ATAR Notes: Forum
VCE Stuff => VCE Humanities => VCE Arts/Humanities/Health => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Global Politics => Topic started by: LastOfUs on November 28, 2013, 09:19:10 pm
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Anyone doing global politics next year? I've started today and it would be great to get an active community going for this subject.
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Hey,
I'm doing Global Politics during 2014.
I agree, an active community is a wonderful idea! :)
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Hey,
I'm doing Global Politics during 2014.
I agree, an active community is a wonderful idea! :)
The world begs to differ :'(
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Count me in :D
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Going to start doing some Global Politics homework today ... first time I've hit the books (for any subject) all holidays! What homework do you guys have over the break? I have to define a handful of things and investigate two global actors that have undermined the sovereign power of a specific state ... At the moment I don't even understand what that means! LOL! Don't have a text book either. Wish me the best of luck!
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I am pretty much in the same boat, however, I haven't done units 1 and 2 since our school doesn't offer them. My holiday homework is similar, but we did all our definition things in orientation so we have to find 10 global actors in the news. In you case, I think your teachers are asking you to find global actors which have put 'the three national interest that go beyond any political leader,' which is economic stability, national survival and preservation of culture. Since you only need two you have it quite easier, and they don't have to be recent either!
I am not sure if you went into this much detail, but for non-state actors you have heaps of sub categories, such as TNC; which stands for Transnational Corporations which are any organisations which are based in one country, operate in more than one country (e.g. Apple). You then have NGOs; non-government organisations, which are organisations which are created by the population and operate independently from the government (e.g. Oxfam Australia). You also have IGGs; institutions of global governance, which are institutions or rules that seek to manage relations between states. (International Monetary Fund).
So you need to find examples of the above that have jeopardised economic stability, national survival and preservation of culture. Some of the examples that come to mind for me straight away are: IMF in Bolivia, and one that is more recent which is more vague is the the TNCs that operate in Australia that are not produced here, such as Volkswagen which in short terms, was the reason that Holden is now going out of business, which is a 'loss of Australian culture.'
The second is obviously weaker but this is just a quick example to get you running!
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I am pretty much in the same boat, however, I haven't done units 1 and 2 since our school doesn't offer them. My holiday homework is similar, but we did all our definition things in orientation so we have to find 10 global actors in the news. In you case, I think your teachers are asking you to find global actors which have put 'the three national interest that go beyond any political leader,' which is economic stability, national survival and preservation of culture. Since you only need two you have it quite easier, and they don't have to be recent either!
I am not sure if you went into this much detail, but for non-state actors you have heaps of sub categories, such as TNC; which stands for Transnational Corporations which are any organisations which are based in one country, operate in more than one country (e.g. Apple). You then have NGOs; non-government organisations, which are organisations which are created by the population and operate independently from the government (e.g. Oxfam Australia). You also have IGGs; institutions of global governance, which are institutions or rules that seek to manage relations between states. (International Monetary Fund).
So you need to find examples of the above that have jeopardised economic stability, national survival and preservation of culture. Some of the examples that come to mind for me straight away are: IMF in Bolivia, and one that is more recent which is more vague is the the TNCs that operate in Australia that are not produced here, such as Volkswagen which in short terms, was the reason that Holden is now going out of business, which is a 'loss of Australian culture.'
The second is obviously weaker but this is just a quick example to get you running!
Don't worry about not having units 1/2, i joined in unit 2 and it wasn't hard at all to adapt. The only thing the year 11 units are useful for are just introduction into the world of politics, and learning how to write answers and essays for the subject. But after doing a couple of practise essays and questions you'll be fine.
Good luck to you all with the subject :)
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Good luck guys! I can say from experience (I did Global Pol last year) that having a study group/active community is really helpful, especially considering the large content involved with the subject. Just remember that at different schools, you might chose a different Asia-Pacific state to study as well as varying crises in Unit 4. Otherwise, if you find that your chosen topics overlap, even working on making a google doc, collecting all your examples will prove to be really helpful. If I read awesome things throughout the year, I'll post them up.
I'd recommend foreignpolicy.com - well written articles that have great, relevant information. Unfortunately they've added a fee so you can't access it unless you pay a small fee. >_> Might be worth subscribing for the year though if you're keen.
I can also reiterate that not having done Units 1&2 will not disadvantage you. :) I started Units 3&4 without knowing what sovereignty meant lol.
Another thing: GET AROUND THE STUDY DESIGN. For a subject as broad as this, it will be your best friend. Worship, love and respect the study design.
