001 - Loss of Sovereignty

Syllabus Point

Discuss (AO3) the links between the diminishing effectiveness of political borders and the flow of goods, capital, labour and ideas, and the role of one multi-governmental organisation (EU, NAFTA etc).

Discuss (AO3) the shift of power from nation state to TNCs as a result of their economic size and dominance.

Compare (AO3) the wealth of TNCs with that of nation states.

Key Terminology

  • Discuss
  • Compare
  • Political border
  • Multi-government Organisation
  • Nation State
  • TNC

Define the terms above using your 'Global Interactions' text book, the Command Term posters in the classroom and the links provided below:

Useful Links

Activity One - Diminishing Nation-States Watch

Having control over your countries laws and resources is a hugely important and relevant issue in the world today. We only have to read the news about Brexit or any other upcoming election in Europe to realise that regaining control from the EU is at the fore of most campaigns.

  • Watch the Ted Talk below and write notes on the impact that the flow of ideas, capital, goods and labour are having on the strength of nation-states.
  • Using the map below describe the areas with open borders. What impact do you think this has? Think about what you have recently watched (hopefully) in the news.

Image One - Countries with Open Borders

Taken From: http://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs/1/2014/08/open-borders-940x427.png

Taken From -

http://www.associatednews.com/most-hated-countries-in-the-world

Activity Two - Comprehension

Answer the following questions using your 'Global Interactions' text book by Guinness pages 181 - 192.

  1. How did the concept of a nation-state develop?
  2. Why is there now a 'web of interdependence'?
  3. How have countries 'lost' their sovereignty?
  4. What do Americans feel threatens their sovereignty?
  5. How has globalisation impacted nation-states power? Use examples.
  6. How is the EU an example of a region losing their distinct nation-state boundaries?
  7. What is the rise of the region state? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  8. How do the flow of ideas impact the nation-state?
  9. How does the movement of capital impact nation-states?
  10. How do the movement of goods create global interdependence? In your opinion is this a positive or negative change? Justify your opinion with evidence.
  11. To what extent have labour flows blurred our nations boundaries?
  12. Create a case study for a multi-government agency, focusing on the positives and negatives of the collaboration. NAFTA or the EU are classic examples to use.

Useful Resources

'Global Interactions' by Guinness Pages 181-192

Image Three - Global Interactions

Taken From: https://www.amazon.com/Geography-IB-Diploma-Global-Interactions/dp/0521147328

Taken From -

https://www.amazon.com/Geography-IB-Diploma-Global-Interactions/dp/0521147328

Activity Three - TNCs Mind Map

Image Two - Corporate Connection

Taken From: https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/22/97214235_6ee4d4a9c4_o.jpg

Taken From -

https://www.infogrades.com/business-infographics/corporate-connections/

Create a mind map to illustrate how the power of nation-states has shifted to TNCs. You need to consider the following points:

        • Causes
        • Positive consequences
        • Negative consequences
        • Influence of TNCs on UN organisations
        • Comparison of wealth between TNCs and nation-states
        • Evidence

Useful Resources

25 US Mega Corporations Bigger than Counntries

'Global Interactions' by Guinness Pages 192-196

Image Three - Global Interactions

Taken From: https://www.amazon.com/Geography-IB-Diploma-Global-Interactions/dp/0521147328

Taken From -

https://www.amazon.com/Geography-IB-Diploma-Global-Interactions/dp/0521147328

Exam Style Question

Explain how one multi-government organisation has led to the loss of sovereignty. (10 marks)