Extension (HL) - Global interactions

Geographic perspectives—global interactions

Rationale and conceptual framework

This study of global interactions has a broader perspective than a more conventional study of globalization that emphasizes a linear process involving the domination and the imposition of Western culture on the world. In the context of this syllabus, global interaction suggests a two-way and complex process whereby cultural traits and commodities may be adopted, adapted or resisted by societies. The process is neither inevitable nor universal.

The HL extension theme focuses on the global interactions, flows and exchanges arising from the disparities that exist between places. It presents important and contestable geographic issues of change in space and time for the HL student to question. This part of the syllabus is divided into three units relating to global interactions and global development.

Unit 4 - Power, Place and Networks

1Global interactions and global power

How global power and influence varies spatially

Globalization indices showing how countries participate in global interactions

Global superpowers and their economic, geopolitical and cultural influence

• Detailed examples of at least two actual or potential global superpowers

Powerful organizations and global groups:

• G7/8, G20 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) groups

• Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) influence over energy policies

• global lending institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and New Development Bank (NDB)

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How wealthy and powerful places exist at varying scales, and how the global map is complex and subject to change

2. Global networks and flows

How different places become interconnected by global interactions

An overview of contemporary global networks and flows:

• global trade in materials, manufactured goods and services

• an overview of international aid, loans and debt relief

• international remittances from economic migrants

• illegal flows, such as trafficked people, counterfeit goods and narcotics

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and outsourcing by transnational corporations (TNCs), and ways in which this networks places and markets

• Two contrasting detailed examples of TNCs and their global strategies and supply chains

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

The relative importance of different flows, and the suitability of different methods for graphically representing flows and interactions

3. Human and physical influences on global interactions

How political, technological and physical processes influence global interactions

Political factors that affect global interactions:

• multi-governmental organizations (MGOs) and free trade zones

• economic migration controls and rules

Our “shrinking world” and the forces driving technological innovation:

• changing global data flow patterns and trends

• transport developments over time

• patterns and trends in communication infrastructure and use

The influence of the physical environment on global interactions:

• natural resource availability

• the potentially limiting effect of geographic isolation, at varying scales

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How processes that influence spatial interactions are interlinked in complex ways that accelerate globalization

Unit 5 - Human development and diversity

1. Development opportunities

Ways of supporting the processes of human development

The multidimensional process of human development and ways to measure it:

• UN Sustainable Development Goals criteria

• validity and reliability of development indicators and indices, including the human development index (HDI) and gender inequality index (GII)

• empowering women and indigenous or minority groups

• Detailed illustrative examples of affirmative action to close the development gap

The importance of social entrepreneurship approaches for human development:

• the work of microfinance organizations and their networks

• alternative trading networks such as “Fairtrade”

• TNC corporate social responsibility frameworks and global agreements

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How actions to support human development involve spatial interactions from local to global scales

2. Changing identities and cultures

How global interactions bring cultural influences and changes to places

The global spectrum of cultural traits, ethnicities and identities, and ways in which the spectrum of diversity is widening or narrowing at different scales

The effects of global interactions on cultural diversity in different places:

• the diffusion of cultural traits, and cultural imperialism

• glocalization of branded commodities, and cultural hybridity

• cultural landscape changes in the built environment

How diasporas influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales

• Case study of a global diaspora population and its cultures(s)

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

Differing evidence and perspectives on how diversity is changing at local, national and global scales

3. Local responses to global interactions

The varying power of local places and actors to resist or accept change

Local and civil society resistance to global interactions:

• rejection of globalized production, including campaigns against TNCs and in favour of local sourcing of food and goods by citizens

• rise of anti-immigration movements

Geopolitical constraints on global interactions:

• government and militia controls on personal freedoms to participate in global interactions

• national trade restrictions, including protectionism and resource nationalism

The role of civil society in promoting international-mindedness and participating in global interactions, including social media use and campaigning for internet freedom

• Two detailed examples of places where restricted freedoms have been challenged

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How acceptance of, or resistance to, global interactions takes different forms and occurs at different scales

Unit 6: Global Risks and Resilience

1. Geopolitical and economic risks

How technological and globalizing processes create new geopolitical and economic risks for individuals and societies

Threats to individuals and businesses:

• hacking, identity theft and the implications of surveillance for personal freedoms

• political, economic and physical risks to global supply chain flows

New and emerging threats to the political and economic sovereignty of states:

• profit repatriation and tax avoidance by TNCs and wealthy individuals

• disruptive technological innovations, such as drones and 3D printing

The correlation between increased globalization and renewed nationalism/tribalization

• Two detailed examples to illustrate geopolitical tension/conflict

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How the advantages of globalization must be weighed against heightened possibilities of new geopolitical and economic risks

2. Environmental risks

How global interactions create environmental risks for particular places and people

Transboundary pollution (TBP) affecting a large area/more than one country

• One TBP case study including the consequences and possible responses

Environmental impacts of global flows at varying scales:

• localized pollution, including impacts along shipping lanes

• carbon footprints for global flows of food, goods and people

Environmental issues linked with the global shift of industry:

• polluting manufacturing industries

• food production systems for global agribusiness

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How global interactions affect the physical environment by varying degrees at different scales

3. Local and global resilience

Suggested teaching time 6–7 hours

New and emerging possibilities for managing global risks

The success of international civil society organizations in attempting to raise awareness about, and find solutions for, environmental and social risks associated with global interactions

• Detailed examples of one environmental and one social civil society organization action

Strategies to build resilience:

• re-shoring of economic activity by TNCs

• use of crowd-sourcing technologies to build resilience by government and civil society

• new technologies for the management of global flows of data and people, including cybersecurity and e-passports

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How perspectives vary on the severity of different risks and priorities for action