global challenges 2.1

Flashcard 1:
Q: What is the economic distinction between the Global North and Global South?
A: The Global North refers to wealthy, developed countries, while the Global South consists of developing, lower-income countries with less access to resources and infrastructure.
Example: The U.S. (Global North) has highly developed infrastructure, while countries in Africa (Global South) often face economic challenges.

Flashcard 2:
Q: What are the two main sources of international law?
A: International law comes from treaties (written agreements) and customs (accepted practices).
Example: The Geneva Conventions are treaties that set the standards for international humanitarian law.

Flashcard 3:
Q: Why does the International Court of Justice (ICJ) struggle to enforce its rulings?
A: The ICJ lacks enforcement power and depends on countries’ willingness to comply with its decisions.
Example: Despite the ICJ ruling against the U.S. in certain cases, the country did not always implement the decisions.

Flashcard 4:
Q: What is the role of tariffs in protectionism?
A: Tariffs are taxes on imports designed to protect domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive.
Example: A country may place tariffs on foreign cars to encourage consumers to buy domestic-made vehicles.

Flashcard 5:
Q: What does mercantilism prioritize in economic policy?
A: Mercantilism prioritizes accumulating national wealth by exporting more than importing, often through strict government control.
Example: 16th-century Spain sought to increase its wealth by controlling silver mines and exporting large quantities of gold and silver.

Flashcard 6:
Q: How do neoliberal institutionalists view the role of institutions in global relations?
A: Neoliberal institutionalists believe institutions can help states cooperate by fostering trust and repeated interactions.
Example: The United Nations facilitates cooperation among states on global issues like climate change and peacekeeping.

Flashcard 7:
Q: What is the main challenge presented by the Prisoner’s Dilemma in international relations?
A: The challenge is that states may distrust one another, leading to a failure to cooperate even when mutual cooperation would benefit both.
Example: Two neighboring countries might both refrain from reducing their nuclear arsenals due to fears that the other will not comply.

Flashcard 8:
Q: What does universal jurisdiction allow a country to do?
A: Universal jurisdiction allows a country to prosecute individuals for certain crimes like genocide or war crimes, even if the crime occurred outside its borders.
Example: Spain prosecuted former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet for human rights violations, despite the crimes taking place in Chile.

Flashcard 9:
Q: How did China respond to the South China Sea ruling in 2016?
A: China ignored the ruling of an international court, which stated its territorial claims violated international law.
Example: Despite the ruling, China continued its aggressive territorial actions in the South China Sea.

Flashcard 10:
Q: What is the goal of the Bretton Woods institutions?
A: The Bretton Woods institutions, such as the IMF and World Bank, were created to stabilize the global economy post-WWII by promoting international trade and economic development.
Example: The World Bank provides financial assistance to developing countries to help them build infrastructure.

Flashcard 11:
Q: How does GATT promote fair trade?
A: The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) aimed to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, ensuring that foreign firms were treated equally to domestic firms.
Example: Under GATT, foreign cars in the U.S. should not face higher tariffs than domestic-made cars.

Flashcard 12:
Q: Why is national interest important in international law?
A: Countries follow international law when it aligns with their own national interests, such as security, economic gain, or maintaining political influence.
Example: A country might comply with international trade laws to maintain access to global markets, even if it conflicts with other interests.

Flashcard 13:
Q: How does economic realism differ from idealism in international relations?
A: Economic realism focuses on the power dynamics of trade and finance, where national interest and leverage are prioritized over fairness or cooperation.
Example: A country may impose sanctions on another to gain political leverage, rather than for moral or cooperative reasons.

Flashcard 14:
Q: What is a key characteristic of the Beijing Consensus?
A: The Beijing Consensus emphasizes state-led development, policy experimentation, and adapting reforms to fit the political system of the country.
Example: China’s rapid infrastructure development and economic growth reflect the principles of the Beijing Consensus.

Flashcard 15:
Q: How do neoliberals and realists both view states in the international system?
A: Both neoliberals and realists agree that states are rational actors in an anarchic world, though they differ in their belief in the potential for cooperation.
Example: Realists believe states act to maximize power, while neoliberals see institutions as a means for cooperation, like the World Trade Organization.

Flashcard 16:
Q: What is the main focus of economic realists in global relations?
A: Economic realists prioritize control over trade and finance, seeking to use these elements to increase national power and leverage.
Example: A country may use tariffs to protect its own economy and ensure its industries remain competitive on the global stage.

Flashcard 17:
Q: How do neoliberal institutionalists differ from realists in their view of the international system?
A: Neoliberals believe that institutions can help states cooperate and manage anarchy, while realists view anarchy as leading to inevitable conflict.
Example: The European Union is a neoliberal success story where states cooperate, despite global anarchy.

Flashcard 18:
Q: How does neoliberal institutionalism address international cooperation?
A: Neoliberal institutionalism suggests that institutions, through repeated interactions and trust-building, can overcome the challenges of an anarchic global system.
Example: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) helps states cooperate on nuclear non-proliferation despite security concerns.

Flashcard 19:
Q: Why might states ignore international rulings or laws?
A: States may ignore international laws or rulings if they perceive it is not in their national interest or if enforcement mechanisms are weak.
Example: The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement on climate change, despite global support for the treaty.

Flashcard 20:
Q: What does the concept of “national treatment” under GATT ensure?
A: National treatment ensures that foreign firms are treated equally to domestic firms in international trade, promoting fairness in market access.
Example: A foreign electronics manufacturer in a country should not face higher taxes than local companies selling the same products.