Nation-states better actors to solve economy globalisation challenges.

Evaluate the extent to which nation-states are better able than other actors in global politics to solve challenges of economic globalisation.

Introduction

Definitions: Nation-states are sovereign entities with control over domestic and international policies. Economic globalisation refers to the increasing interdependence of economies worldwide, presenting challenges like inequality, exploitation, and financial instability. Other actors include international organisations, NGOs, and multinational corporations (MNCs).

Debates: whether nation-states are better equipped to address these challenges compared to other global actors.

Direction: Nation-states remain the most important actors due to their sovereign authority and ability to negotiate international agreements, but solving economic globalisation's challenges requires a collaborative, multi-actor approach.

Point: Nation-states can implement policies tailored to their domestic needs, directly addressing the effects of globalisation.

Example: The UK introduced the National Minimum Wage in 1998 to combat worker exploitation and wage suppression linked to global competition.

Explanation: Sovereign control allows nation-states to protect their citizens through labour laws, tariffs, and welfare policies.

Evaluation: However, in an interconnected world, nation-states often face constraints from global markets and trade agreements. Despite this, their sovereignty remains a key advantage in addressing domestic economic challenges.

Link: Highlights the unique capacity of nation-states to enact targeted, enforceable solutions to globalisation challenges.

Point: Organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) coordinate efforts to manage global economic issues beyond the capacity of individual states.

Example: The WTO's dispute resolution mechanism has settled trade conflicts, ensuring stability in global markets.

Explanation: International organisations operate across borders, addressing systemic issues like unfair trade practices and financial crises.

Evaluation: However, such organisations are often criticised for favouring powerful states and lacking enforceability. Despite these flaws, their global reach complements state-level efforts.

Link: Suggests international organisations can sometimes surpass nation-states in managing the global scope of economic challenges.

Point: Nation-states have the capacity to coordinate international responses to economic globalisation through trade deals and alliances.

Example: The Paris Agreement (2015) saw nation-states commit to sustainable development goals, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

Explanation: Through diplomacy, nation-states can address cross-border issues like fair trade, tax evasion, and environmental degradation.

Evaluation: While nation-states are pivotal in negotiations, enforcement often relies on cooperation, which is hindered by conflicting national interests.
Nonetheless, states remain central to facilitating such agreements.

Link: Demonstrates that nation-states are indispensable for creating frameworks to tackle global economic challenges collectively.

Point: MNCs, as major global economic players, can drive solutions through innovation and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Example: Unilever's sustainability programs aim to reduce environmental harm while promoting ethical supply chains, addressing challenges like exploitation and pollution.

Explanation: MNCs often operate in multiple states, using their resources to implement changes faster than governments or international bodies.

Evaluation: However, MNCs prioritise profit over public welfare, and their initiatives are voluntary, lacking accountability. Nation-states are still needed to regulate corporate behavior.

Link: Shows that while MNCs contribute to solving global challenges, their efforts are limited without nation-state regulation.