UNIT 3

TODAY’S CHALLENGES

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 CONCEPTS

A)

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 1. COOPERATION, COMPETITION AND CONFLICT FOR RESOURCES AND TERRITORY
Resource conflicts among nations, driven by the competition for critical resources such as land, water, minerals, and
energy, have significant implications for global sustainability. Several key aspects define these conflicts:
1. Resource Distribution: The unequal distribution of resources globally fosters competition among nations,
leading to economic and societal development disparities. For example, the dominance of China in the
supply of rare earth minerals, essential for electronics, raises concerns about over-dependence.
2. Territorial Disputes: Resource-rich regions often become sources of conflict. Local land disputes can
escalate into international geopolitical struggles, as seen in the South China Sea dispute, where multiple
nations vie for control of valuable resources such as fisheries, oil, and natural gas.
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3. Environmental Concerns: Resource competition can result in environmental degradation and over-
exploitation. Water rights disputes in regions with water scarcity, like the ongoing Nile River conflict,
illustrate how resource competition can impact environmental sustainability.
4. Cultural and Indigenous Context: Conflicts over resources can intersect with cultural and indigenous
considerations, leading to conflicts between traditional ways of life and modern development. The Amazon
rainforest exemplifies this dynamic, as it holds valuable resources while being home to indigenous
communities deeply connected to the land. deforestation
5. Global Impact: Resource competition's consequences extend worldwide. High demand for specific
resources, such as palm oil, fuels international trade and affects global economies. Competition may lead
to deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, with broader environmental implications.
The resolution of resource-related conflicts necessitates the implementation of sustainable resource
management practices, diplomatic initiatives, and international collaboration. In recent years, a notable trend
among nations has emerged,me
highlighting their commitment to cooperate in addressing these challenges.
An exemple of this commitment is the Paris Agreement on climate change, which emphasizes the significance
of global cooperation. The agreement underscores the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate resource-
related challenges arising from climate change and to enhance global stability.

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A) REGIONAL MARKETS
Regional markets play a pivotal role in influencing resource distribution, economic goals, and global interactions. In
essence, a regional market represents an economic zone where neighboring countries engage in trade. Here, they
not only exchange goods and services but, at times, also people. The effectiveness of this trade is facilitated by the
geographical proximity of these countries, resulting in cost-effective and efficient movement of goods. Through
collaboration with neighboring countries, they can harness each other's abilities and resources, expanding the range
of available products and services.
mergerspace taxes
In some cases, these regional markets evolve into larger entities known as trade blocs. These are coalitions of
countries that simplify trade among themselves by establishing common trade rules and reducing tariffs. Prominent
examples include the European Union (EU) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Such blocs
enhance the influence of regional markets by fostering extensive cooperation among member states.
Comprehending regional markets extends beyond economics; it encompasses how countries cooperate to promote
growth, employment, and international relationships. Through collaborative efforts, nations can optimize their skills
and resources for the mutual benefit of all.

WORLD TRADE BLOCS MAP

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B) TRADE POLICIES
Regional markets often involve countries coming together in a specific geographic area to cooperate and integrate
their economies. These collaborations can take various forms, such as free trade agreements (FTAs), customs unions,
or economic communities. Trade policies play a vital role in shaping how regional markets function by establishing
rules, tariffs, and regulations governing the movement of goods and services among participating nations. Here are
various trade policies and customs unions commonly employed by countries:
1. Protectionist Trade Policies: Aim to safeguard domestic industries and jobs by shielding them from foreign
competition. Common methods include tariffs (taxes on imports), quotas (restricting import quantities),
subsidies to domestic industries, and regulatory barriers that hinder foreign goods' entry.
2. Trade Facilitation Policies: Simplifying customs procedures, documentation, and regulations to make cross-
border trade more efficient, reducing time and costs for exporters and importers. Ultimately, countries can
promote Free trade policies, which encourage the removal of trade barriers, promoting the flow of goods
and services between countries. Free trade agreements (FTAs) are signed to reduce or eliminate tariffs,
quotas, and other trade restrictions among participating nations, fostering economic integration.
3. Export Promotion Policies: These policies support domestic industries by providing incentives, subsidies,
and assistance to boost exports, including financial aid, market research, and trade missions.
4. Import Substitution Policies: Import substitution policies advocate for developing domestic industries to
produce goods previously imported, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign products and encourage
self-sufficiency.
These trade policies shape how countries interact within regional markets and have far-reaching effects on
economies, industries, and development goals. Understanding and navigating these policies are essential for
countries participating in regional markets and international trade.

