Choose Two Questions Below And Answer Essays (5 Points Each)
Essays 5 Points Eachchoose Two Of The Questions Below Answer Each
Choose two of the questions below. Answer each in a 3-5 paragraph essay. Make sure that your essay has a thesis, and that each paragraph has a topic sentence. Avoid vague, general statements—the more specific and concrete you are, the more highly you will be scored!
1) Supranational organizations have profoundly reshaped the world system in the last 40 years. Define supranational organization, and give three examples, and explain the way each organization has changed geopolitics, economics, population movements, the environment, or other issues of global importance.
2) The industrialization of agriculture has had profound effects on human beings and the environment. In your essay, explain how industrializing agriculture has changed the way people grow food, and discuss three effects of industrializing the food supply.
3) The Green Revolution was a huge change in global agriculture. Discuss what was it meant to achieve, and discuss three positive and/or negative effects it actually achieved.
4) What is a symbolic landscape? Describe one you know, and discuss three of the key messages it imparts to the people who pass through it. Your answer will be judged on how well you analyze the social, cultural, economic or political effects of this landscape.
5) The number of displaced people has risen exponentially in the last four decades. Give three reasons why this is so, explaining each one of them and why it contributes to the rise in the number of displaced people in the world.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The last four decades have witnessed significant transformations in the global landscape, influenced by complex social, political, economic, and environmental factors. Two critical areas reflecting these changes are the role of supranational organizations and the dramatic increase in displaced populations worldwide. Supranational organizations have reshaped geopolitical and economic paradigms, fostering cooperation but also generating tensions. Simultaneously, conflicts, environmental crises, and economic disparities have contributed to an unprecedented rise in displaced individuals. This essay will explore the influence of supranational organizations and the reasons behind the surge in displaced peoples, highlighting their profound implications on the global stage.
Supranational Organizations and Their Impact
Supranational organizations are entities formed by multiple nations that transcend national boundaries to promote cooperation on shared issues. Examples include the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The EU has significantly influenced the geopolitical landscape by fostering economic integration among member states, facilitating free trade and movement, and promoting political stability within Europe. The UN has played a vital role in addressing global conflicts, human rights issues, and environmental concerns, often mediating international disputes and establishing norms that guide diplomatic relations. The WTO has transformed global trade by creating a framework for reducing tariffs and barriers, thus accelerating economic globalization. These organizations have collectively reshaped geopolitics by encouraging multilateralism, though sometimes generating tensions when national interests conflict with supranational goals.
In addition to geopolitical shifts, these organizations have impacted economic systems and global populations. The EU’s policies have led to increased migration within Europe, influencing demographic patterns and labor markets. The UN’s humanitarian programs have provided aid but also highlighted disparities, prompting debates about sovereignty and intervention. The WTO’s trade agreements have benefited some economies while disadvantaging others, illustrating the uneven impacts of globalization. Environmental issues, such as climate change agreements facilitated by the UN, demonstrate the capacity of these organizations to address pressing issues collectively. Overall, supranational organizations have been pivotal in shaping a more interconnected world, promoting cooperation but also posing challenges to traditional sovereignty and national identities.
The Rise in Displaced Populations and Its Causes
The exponential rise in displaced populations over the last four decades can be attributed to numerous interconnected factors. First, ongoing conflicts and civil wars have displaced millions, as countries such as Syria, Venezuela, and South Sudan experience protracted violence that renders many communities uninhabitable. These conflicts often escalate due to political instability, ethnic tensions, and the failure of governance structures. Second, environmental crises, including climate change, has contributed to displacement by causing natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which destroy homes and livelihoods. For example, rising sea levels threaten small island nations, forcing entire populations to migrate elsewhere. Third, economic disparities and development issues compel people to flee their countries in search of better opportunities, often leading to forced displacements driven by extreme poverty or lack of access to resources. This multifaceted combination of conflict, environmental challenges, and economic hardship explains the rapid increase in global displaced populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global landscape of the past four decades underscores the profound influence of supranational organizations and the tragic rise in displaced peoples across the world. While these organizations aim to foster stability, economic growth, and cooperation, they often contend with sovereignty issues and uneven impacts. Simultaneously, the drivers of displacement—conflict, environmental crises, and economic hardship—highlight the urgent need for comprehensive international responses. Understanding these interconnected factors is crucial for developing strategies to address global challenges and promote a more equitable and resilient world order.
References
- Gupta, A. (2020). The Role of Supranational Organizations in Global Governance. Journal of International Affairs, 74(2), 25-40.
- Kalin, M. (2019). Climate Change and Displacement: Addressing the Linkages. Environmental Policy and Governance, 29(3), 123-134.
- Smith, J. (2018). Global Conflicts and Refugee Flows. International Migration Review, 52(4), 1022-1043.
- United Nations. (2021). Global Trends in Forced Displacement. UNHCR Publications.
- World Trade Organization. (2017). Trade and Economic Development. WTO Reports.
- Burke, M., & Donald, K. (2020). Environmental Displacement and International Response. Climate Policy Journal, 21(6), 567-581.
- Johnson, L. (2019). Economic Disparity and Migration. Migration Studies, 12(3), 345-360.
- European Union. (2022). Impact of EU Policies on Migration and Integration. European Policy Review, 39, 45-60.
- World Bank. (2020). The State of Global Displacement. World Bank Reports.
- Zhou, Y. (2018). Geopolitics and Global Governance. Political Science Quarterly, 133(2), 235-256.