like ASEAN and SAARC facilitate exchanges on SOGI issues among member states

Regional Responses

Pressure from global entities promotes adherence to international human rights norms regarding SOGI rights

Global Standards

Adoption of varied legal protections across Asian countries influenced by cultural and political contexts.

Regional Variations

Globalization exposes Asia to diverse perspectives, challenging traditional norms and promoting acceptance of SOGI diversity.

Cultural Exchange

SOGI expression is influenced by local cultural and religious beliefs, nuanced by regional responses to global norms.

Local Contexts

Resistance to perceived foreign influences may restrict advocacy efforts for SOGI rights.

Conservative Backlash

Continued stigma and discrimination based on SOGI in legal frameworks and societal attitudes, shaped by regional responses to global influences.

Legal and Social Stigma

Globalization enhances access to healthcare and support networks for individuals with diverse SOGI.

Healthcare and Social Services

Increased internet access facilitates SOGI advocacy and support networks, bridging gaps in regions with limited local resources.

Digital Connectivity

Increased global trade and investment may lead to the exploitation of natural resources in IP lands for commercial gain, affecting traditional livelihoods and land rights.

Globalization

Integration into regional economic frameworks may create opportunities for IPs to participate in markets and value chains but also poses risks of marginalization and loss of land rights.

Regional Economic Initiatives

Exposure to global cultures can enrich cultural diversity but also threaten traditional knowledge and practices.

Cultural Exchange

Regional and global recognition of indigenous cultures may promote cultural pride and heritage conservation efforts.

Preservation Efforts

Global human rights norms may influence Philippine policies on indigenous land rights and self-determination.

International Standards

Participation in regional indigenous rights networks may enhance advocacy for land rights and legal protections

Regional Cooperation