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The Contemporary World

Subject Area: Social Sciences
Adult General Education

The Contemporary World is an ever-changing mix of social and political changes. While religious, political, and ethnic
conflicts continue, we are currently living in one of the most peaceful eras in the history of the planet. Challenges of the
21st century include emerging technologies, health care, overpopulation, climate change, poverty, illiteracy, disease,
and migration.

What are some challenges faced by the contemporary world?

Migrations of refugees and others

Migration issues are fraught with moral positions, confusion, and unexpected connections.

Migration and Refugees exposes the risks and dangers refugees and migrants face as they leave one nation to
seek a better home and a fresh start—only to find more obstacles and new threats. Resettlement presents its
own set of challenges; hopes and promises prove illusory.

CONCEPT

The number of people forcibly uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide stood at 42 million at the
end 2009.

The total includes 16 million refugees and asylum seekers and 26 million internally displaced people
uprooted within their own countries.

80% of the world's refugees are in developing nations, as are the vast majority of internally displaced
people.

Although the overall total of 42 million uprooted people at year's end represents a drop of about 700,000
over the previous year, new displacement in 2009 – not reflected in the annual report – has already more
than offset the decline.

GLOBAL RESPONSE

Record-breaking numbers of refugees and migrants are moving across international borders, fleeing conflict,
persecution, poverty and other life-threatening situations, or responding to labour and skill shortages and
demographic changes and seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Their journeys can be fraught with peril;
appalling tales of tragedies feature daily in the headlines. Those that make it to a destination are frequently
met with hostility and intolerance. Those host communities making an effort to provide relief are often

The Contemporary World 1

 unprepared and overburdened by the sheer numbers arriving. Responsibilities are not well distributed: a
small number of countries and host communities host disproportionate numbers of refugees, asylum seekers
and migrants.
Beyond loss of life, the large displacement of populations has broader implications for the social, economic,
and political landscape

The international response needs to be more robust and collaborative amongst a variety of stakeholders to
address large movements of refugees and migrants. The UN system, NGOs and partners are all working to
highlight the issue, to secure commitments for assistance and to strengthen the collective response to the
crisis.

Refugees and Migrants

Over the long-term the evidence is clear: the benefits of migration vastly outweigh the
challenges. And without a clear understanding of migration, negative narratives surround
migrants. Louise Arbour, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for International
https://news.un.org/en/focus/refugees-and-migrants

Read more at:

Ethnic and religious conflicts

Religion can cause ethnic conflicts when the religious beliefs of an ethnic group are threatened by another
group or when religious laws are believed to call for conflictive action.

Selected Regions of Ethnic and/or Religious Conflict

 Middle East

 Northern Ireland

 Balkans

 Horn of Africa

 South Asia

New technologies
Technology shifts play a crucial role in a number of negative trends that paint a bleak outlook for the future: a
disastrous climate crisis, horrifying physical and cultural genocidal campaigns, apocalyptic civil wars, unchecked
invasions of sovereign states, and a resurgence of nationalist and authoritarian revanchism, all of which are
compounded by – as Sean Kanuck insightfully writes in his piece in this volume – increasing global insecurity,
disinformation, anti-globalization, and “un-enlightenment” trends.

Impact of new technologies

Widespread but unequal access to computers and instantaneous communications

Genetic engineering and bioethics

How does the developing world compare with the developed world in terms of economic, social, and population
characteristics?
Contrasts between developed and developing nations:
Developed and developing nations are characterized by different levels of economic development, population
characteristics, and social conditions.

Characteristics of the Developed World

better access to technology

stronger more diverse economies

higher literacy rates/better education

better access to good health care

slower population growth because of family

planning/birth control

usually have capitalism & free markets

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 women tend to have equal rights and often work outside the home/get educations

as countries become developed their citizens want more liberty and rights

Characteristics of the Developing World

little access to technology

weaker economy

often dependent solely on one crop or one type of work

weak education systems

high illiteracy rates

high population growth b/c:

1. less family planning knowledge

2. more kids needed to work on farms

3. high infant mortality rate makes people try to have more kids

often controlled by dictators and

rarely have free markets/capitalism

women have traditional role - homemaker, caregiver

people often do not realize what it means to truly have liberty

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/technology-change-and-the-inevitability-of-conflict-56889/

How technology can create conflict | PaCCS

By Professor David Galbreath Note from PaCCS This piece has been re-published with
permission from Professor David Galbreath. It was first published as evidence to the House of
Commons All Parliamentary Group on 'Global Uncertainties' on 17 November The nature of
https://www.paccsresearch.org.uk/blog/technology-can-create-conflict/

Read more at;

Terrorism

Poverty

Poor health

Illiteracy

Famine

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/91665cf541794f84-aa43-ddae30ae357b/Mr._Val
derama_intro_to_globalization.pptx

