Role of IGOs in Geopolitical Stability
- IGOs, especially the United Nations (UN), help maintain global peace and stability.
- The UN was formed after WWII and had 193 members by 2016.
- It focuses on: Peacekeeping, Human rights, Economic and social development, Humanitarian aid
The UN Security Council and Peacekeeping
- Has 15 members (5 permanent: USA, UK, France, China, Russia) with veto power.
- Was less effective during the Cold War due to vetoes.
- Since 1991, it’s been more active, authorizing missions in Kuwait, Bosnia, and Congo.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Based in The Hague, it’s the UN’s judicial branch.
- Handles disputes between countries (not individuals or companies).
- 15 judges represent different global regions
The UN and Climate Change
- Through UN Climate Conferences (since 1995), it works on reducing global emissions.
- The 2015 Paris Agreement was a major achievement with 55 countries agreeing to reduce emissions.
- Challenges include political issues—e.g., USA and Australia undermining efforts.
- In 2016, the UK signed, but US President Trump’s election was seen as a setback due to his climate change denial.
free market capitalism
encourages private ownership of industry in a free market where value is based on demand and quality, increasing srrength of capitalism eg UK
centrally planned economy
government owns all industry and profit so pricing remain stale eg North Korea who aim to be self sufficient
What is a superpower’s influence on the global economy?
Superpowers influence trade rules, investment flows, currency strength, and control TNCs and global institutions like the IMF and WTO.
How do superpowers maintain economic dominance?
Through ownership of global brands, dominance in high-value sectors, and control of key trade routes and supply chains.
Name one example of a superpower using economic leverage to influence another country.
: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) uses infrastructure investment to gain influence over developing countries.
How do superpowers influence international political systems?
Through permanent UN Security Council membership, military alliances (e.g. NATO), and diplomatic pressure.
How do superpowers impact the environment globally?
They consume large amounts of resources and produce high carbon emissions; they also play a major role in climate policy.
Give an example of environmental degradation linked to superpower activity.
Deforestation in the Amazon driven by demand for soy and beef in global markets, supported by trade with powerful economies.
How do emerging powers compare environmentally to existing superpowers?
Emerging powers like China and India have rising environmental footprints due to industrialisation, but also invest in green tech.
rostows modernisation theory
1- traditional society, agriculture
2- pre conditons for take off
3- take off
4- driev to maturity
5- maturity
franks dependancy theory
world is divided inti
- core nations (wealthy)
- periphery nations (exports of raw materials)
crisis in Haiti
- hit by category 4 storm in 2016
- over 900 died
- usa and france had to provide 550 personnel
- superpowers play a key role through crisis repsonse
afghanistan - superpowers play a key role in military conflicts
- central government control difficult to maintain
- steep mountains and deep valleys create small isolated communities
- constant conflict for 40 years
economic allies
Eurpoean union - 28 members as of 2016, free trade area, aims to reduce inequality
environmental alliences
intergovernmental panel on climate change IPCC - UK framework convention on climate change, moniters peer reviewd scientific rechnical and socio-economic publications
