Globalization and International Organizations

What is GDP?

GDP is the total monetary or market value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's border in a specific period of time.

What is HDI?

HDI is an index of key dimensions of human development. There are three:

1. A long and healthy life: Measured by life expectancy.
2. Access to education: Measured by expected years of schooling of children, an entry age, and mean years of schooling of the adult population.
3. A decent standard of living: Measured by gross national income per capita adjusted for the price level of the country.

International Making-Bodies Institutions

United Nations

A supranational organization created in 1945. It ended the Second World War, guarantees security, peace, and the defense of human rights.

Organs:

• General Assembly: Provides advice, discusses issues, does not have the power to enforce its resolutions, made up of representatives of all member countries.
• Security Council: Main decision and making body, 15 members with the power of veto: China, Russia, UK, USA, France.
• Secretariat: Responsible for proposing, putting into practice actions, leader: Secretary-General, chosen by the Assembly (Antonio Guterres).

Limitations of the UN:

1. Dependence on financial contributions from member countries: Poor countries do not pay on time, rich countries use money to influence countries' decisions.
2. Power of veto: Enormous power can block any decision if it has majority support.
3. Lack of armed forces: To make sure resolutions are obeyed, peacekeepers are voluntary members.

Subsidiary Bodies:

• FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization - combats hunger, improves food production.
• UNESCO: Develops culture, education, science, and communication.
• WHO: World Health Organization coordinates health activities around the world.
• UNICEF: Created to protect children.
• UNHCR: Protecting refugees displaced by persecution and war.
• ILO: International Labour Organization - creates employment, improves working conditions.

Non-Governmental Organizations - NGOs

Created to respond to the injustice and inequality in the poorest countries. They appeared in developed countries in the 20th century. They have greater public appearances, staffs, and volunteers. They are founded on membership fees and contributions from companies, institutions, and individuals. They operate independently from the army and government.

Examples:

• Red Cross
• Doctors Without Borders
• Oxfam

Characteristics of Globalization in Today's World:

• Tertiarization and financialization
• Multinationals control a large part of production
• Economic instability and inequality between rich and poor
• Relocation of industry
• Concentration of wealth
• Unemployment
• Loss of purchasing power