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Hey everybody,
Hopefully we can get a good community going here for the year. Does anyone know in advance which case studies their class is looking at?
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Hey everyone! :)
I'm doing Global Pol this year via Distance Ed, and I'm pretty worried that I won't be able to absorb the sheer bulk of information in the course material without a physically present teacher... :-\
Can anyone give me advice, because I really want to make most out of this subject?
Thanks a lot! :D
P.S.
If anyone else is in the same boat as me, or anyone doing Global Politics for that matter, I found this YouTube channel that has podcasts on topics that we would be covering for Units 3 & 4 plus tips on how to answer the end of year exam, so I suggest you subscribe. Here's the link: http://m.youtube.com/channel/UCDtE_RhOxHubn1ccgW5VZ5A
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You're the second person this week I've heard be concerned about the bulk of information in glopol. As far as theory goes, there isn't really that much to construe. A lot of it links together quite nicely and there's nothing that's difficult to wrap your head around. (You're very likely to match every "new" concept you encounter in glopol with something along the lines of "Oh. That makes sense.)
The two content heavy portions of the subject are definitions (probably a good 10-15 definitions to commit to memory per AoS; you just need to briefly describe the word or concept and provide an example of it to access full marks) and case studies (make sure you absolutely saturate your responses with these). Both of these are memory intensive - teacher or no teacher, the onus will be entirely on you to have your percentages and figures and dates locked away in your long term memory. I did philosophy via Distance Ed last year. Really, the only benefit to glopol I can imagine a physically present teacher and class might have is the discussion. Classroom discussions can be fun, and occasionally enlightening, but in my experience, it contributes little to what you actual put down on paper in a SAC or exam environment.
If you genuinely enjoy the subject and you're willing to put in the work, you shouldn't be at any disadvantage. Just make sure you've got those case studies and examples down pat.
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Adding onto achre's comments, the bulk comes from the definitions (which aren't the bad all in all) and all the examples that you research externally for your short answers and essays. While it is annoying to remember dates and specific details for relevant events, you'll find it's manageable. :) Don't sweat it schoolcaptain!
I really do encourage that we start a community here to build a resources table for those with overlapping topics. It will not only save you time but ensure you've really done your wider reading. ^_^
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Just had my first period of glopol today! Honestly, it was great fun, but I had a question to ask, which I didn't and so I shall now. The reason being that I haven't done a 'humanities' type of subject in year 11 (generally based on math & science) I have no idea on how the layout/structure of the SAC's will look like, marks allocated to questions, short answer, long answer, multiple choice? So I was wondering if any of you guys know?
More than happy to join this community :)
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Hey Marco. Usually a glopol SAC will have a series of 2-4 questions that ask you to define words from the study design, followed by a short answer/extended response section and an essay (your essays may sometimes be in a different period, a kind of part 2 of the SAC). Marks for S.A./E.R questions can range from a single mark ("identify X") all the way up to 10 marks. Mark allocation will depend on (obviously) how thoroughly you address the question and (perhaps not so obviously) quality, quantity, and relevence of examples.
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Could someone here please give me some help on how to approach this class?
I essentially learn nothing in class, not because my teacher is bad or anything .. I just have no idea what he is talking about and when he gives us all these handouts that are 20 pages long with size 10 font with no spacing or paragraphing I just cannot read it.
Is there a way I can just work at my own pace in class and out of class? I'm so stuck as to what to do. I really wanted to learn global politics but now I'm honestly just hating it.
I will also given a study summary which I think was taken off this website and for the first AOS, there are about 30 pages of size 10 dot pointed information ... How the fuck am I meant to remember that?
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You don't need to remember all of it. You couldn't possibly. No doubt it would be a bunch of case studies, which will seem completely irrelevent now until you start looking at the concepts that they flesh out (state sovereignty, globalisation, role and structure of IGGs/TNCs/NGOs/NSAs). Once you go other the content for the topics, you'll be thankful for big handouts like that. You go through them, pick and choose a few that appeal to you and are relevent, and chuck them into your answers.
Best advice for this early in the year is to get involved. I suck at geography, so at the start of the year people were talking about all these different countries I had no clue about (I still don't know what a Kosovo is or where it is on a map), but you'll get comfortable real quick. If you actually put in the effort, this is one of the most rewarding subjects in the VCE - don't hate it before you've even really started it!
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Could someone please help me with the Realist VS the Liberal view on national interest? I have to write a 2 paragraph response to which view (realist or liberal) I think is most effective when formulating a state's national interest, but I'm kinda stuck ATM. Thanks. :)
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I don’t know that liberalism is actually on the study design for glopol... I’ve only encountered it by being a loser and looking at my uni coursework ahead of time LOL. Also this is way more unit 4 than unit 3, but...