Midterms
I. Introduction to Globalization

Global Age

We share culture, tradition, common faith within different country

Globalization

interconnected/ int'l trade

the exchange of tradition, knowledge, ideas

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 since 160s, 2x the growth of globalization; coming of countries together

(companies, firms, and political connection)

The phases of globalization

1518th century - exchange of first ideas and knowledge Portuguese and Spanish)

sample of discovery of Helios-centric view

18th-19th century - democracy, industrialization and scientific progress

19th century: industrialization (goods - information)

arise of transportation, science, connectivity; eg: trains and telegraphs

1945 present - the long expansion since WWII

the agreement and groups of the golden age of capitalization

Neoliberalism

free trades, competition of companies instead of countries

Globalization

the exchange that doesn't require borders

Internationalization

activities includes references from the national government; immigration

Liberation

the removal of barriers and restriction; opening boundaries to the world economy

Universalization

exchange of objects, knowledge, practices around the the world

Westernization

the western modernity that destroys local culture

II. The Global Economy

Economic Globalization
Refers to the increasing interdependence of world economies as
a result of the growing scale of cross-border trade of commodities
and services, flow of international capital and wide and rapid spread of technologies; it is basically the
trade,transportation and communication.
Institution of Globalization

World Bank

International Monetary Fund

World Trade Organization

Types of Economies

Protectionism
Protecting one's economy from foreign competition by creating trade barriers;

or simply restricting trade barriers by setting up quotas, tariffs and bans

Trade Liberalization
Act of reducing trade barriers to make international trade
easier between countries.

Ways for easier trade

Free Trade - tourists

Trading of goods o services between two or more countries
without tariffs or taxes

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 Trade Bloc
An agreement made between governments to reduce or eliminate
trade barriers

Canada, United States, and Mexico are part of the North American
Free Trade Agreement NAFTA

AFTA - Southeast Asian countries such as Philippines, Malaysia etc

BY LEARNING ECONOMIC GLOBALIZATION WE ARE ABLE TO FIND OUT ABOUT issues, solutions and actions
FACTORS THAT FACILITATE ECONOMIC GLBALIZATION

refers to any social structure which is able to act and influence and engage in the global or international system.
List of global actors that facilitates:

International Economic and Financial Organizations

International Governmental Organizations IGOs)

Media

Multilateral Development Banks

Nation States

Non- Governmental Organizations NGOs)

• Trans- National Corporations TNCs)
• United Nations UN System

Government

MODERN WORLD SYSTEM

Sometimes called as “global community.”
Created by Immanuel Wallerstein)

World Systems Theory posits that there is

a world economic system in which some
countries benefit while others are
exploited.

World System theory grew out of Dependency Theory:

ARTICULATE A STANCE ON GLOBAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Global Economic Integration

Is an arrangement among nations that typically includes the reduction or elimination of trade barriers and the
coordination of monetary and
fiscal policies

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 When Regional Economies agree on integration, trade barriers fall and economic and political coordination
increases

Trade Barriers

Are government policies which place restrictions on international trade. Trade barriers can either make trade
more difficult and expensive or prevent trade complete (trade embargo)

Examples of trade Barriers:

Tariff Barriers – These are taxes on certain imports. They raise the price of imported goods making imports
less competitive.
Non-Tariff Barriers – These involve rules and regulations which make trade more difficult. For example, if
foreign companies have to adhere to complex manufacturing laws it can be difficult to trade.
Quotas – a limit placed on the number of imports
Voluntary Exports Restraint – similar to quotas, this is where countries agree limit the number of imports.
This was used by the US for imports of Japanese cars.
Subsidies – a domestic subsidy from government can give the local firm a competitive advantage.

Embargo – a complete ban on imports from a certain country e.g. US embargo with Cuba.
Levels of Economic Integration
Free Trade – Tariffs a tax imposed on imported goods between member countries are significantly reduced,
some abolished altogether. Each member country keeps its own tariffs in regard to third countries.
Custom Union – Sets common external tariffs among member countries, implying that the same tariffs are
applied to third countries; a common trade regime is achieved.
Political Union - Represents the potentially most advanced form of integration with a common government and
were the sovereignty of a member country is significantly reduced.
Economic Union – All tariffs are removed for trade between member countries, creating a uniform single market.
There are also free movements of labor, enabling workers in a member country is able to move and work in
another member country.
Common Market – Services and capital are free to move within member countries, expanding scale economies
and comparative advantages.

III. Market Integration

occurs when countries among different locations prices are relating in similar patterns

HISTORY

In the period where Imperialism and Colonialism occurs

After WWI and WWII International Financial Institutions helped in building countries to rise up in their
economy

The big economic change is the Agricultural Revolution

this led to major development such as inenvironment, setllements, tradenetworksandpopulation growth.

