A Globalized World

Interdependent Global Economy Interdependent: what happens in one part of the world has an effect on other areas Countries work together for the benefit of all Developed: Developing: Modern agriculture and industry Advanced Technology Strong educational system Dependence on agricultural production Low standard of living Lack of technology

Economic Organizations European Union (EU) North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Organization of American States (OAS) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Expanded free trade by ending tariffs 25 member states Euro is common currency Free trade between Canada, U.S. and Mexico (1990) Lower trade barriers Encourage foreign investment Formed to strengthen democracy, promote human rights & confront problems (poverty, terrorism, illegal drugs, corruption) Western Hemisphere (U.S., Canada) Formed in 1967 Coordinates policies among member nations (trade & agriculture) Example of regional cooperation

Global Problems: Environmental Issues Pollution: contamination of the environment, including air, water, and soil Acid Rain: rains falls through air that is contaminated by pollution Global Warming: gradual rise in the temperature of the earth (Greenhouse Effect) Deforestation: destruction of forests Desertification: change of arable (useable) land into desert land (example: Sahara Desert in Africa) Nuclear proliferation: spread of nuclear energy/weapons (example: Chernobyl, India & Pakistan, North Korea, Iran)

Global Problems: Terrorism The deliberate use of unpredictable violence, especially against civilians, to gain revenge or achieve political goals. Usually used by groups that do not have military power Recent Examples: 9/11 attacks (conflict between extreme traditionalists and western societies) disputes between nationalist groups over homeland (Palestine & Israel) domestic conflict

Global Problems: Poverty Result of urbanization and overpopulation (lack of food and resources) Shantytowns: areas of makeshift shacks that lack sewer systems, electricity, and other basic services

Global Problems: Health/Medicine People living longer: infant mortality rates , quality of life Antibiotics Vaccines Transplants Laser surgery Challenges: Genetic Engineering New Epidemics: AIDS, SARS Rich countries have medical supplies, poor countries do not

Modern Global revolutions Green Revolution **INCREASING THE FOOD SUPPLY** Irrigation Machinery Fertilizer & Pesticides New foods Positive: food production; develops new food products Negative: depends on rainfall; costly chemicals; small farmers lose job Computer Revolution (Information revolution) **GREAT INCREASE IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS** Internet; Social Media Literacy Positive: creates new jobs; links people, businesses, nations; makes more information available Negative: expensive (only some people can afford it); widens gap between global North and South

Africa Today African countries gained independence after WWII Dependent on Europe for imports/manufactured goods Obstacles to progress: Population and poverty Political problems Economic dependence (on West) Land and climate Economic policies Ethnic tension & Nationalism Rwandan genocide, Darfur

Latin America Today Cash-crop economies unstable; dependent on West Argentina – democracy Nicaragua – Sandinistas & Contras Mexico – gap between rich & poor, social classes, population and poverty, urban growth OAS (Organization of American States) NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)