Realism puts forward the idea that the global arena is composed of different states each with their own standards and little or no obligation to shared morality. This means that they don’t feel obligated to assist other states OR it means that they intervene in other state’s affairs (diminishing their sovereignty, whether by putting trade embargos on them or going full-blown invasion) to push their own agenda rather than foster it (the US attempted this in 2013 when they attempted to get support from other states to invade Syria, in response to the Ghouta chemical weapons attack). So a realist national interest would generally try to avoid interacting with states who possess conflicting moral interests, or at least avoid being vocal about it (Australia’s asylum seeker policy has not been condemned by many states, not even those who accept many refugees, such as Germany).
Liberalism is probably most similar to cosmopolitanism in the 3/4 study design, so it put forwards essentially the opposite of the realist school of thought: the global arena is composed of a single, moral community regardless of state, culture or level of development. National interest actions influenced by cosmopolitanism include things like joining global organisations like the EU, the UN, the Arab League, or other alliances and like NATO. In the event that a cosmopolitan state intervenes in another state’s affairs – or otherwise diminishes their sovereignty – they generally won’t interfere with the status quo. An example of this might be the six-party talks (NK, SK, China, US, Russian Federation, Japan) on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Despite freezing 24 million dollars worth of NK’s foreign assets, there has been no action on NK’s forced labour colonies (200, 000 interred) or any other of their human rights abuses. whoops, that's not right. That's way more realist. So cosmopolitans think that all humans deserve to be treated equally, so a better example of cosmopolitan action would be ratifying various treaties and declarations and international laws like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) or the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that imply those kinds of values.
They both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on whether you want to grow as a state by looking after number one and ocasionally conducting an invasion or two, or you want to engage in diplomatic action to avoid conflict while improving your global image by seeming moral.
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Would anyone be able to recommend some films/documenatries that would be handy for this subject in terms of knowledge? Also any sort of podcasts that would also be good for learning information (I know of one on YouTube but he uploads quite sporadically).
I have barely come to get a grip on the subject but over this weekend I'm going to put a few hours into learning about it. I've realised whilst I was sitting their mindlessly whilst people were talking about current things in the world, such as a global actor that has undermined the sovereignty of a state etc. Whilst barely knowing anything about anything, I watched a few podcasts and watched half a documentary called 'The Square' on the Egyptian 2011 revolution which is totally relateable to the course (I think).
I've also got some homework to do.
1) Which states are currently the most powerful? Why?
Without knowing a great deal, would that relate to the big 5 (france, russia, china, UK, USA) who are like permanent members of the UN security council? As the UN is essentially an organisation that has an aim of world peace where all participating states (192?) must surrender equal authority and power to the organisation in order to make it work, those on the security council would be the most powerful. Is this right?
2) Which global groups/bodies/institutions (apart from states) have global power?
I guess I could talk about anything just as TNC's, NGO's etc. that have overwhelming power, like the influence of Apple over our technological world? Not sure.
3) Could global groups/bodies/institutions ever threaten the power of states? If so how could they do it?
Yeah they could. e.g. When the IMF gets a state out of deficit by giving a state in need money with interest rates, they are also essentially able to make that state do anything. If the state is unable to make repayments, the IMF will take control over its economy and essentially print money and flood the international exchange market with their currency. Once again, not sure if this would be right?
4) How might states fight back if this happened?
According to the doctrine of state sovereignty, which is essentially where states have the authority to exercise power within its own territorial land that is internationally recognised, such as Bolivia in the aforementioned situation (question 3), they may use military power as a sovereign right to ensure the IMF leaves them alone.
If someone could please critique this, I'd be greatful. These were obviously written off the top of my head, poorly structured and remember I'm really quite a noob at this subject (basically learnt all of this today, first thing I've learnt from paying attention).
Thanks :)
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Would anyone be able to recommend some films/documenatries that would be handy for this subject in terms of knowledge? Also any sort of podcasts that would also be good for learning information (I know of one on YouTube but he uploads quite sporadically).
I have barely come to get a grip on the subject but over this weekend I'm going to put a few hours into learning about it. I've realised whilst I was sitting their mindlessly whilst people were talking about current things in the world, such as a global actor that has undermined the sovereignty of a state etc. Whilst barely knowing anything about anything, I watched a few podcasts and watched half a documentary called 'The Square' on the Egyptian 2011 revolution which is totally relateable to the course (I think).