C) INTERNATIONAL TENSIONS, CLASHES, AND ALLIANCES BETWEEN CIVILIZATIONS

International tensions, clashes, and alliances between civilizations1 appear when countries (that may share values,
beliefs, forms of government…) interact on the global stage. In the context of resources and regional markets,
several significant aspects come to light:
1. Resources: International tensions and alliances frequently
appear from the competition for valuable resources like oil,
minerals, and agricultural products. Conflicting interests in
accessing and controlling these resources can shape
diplomatic relations. Cooperation fosters stability in resource
supply and strengthens negotiating positions.
2. Regional Markets and Cultural Exchange: Civilizations
engage in cultural exchange and resource sharing through
trade in regional markets, creating an atmosphere of
cooperation that promotes mutual understanding and
diplomacy. The EU serves as a prime example of this pattern. OIL HAS CAUSED SEVERAL CONFLCIT
BETWEEN AND WITHIN COUNTRIES

1
Group of countries and societies that share values, beliefs, forms of government and/or objectives. Example:
Muslim civilization, India, China, Japan or the Western Countries…
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 jefe
3. Cultural and Ideological Clashes: Conflicts between civilizations can stem from differing cultural, religious,
or ideological values. When intertwined with resource-related issues, these differences can escalate tensions
or conflicts. Example: Israel-Palestine Conflict.
4. Environmental Sustainability and
Collaborations: Resource interactions also
involve environmental sustainability concerns,
such as climate change. Shared environmental
challenges can lead to collaborations in
resource conservation, renewable energy
development, and environmental protection.
Example: Paris Agreement.
5. Multilateral Cooperation: International tensions
may necessitate multilateral cooperation,
involving civilizations and countries from
various regions. Organizations like the United
Nations and regional economic unions provide
platforms for addressing resource-related
challenges through diplomacy and
negotiations. Example: The United Nations.

2. WEALTH DISTRIBUTION
One of today's major challenges is wealth distribution. Historically, left-leaning ideologies focused on fair wealth
distribution, while liberal perspectives aimed to address poverty.

A) WEALTH CONCENTRATION APPROACH

Global wealth inequality is a pressing issue, driven in large part by
globalization and the trend of wealth concentration in the hands of a few
multinational corporations and ultra-wealthy individuals. This inequality
can be seen in the pattern of wealth distribution: less than 1% of the
world's wealth belongs to the bottom half of the population, while the
top 10% own a staggering 88%. Even more striking, the top 1% alone
holds 50% of the world's assets, a pattern that is observable worldwide.
This extreme wealth inequality is closely linked to market concentration.
In various sectors, a handful of multinational corporations dominate,
leading to significant benefits for major shareholders and billionaires like
Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg.
In response, progressive or left alternatives have been proposed to
redistribute wealth and counteract economic concentration. It's
important to recognize that wealth signifies not only economic security
but also social and political power. Those who possess wealth wield
considerable influence in governance, perpetuating a cycle of economic
and political inequalities that empowers elites. GLOBAL SHARE OF WEALTH BY WEALTH GROUP

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To address this global issue, governments must implement fiscal (taxes) and regulatory policies that stop excessive
wealth accumulation. Ensuring universal access to quality public services is a critical step. Reforms should encompass
fair taxation, the provision of quality services, protection of labor rights, measures to combat tax misuse, the
implementation of financial transaction taxes, promotion of fair competition, enhancement of political transparency,
and oversight of real estate markets. This perspective defends that in order to ensure the sustainability of our
societies the State has to intervene.

