Contemporary Global Issues — Evaluation

How can changing state power help address conflict?

Powerful states and international organisations can use diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to prevent or respond to conflict.

How can changing state power worsen conflict?

Powerful states may use hard power to pursue national interests, threaten sovereignty or intensify rivalries.

How can development reduce poverty?

Economic growth, education, healthcare and infrastructure can improve living standards and reduce deprivation.

Why does poverty remain a global political challenge?

Poverty can contribute to instability and conflict and cannot always be resolved by individual states.

How has the development of human-rights norms changed state sovereignty?

The idea of universal human rights challenges the traditional view that states alone determine citizens' rights.

Why does sovereignty still matter for human rights?

States retain significant control over their territory and may resist external interference.

How can international environmental agreements address global problems?

They establish shared rules, norms and targets that encourage states to cooperate.

Why are international environmental agreements limited?

States may struggle to enforce agreements, and environmental goals may not be achieved despite widespread support.

What is the overall relationship between power and global issues?

State power can help address global problems, but competition between states and the protection of sovereignty can also make collective solutions difficult.