Unit 4.2
Global networks and flows
How different places become interconnected by global interactions
The relative importance of different flows, and the suitability of different methods for graphically representing flows and interactions
An overview of contemporary global networks and flows:
This has been covered in the Food and Health Unit, as well as the core 1 unit.
Using concrete examples, discuss the trend of:
- global trade in materials, manufactured goods and services
Trade in services records the value of services exchanged between residents and non-residents of an economy, including services provided through foreign affiliates established abroad. This indicator is measured in million USD and percentage of GDP for exports, imports and net trade. Services include transport (both freight and passengers), travel, communications services (postal, telephone, satellite, etc.), construction services, insurance and financial services, computer and information services, royalties and license fees, other business services (merchanting, operational leasing, technical and professional services, etc.), cultural and recreational services, and government services not included in the list above. Trade in services drives the exchange of ideas, know-how and technology, although it is often restricted by barriers such as domestic regulations.
Considering the changes in trade relations between the US and its allies, discuss the statement: How different places become interconnected by global interactions
Using concrete examples, discuss the trend of:
- an overview of international aid, loans and debt relief
What did we discuss in the Food and health unit in relation to the benefits of aid, loans and debt relief?
Using examples:
- What are the conditions iposed by the IMF when loans are granted to a country?
- What are the drawbacks of aid? What is tied aid?
- What are the impacts of debt relief?
Review from the core units on international remittances from economic migrants
- What countries are the biggest source and recipient of remittances?
- What are the impacts of remittances on the recieving country?
Review from the Core 1 unit
- What are the causes and sources of human trafficking in Japan? What is the global trend of human trafficking?
Each table should explain the cause of each of the major human trafficking flows above.
Exercise:
In groups of 3, describe the global (spatial) trend, causes and consequences of the following illegal flows:
- counterfeit goods
- narcotics
- Animal/wildlife trade
- Waste
You may use videos and links to support your arguments
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and outsourcing by transnational corporations (TNCs), and ways in which this networks places and markets
Discuss:
- What is the global supply chain?
- What is FDI?
- What is CSR?
- What is outsourcing?
- What are TNCs?
- How do all these things make the world more/less interconnected?
Slide 1-14.
Have a look at the rest to get more information on Aid, ODA and HIPC countries
Two contrasting detailed examples of TNCs and their global strategies and supply chains
Exercise:
Read N&C's 2 case studies of TNCs Tata and Apple Inc. p. 548-550
Answer questions 1 and 2 of Activity 9 on p. 550
Have detailed notes of each companies in terms of
- FDI
- Outsourcing
- Supply chains
- CSR