Global Challenges Notes

Globalisation

  • Increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.
  • Key features:
    • Economic integration
    • Technological advancements
    • Cultural exchange
    • Political cooperation
    • Environmental interdependence

Causes of Globalisation

  • Industrial Revolutions: inventions, societal transformation.
  • Post-World War II era: technological progress (AI, internet, mobile tech), finance, education.
  • Transportation technologies: facilitate international trade and travel.
  • Automation and digitalisation: changes in production/consumption.
  • Political/economic factors: free trade agreements (WTO, NAFTA, EU), financial market liberalization, multinational corporations.
  • Cultural diffusion: tourism, migration, media (Hollywood, social media).

Key Terms

  • Outsourcing: Jobs to other countries.
  • Offshoring: Relocation of company operations abroad.
  • Cultural Imperialism: Cultural dominance.
  • Global Supply Chain: Network for production and distribution.
  • Trade Wars: Conflicts over trade policies.
  • Fair Trade: Protecting producer rights.
  • Brexit: UK's exit from the EU.
  • NGOs: Non-governmental organizations.

Future of Globalisation

  • Digitalisation: Remote work, online education will increase global collaboration.
  • Regionalisation vs. De-Globalisation: Protectionist policies may increase.
  • Sustainable Globalisation: Regulations for climate change and sustainability may emerge.

Challenges of Globalisation

  • Coordination is difficult and expensive.
  • Erosion of national sovereignty (e.g., EU, UN, NATO).
  • Tensions between global powers.
  • Dependence on international agreements.
  • Politics spread democracy and human rights.
  • Sharing norms and freedom.

Environmental impact

  • Industrial waste as result of production.
  • International agreements.
  • Increasing need for water.
  • Awareness of bad water conditions.
  • New/green technology.
  • Climate change/global warming.
  • International cooperation.
  • Rising emissions.
  • Foundation for solutions and activism.
  • Fast fashion.
  • Efficient resource use.
  • Waste -> poorer countries suffer more
  • Spread of sustainable practices.
  • Loss of environmental/natural diversity.
  • Animal extinction.
  • Loss of agriculture -> people starving.
  • Extreme weather conditions -> floods/draughts/storms…
  • Air pollution.
  • Greenhouse gasses.
  • Over-consumption.
  • Unsustainable lifestyle.