Global Systems

global interdependence

the idea that the success of one place is dependent on the success of other nations/regions

What are the four main forms of interdependence?

• economic

• political

• social

• environmental

economic interdependence

when countries rely on each other to buy and sell the goods that they need and produce, and depend on flows of labour to provide a workforce

What does political interdependence involve?

countries working together to tackle global issues, political unrest, and conflict

social interdependence

the increased global connections through diaspora and the consumption of media (films, TV, music, and the internet) from various countries around the world

What is diaspora in the context of social interdependence?

people from a particular country or ethnic group who are scattered around the world, increasing social connections between different nations

How does labour flow contribute to economic interdependence?

by providing a workforce for countries that need it, often through migration

How are countries dependent on each other to protect the environment?

countries are dependent on each other to protect the environment by dealing with global threats, including climate change and loss of biodiversity

What are the four main types of unequal flow within global systems?

• people

• capital

• technology

• ideas

brain drain

the phenomenon where highly skilled professionals, such as doctors and nurses, leave their home countries (often LICs) to work in other countries

remittances

money transfers made by migrant workers to their home countries, which can boost growth and development in LDE and EME countries

What are some positive and negative impacts of unequal flows?

• promote growth and stability

• create inequalities

• create conflict

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

a form of capital flow that can contribute to economic growth and development in recipient countries

How can technology flows positively impact LICs?

• improved quality of life

• better healthcare

• cleaner energy

• improved education opportunities

How do the IMF and the World Bank impact unequal power relations between countries?

the IMF and the World Bank reinforce unequal power relations

the Great Firewall of China

China's system for regulating the internet and blocking access to certain foreign websites

How does China's expansion in the South China Sea demonstrate unequal power relations?

• building and arming islands and claiming 90% of the area

• demonstrates its ability to exert power over smaller nations in the region who rely on other countries like the USA for support