Industrial Revolution was the 2nd major economic revolution. Machine is already invented for
manufacturing, mass production and the rise of industry takes place

CAPITALISM

the origin of capitalism was in the times of industrial revolution the philosopher Adam Smith, write the first
economic principle that definite economic system

SOCIALISM

state owns and controls the major means of production

it defines as an economy which the resources are owned, arranged and regulated by the state

INFORMATION REVOLUTION

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 A technological revolution is a period which one or more technologies is replaced by another novel
technology

CUSTOM UNION

the agreement between 2 or more countries to remove trade barriers and to eliminate tariffs

ECONOMIC UNION

the mission is aimed at eliminating internal barriers between the member of countries with member countries
agreement between countries that allow products, services and allows to cross borders freely

IV. Contemporary Global Governance

There is NO world government to coordinate and facilitate cooperation among all actors to deal with threats and
challenges.

Global governance clearly is NOT world government.

Global governance brings together diverse actors to coordinate

collective action at the level of the planet. The goal of global
governance, roughly defined:

to provide global public goods, particularly peace and

security, justice and mediation systems for conflict,
functioning markets and unified standards for trade and
industry.

Globalization tends to accentuate interdependencies among countries.

The leading institution in charge of Global Governance today is the United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries
committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and
promoting social progress.

4 main purposes of the UN:

 To keep peace throughout the world

 To develop friendly relations

 To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy,
and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;

 To be a center for harmonizing the actions of

nations to achieve these goals

What does the United Nations do?

Maintain International Peace and Security

Protect Human Rights

Deliver Humanitarian Aid

Promote Sustainable Development

Uphold International Law

THE CHALLENGES OF GLOBAL GOVERNACE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

 POVERTY

 HUNGER

 POOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

 LACK OF QUALITY EDUCATION

 GENDER INEQUALITY

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  LACK OF CLEAN WATER AND
SANITATION

 LACK OF AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN

ENERGY

 LOW PERCENTAGE OF DECENT WORK

 LOW NUMBERS OF INDUSTRIAL

INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

 INEQUALITIES

 UNSUSTAINBALE CITIES AND

COMMUNITIES

 UNRESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND

PRODUCTION

 CLIMATE CHANGE

 DESTRUCTION OF LIFE BELOW WATER

 DESTRUCTION OF LIFE ON LAND

 UNATTAINBLE PEACE, JUSTICE AND

STRONG INSTITUTION

 LACK OF PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

In September 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that includes
17 Sustainable Development Goals SDGs). Building on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, the new Agenda
emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all.
GOAL 1 NO POVERTY
By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently
measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day.
GOAL 2 ZERO HUNGER

By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the
poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe,
nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
GOAL 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per
100,000 live births

GOAL 4 QUALITY EDUCATION

By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and
quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4
effective learning outcomes
GOAL 5 GENDER EQUALITY
Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the
public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other
types of exploitation
GOAL 6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and
affordable drinking water for all and achieve access to adequate and
equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying
special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable
situations
GOAL 7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

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 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and
modern energy services and increase substantially the share of renewable
energy in the global energy mix
GOAL 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national
circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic
product growth per annum in the least developed countries and achieve
higher levels of economic productivity through diversification,
technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on
high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
GOAL 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure,
including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic
development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and
equitable access for all and promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of
employment and gross domestic product, in line with national
circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
GOAL 10 REDUCED INEQUALITY
By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the
bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national
average and empower and promote the social, economic and political
inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity,
origin, religion or economic or other status

GOAL 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable
housing and basic services and upgrade slums and provide access to
safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all,
improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with
special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women,
children, persons with disabilities and older persons
GOAL 12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Implement the 10-year framework of programmed on sustainable
consumption and production, all countries taking action, with
developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the
development and capabilities of developing countries and achieve the
sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
GOAL 13 CLIMATE ACTION

Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related

hazards and natural disasters in all countries and integrate climate
change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

GOAL 14 LIFE BELOW WATER

By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all
kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris
and nutrient pollution and By 2020, sustainably manage and protect
marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts,
including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their
restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

GOAL 15 LIFE ON LAND

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of
terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in
particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with

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 obligations under international agreements and promote the
implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt
deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase
afforestation and reforestation globally
GOAL 16 PEACE AND JUSTICE STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates
everywhere. End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of
violence against and torture of children.
GOAL 17 PARTNERSHIPS TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL
Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through
international support to developing countries, to improve domestic
capacity for tax and other revenue collection.
Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt
sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt
financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and
address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce
debt distress.

THE RELEVANCE OF STATE AMID GLOBALIZATION

What is a STATE? - According to Britannica, State is a political organization of society,
or the body politic, or, more narrowly, the institutions of government.
International Commerce - A trade between companies in different countries, or trade between different countries.

States that were previously isolated are now forced to engage with one another to set international commerce
policies through.

Globalization has changed the role of the state in many ways: politically through interdependence and
independence of states, socially through the problems and threats of terrorism and deadly diseases,
technologically through the media and internet and economically through the change from national to global
economies.

V. Global Interstate Systems

VI. Asian Regionalism

REPORTING

🖼 the global city

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