B) POVERTY APPROACH
In the ongoing discourse about global wealth and inequality, liberal viewpoints offer a counterbalance to leftist
claims, contending that the world is currently wealthier and more equitable than in the past. Narratives that frame
the 1% against the 99% are often regarded as misleading, with some asserting that these narratives seek to increase
state power at the expense of economic systems that have contributed to global prosperity.
One key argument presented by liberals is that a larger
proportion of the global population now lives above the
threshold of extreme poverty, and the percentage of people
affected by extreme poverty has diminished significantly.
Over the course of 25 years, from 1990 to 2013, the number
of individuals living in extreme poverty dropped from 1.85
billion to 767 million, despite a 2-billion increase in the global
population. This means that approximately 1.8 billion fewer
people endure extreme poverty today. Furthermore, global
inequality has seen a decline since 1990, driven by economic
growth in less developed societies, which has narrowed
income disparities between countries. An important point to

l
note is that economic growth has disproportionately
benefited the poorest segments of the population within
developing countries.
Liberals emphasize the importance of addressing poverty rather than solely focusing on inequality. Poverty, they
argue, serves as a significant impediment to personal and professional development. Rather than targeting the
wealthy exclusively, the emphasis should be on dismantling unjust privileges and barriers that damage the progress
of the poor. Confusing the fight against poverty with a battle against inequality, liberals contend, could potentially
harm the wealthy without effectively aiding those who are disadvantaged. Prioritizing poverty reduction, they
maintain, is a strategy that benefits everyone without stifling economic growth.

3. EQUALITY

A) HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights are regarded as inherent, irrevocable, inalienable, untransmissible, and non-renounceable attributes
of individuals. These rights are considered universal and equal, transcending systems that prioritize specific groups
of people. While the Western perspective heavily influences the concept of human rights, they are often seen as
timeless and independent of social and historical contexts within traditional natural law.

The trend we have seen in the last decades is that these rights are being recognized within states and international
treaties. Human rights extend beyond the realm of law, serving as an ethical and moral foundation for the interaction

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between countries. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds a
pivotal place in ethical-political debates. Human rights are commonly
classified into three generations:
1. First Generation Rights: These rights emphasize liberty and
include civil and political rights that impose negative obligations
on the state, demanding non-interference in private matters.
2. Second Generation Rights: Focusing on equality, these rights
encompass economic, social, and cultural rights that necessitate
state intervention, often through public services, to ensure their
fulfillment.
3. Third Generation Rights: Rooted in solidarity, these rights
transcend borders, requiring global cooperation. They
encompass diverse rights such as the right to peace, quality of
life, and protection against genetic manipulation. Interpretations
of these rights may vary.
However, a persistent philosophical and political debate surrounds the nature, foundation, content, and existence
of human rights. Issues of efficacy persist, highlighting a significant gap between violated rights and those
guaranteed by states. Debates also arise over what should constitute a human right. Nonetheless, the concept of
human rights remains prevalent, coexisting with the harsh reality that a majority of the global population lacks access
to them.
Recent human rights crises, such as Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine and China's treatment of the Uyghurs,
underscore the immense suffering caused by unchecked authoritarian rule. Often, world leaders prioritize short-
term political gains over their human rights commitments. For instance, President Joe Biden's strong stance on
Saudi Arabia's human rights record banished under economic pressures and interactions with Saudi leaders.
Human rights crises seldom emerge suddenly; governments that neglect their human rights obligations at home
often foster discontent, instability, and eventual crises. Without intervention, abusive actions escalate, reinforcing
the perception that corruption, censorship, impunity, and violence are effective tools. Overlooking rights violations
leads to significant consequences with far-reaching ripple effects.

B) DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on factors
like race, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. It can happen at both
individual and collective levels and affects various aspects of life, including
education, employment, and social interactions. Discrimination perpetuates
inequality and often targets marginalized groups. Language can also play a role
in sustaining discrimination through stereotypes and biases. Efforts to combat
discrimination require legal measures and changes in societal attitudes and
language to promote equality and inclusivity.
Language can sustain discrimination by containing terms with racist, classist, or
other undertones, contributing to stereotypes and biases.
In the recent years, addressing discrimination has become a focus for
governments, especially Western like the US, Spain, Britain or France. While in
Non-Western countries is not always regarded as important.
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 • Classism: Classism involves prejudice and discrimination based on social class. It favors dominant classes
and disadvantages others, sometimes intersecting with racism when class divisions align with specific ethnic
groups. This bias can lead to conflicts or revolutions when elevated groups limit opportunities for others.
• Sexism: Sexism or gender discrimination is rooted in traditional beliefs about gender roles. It mainly targets
women but can affect men and people with diverse gender identities. Sexism is deeply ingrained in societal
institutions and can lead to sexual harassment and violence.
• Ageism: Age discrimination, also known as ageism, refers to prejudice and discrimination based on age. It
is often directed at older individuals, impacting employment and societal treatment. Ageism can appear
explicitly or passively in media and advertising.
• Racism: Racism is the belief in the superiority or inferiority of ethnic groups, leading to discrimination,
exclusion, or persecution. It involves denying rights or privileges based on race. Racist attitudes perpetuate
hierarchies among racial groups.
• Ableism: Ableism refers to discrimination against individuals with disabilities, resulting in rejection and
exclusion from various aspects of society. Laws in Western countries prohibit employment discrimination
based on disabilities.
• Homophobia: Homophobia involves aversion to homosexuality or individuals who are homosexual. It leads
to discriminatory attitudes, violence, and discrimination against those with this sexual orientation. Many
countries have laws against homophobia.

C) CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (CRC)

The CRC is a UN international treaty signed in 1989, emphasizing that children have equal rights as adults, with a
focus on their special needs due to their age and developmental stage. It's the first binding treaty to encompass
civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights for children. It outlines children's rights and protection by society
and the state.
The CRC recognizes children as rights holders and adults as responsible for upholding those rights. There are
countries that have ratified the CRC but don’t respect the rights of child, like China, India or Somalia. Others, like
the US, didn’t ratify it.
The CRC introduces four specific principles: the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, the right to life,
survival, and development, and the right to express views and be heard. These principles guide the interpretation
and respect for all rights in the CRC.
The latest report on Spain's situation recognizes certain significant advancements made in recent years while
emphasizing specific areas:
• Lack of inter-institutional coordination among different autonomous communities.
• Insufficient reliable and comprehensive statistical data about childhood to accurately depict the reality of
children in Spain.
• Concern about unaccompanied foreign minors.
• Conditions of children in protective centers.
• High rates of school dropout and child poverty.

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 4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

A) THE GOALS
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 interconnected global objectives designed to function as
a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable and improved future for all. Established by the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) in 2015, these goals aim to be accomplished by 2030.

B) THE ROLE OF SECURITY, COOPERATION, AND THE STATE

Security and international cooperation are fundamental to realizing the SDGs. Peace, stability, and human rights
protection are essential for sustainable progress. Conflict and violence hinder education, health, and economic
development. International cooperation enables knowledge and resource sharing, fostering effective strategies and
solutions. Cooperation in technology, trade, investment, and knowledge exchange accelerates SDG progress.
The State plays a pivotal role in achieving the SDGs. Peace, security, and social coexistence are prerequisites for
development. The State's responsibility includes conflict prevention, justice, human rights, and equal opportunities.
Comprehensive citizen security addresses daily threats, including crime and violence. Inclusive policies celebrating
diversity and education in tolerance and cooperation promote harmonious social coexistence.

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