global challenges 2

What is the development gap?

refers to the economic inequality between the Global North (wealthy, developed countries) and the Global South (developing, lower-income countries), affecting access to resources, education, healthcare, etc.

What are the main sources of international law?

two main sources: treaties (written agreements) and customs (accepted practices).

Why is the International Court of Justice (ICJ) limited in power?

lacks enforcement power; countries must voluntarily agree to its rulings.

What is protectionism?

involves using tariffs and restrictions to protect domestic industries, such as U.S. steel tariffs.

What is the focus of mercantilism?

focuses on exporting more than importing to build national wealth.

What is neoliberal institutionalism?

It believes that despite the anarchic world system, states can cooperate through repeated interactions and trust-building, with the help of institutions.

What is universal jurisdiction?

allows crimes like genocide and war crimes to be prosecuted by any country, even if they occurred elsewhere. Examples include Bosnia and Rwanda.

What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma in international relations?

shows how countries may avoid cooperation out of fear the other won’t follow through, leading to cheating even when mutual cooperation would be beneficial.

What is the significance of the South China Sea ruling in 2016?

China violated international law with its territorial claims in the South China Sea, but China ignored the ruling, showing the limitations of international law enforcement.

What is the Bretton Woods Trio and GATT?

After WWII, institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and GATT were created to stabilize the global economy. GATT promoted "national treatment," ensuring foreign firms are treated equally to domestic ones.

Why do countries follow international law?

when it is in their self-interest, as both realists and liberals agree that it’s based on practicality, not idealism.

What do economic realists focus on?

focus on power over peace, concentrating on who controls trade and finance, national interests, and gaining leverage.

What is the Beijing Consensus?

China’s model of state-led development, policy experimentation, and reforms tailored to its political system, offering an alternative to Western-style capitalism.

Where do neoliberals and realists agree?

world is anarchic and that states are rational. However, while realists see this leading to conflict, neoliberals see potential for cooperation through institutions.