What Is the Impact of Global Social Inequality on Global Politics - Essay Example

What Is the Impact of Global Social Inequality on Global Politics and How Can It Be Addressed Globalization has become an unavoidable topic as technology has transformed the world into more of a village with a number of societies residing together. The political effects of this transformation can be seen far and wide as countries have now formed organizations to deal with the various issues that affect the world as a whole and communication between nations has become a common place activity. One good example of such an organization is the United Nations that has brought countries from all over the world together to deal with global issues and the World Health Organization that handles the issue of food supply in the world. The effect of this globalization has led to the development of global politics which can be described as the discipline of studying various political issues that take place around the world. It has been argued however that global politics involves more than just the political relationships that are involved between nations and economic aspects are also considered as well thus it should be differentiated from international politics (Naomi, 2007). All in all global politics aims to understand the various relationships that have been established between nations around the world and their effect as a result. The study of these relationships has brought to light the issue of the social inequity that is present on a global basis as countries have been categorized according to their economical and other forms of success into two main groups namely, first world and third world countries. The first world countries are generally made of most western states such as those in the North American and Europe continents e.g. America while the third world division are found mostly in the African, South American and Asian continents, for example, Haiti. This basis of classification has brought about the question of how this social inequity affects global politics as a whole seeing as how the social variations makes it difficult for all nations to interact with one another as equals upon a unified platform. This is to say that first world countries are likely to be given a higher authoritative status than their third world counterparts making it difficult for a sense of unity to form and strengthen between these two groups. This can also explain the recent changes that have been brought in the gender order more females are becoming heads of states than was previously the case (John, 2007). The global politics has helped influenced countries that previously used to look down on women (mainly African nations) as they see their first world counterparts such as Germany which has a female chancellor achieve success under their leadership. Theories of globalization always happen to be normative as the issue of rules and who gives them and who takes them is a hot topic for discussion. A good example of this is the formation of the United Nations whereby the first world countries such as America and other European countries are given more authority than those third world countries. The ability to Veto decisions that are made by the organizations is a good example, third world countries do not hold any Veto powers in the organization thus it is safe to say that these countries have a lesser say in the decision making process that takes place in this international organization. The first world countries are also able to manipulate these third world nations into doing what they want by implementing economic and other sanctions should they refuse to agree with the requests that are placed on them (Naomi, 2007). For example, a first world country would deny its third world counterpart the financial aid that it may be in need of until they agree to implement various policies that have been suggested to them by the stronger nations. The withdrawal of economic assistance will mean that the government in this particular nation will not be able to function efficiently which may lead to its people suffering from lack of amenities as a result. This can be considered to be a form of bullying though it is put in such a way that allows the powerful nations to say that they are not forcing the country to do anything, and they have merely given them a choice which in reality is not a choice at all. The powerful nations give them a “my way or the highway” decision coated in politeness for political appearances (Naomi, 2007). This brings about the issue of neoliberal institutionalism whereby these countries focus on the relative instead of the absolute gains that these political suggestions have on the third world country. It should be noted that a country would not refuse to implement policies that would do them good in the long run , but most world countries may only be interested in the short term benefits that their policies bring. The impact of such a relationship means that countries are not able to get along with one another, and an underlying distaste is formed whereby friendly relationships should have been built. The relationships of the countries within the two groups that is first and third world is based on more of a necessity than a genuine inclination to get along. This means that should the third world countries no longer need assistance from their world counterparts, there is a good chance that all ties with the latter will be quickly severed in a bid to bring an air of freedom to their political and other activities. Such a relationship cannot prosper and the advantages that have been brought about by globalization will be destroyed as a result (John, 2007). Transnational organizations such a Toyota however may also hold a key to the success of global politics as they are based in many countries around the globe creating a connection between them in the form of business. These companies will be concerned with the financial and political stability of each of these countries whether or third world as their economic success will lead to the company’s economic success in that region as well (Benjamin, 2008). These corporations may assist the improvement of global politics through their own policies that they implement, for example, the giving back to the community in times of economic strain to make it easier for the third world countries to cope without the help of the first world counterparts. The creation of jobs in these nations will also improve the financial health of individuals living in the region, such activities eases the strain between the first and third world countries as the relationship no longer totally depends on the economic contributions of the former. Constructivism is another issue that can be considered when tackling global politics, which states that important aspects of relations between countries around the globe are dependent upon the social relations that have been built over the years by the nations. This can help us understand global politics through the study of the past and present relations that have developed between nations. Developmentalism, a theory that claims the best way for third world countries to progress is through the fostering of a strong internal market also shows the displeasure that these third world nations have at being controlled by the world counterparts. This theory advocates for the promotion of independence from the economic assistance of the first world countries to enable a better relationship between the countries. The overseas aid that is offered affects these relationships as they give too much control to the country that is offering the assistance. The rules of war which are regulations that have been put in place so that total destruction does not take place has also been a result of the global politics that have taken place. However, this bans some countries that according to the world powers cannot be trusted from producing weapons of mass destruction for the safety of the globe as a whole (John, 2007). These rules have however been challenged by countries that do not appreciate their rights to produce nuclear products by the larger countries which has threatened to result into a new conflict as the rival nations fail to reach an understanding. The collective security measure that has been developed however is understandable and so far can be said to have avoided drastic results from conflicts that have arisen between rival nations. The ‘responsibility to protect’ which states that it is the responsibility of the more powerful nations to protect the weaker ones from mass destruction has been fairly effective as no major wars have taken place between countries. Armed conflict has become more common within states instead of between them which can be said to be as a result of internal conflicts, which still affect global politics as the weapons that are used in these conflicts are usually derived from outside sources (Benjamin, 2008). The neo Marxism theory interprets global politics as the social relations between countries that enhance the development of the nations from a materialist view through non capitalist means of progression. The theory believes capitalist methods advance only the rich and thus cannot be depended upon to bring equality between individuals and states (John, 2007). However, global governance cannot be said to be more effective than national governments as it is the latter that is responsible for the overall peace in the nation without which global politics cannot be given any adequate concentration (John, 2007). The World Trade Organization is another body that affects global politics through the rules and regulations that it puts on its members. One rule is the safety valves principle whereby governments are able to restrict trade if the safety of the environment or public health is threatened (Benjamin, 2008). This is good means of addressing the problems facing global environmental change to ensure that the environment does not suffer in the end. The Global Financial Crisis has also been another major factor facing global politics. As the economic strain is felt in nations all over the world, solutions have been sought that will affect all countries involved. One of these has been the lowering of tariffs to make trade between nations easier and more productive in a bid to boost productivity. The Global Financial Crisis, and the response to it demonstrates that globalization has defeated the state system as it has proven more lucrative for countries to work together than focus on their own specific problems on their own. Global politics can be democratized by getting more countries involved in the decision making process concerning international matters. References Cohen, B. J.,2008, International Political Economy: An Intellectual History. Princeton University Press, New York. Greig, A., D. Hulme and M. Turner, 2007, "Challenging Global Inequality. Development Theory and Practice in the 2first century", Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Klein, N., 2007, The Shock Doctrine, Metropolitan Books, New York, NY Phillips, N., 2005, Globalizing International Political Economy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Rapley, J. (2007), Understanding Development. Boulder, Lynne Rienner Publishers, London. Ravenhill, J., 2005, Global Political Economy. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Read More