I've also got some homework to do.
1) Which states are currently the most powerful? Why?
Without knowing a great deal, would that relate to the big 5 (france, russia, china, UK, USA) who are like permanent members of the UN security council? As the UN is essentially an organisation that has an aim of world peace where all participating states (192?) must surrender equal authority and power to the organisation in order to make it work, those on the security council would be the most powerful. Is this right?
2) Which global groups/bodies/institutions (apart from states) have global power?
I guess I could talk about anything just as TNC's, NGO's etc. that have overwhelming power, like the influence of Apple over our technological world? Not sure.
3) Could global groups/bodies/institutions ever threaten the power of states? If so how could they do it?
Yeah they could. e.g. When the IMF gets a state out of deficit by giving a state in need money with interest rates, they are also essentially able to make that state do anything. If the state is unable to make repayments, the IMF will take control over its economy and essentially print money and flood the international exchange market with their currency. Once again, not sure if this would be right?
4) How might states fight back if this happened?
According to the doctrine of state sovereignty, which is essentially where states have the authority to exercise power within its own territorial land that is internationally recognised, such as Bolivia in the aforementioned situation (question 3), they may use military power as a sovereign right to ensure the IMF leaves them alone.
If someone could please critique this, I'd be greatful. These were obviously written off the top of my head, poorly structured and remember I'm really quite a noob at this subject (basically learnt all of this today, first thing I've learnt from paying attention).
Thanks :)
No, you've really got the hang of it - if this is after just one day of paying attention, you'll be fine in the subject.
1) yes, the big 5 certainly have legislatively ingrained, theoretical power, just be aware that the unsc is often paralysed by vetoes so members who wield less economic or military influence (ie france and the uk) don't actually profit that much. So you could argue that these two don't have that much power anymore due to economic crises and etc. China and the us are the safest bet in terms of two most powerful (but this wouldn't be a sac or exam q anyway)
193 (good old South Sudan)
2) yes, but consider different facets of power. Apple wields influence over tech yes, but also over the economies of emerging countries. NGOs often have limited power since they don't have legislative power, or economic and rely on popular support. IMF and WTO are good here, so yeah pretty much
3) yep, or even the fact that states have to change their economic program when they agree to an IMF bailout is challenging their sovereignty
4) unlikely that a state would use military power against the IMF; more likely situation would be refusing further loans (but doesn't happen very often). A WTO example could fit here - the US, being the US, constantly ignores WTO rulings against it (look at Bolivia cotton ruling and clove cigarettes with the Philippines I think (maybe not, I'm rusty))
You are seriously fine, chill, pay attention in class, find some case studies and conquer. Hope this helped most of it is just rambling :/
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No, you've really got the hang of it - if this is after just one day of paying attention, you'll be fine in the subject.
Thanks so much for all the help!
I've had class for around two weeks and I've just been given big slabs of writing I haven't bothered reading and I've basically spoken to my friends during the class for the entirety of the time as I just thought it was impossible. I sat away from that friend today to give it a go myself, and whilst not understanding some key GP concepts probably due to not being privy to its definitions, stuff actually soaked in!
Thanks for all the help :) Don't understand how much I appreciate it.
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Just another question.
This morning I've been learning a little about sovereignty, doing some overdue holiday homework. This is what I've learnt.
Sovereignty is the widely recognised ability to exercise control over territory within recognised borders by international communities. (by the way, to have recognised 'sovereignty' or to be recognised as a state, does that come down to how the UN's general assembly perceive you?'
The 'principles' of sovereignty include having control over a geographic area, non intervention, self-determination (the people have the right to choose the government except in authoritative regimes) and have the right to develop principles.
With the sovereign rights, non-intervention is essentially that a state can exercise sovereignty without the intervention of another state. However not all states respect this right. If Australia wanted to lock up all the aborigines in its territory, it is our sovereign right. If they wanted to destroy the great barrier reef, it is our sovereign right. However when can another state ignore these sovereign rights and intervene?
Like Syria has the sovereign right to use force on its citizens, eps. the situation with chemical weapons. However, the US ignored their sovereign right, intervening with their military, essentially taking away the authority/sovereignty that Syria has within its territory.
What I'm trying to get at is when can sovereign rights be taken away? Do certain states have to consult with someone in the UN, or can members of the UN Security Council act without consulting with anyone. Also who has the most power in the UN? Do decisions happen through like majority votes from the representatives of the 193 or is there a 'head power' that overrules, like the governor general in australia rejecting a bill that has passed both houses?
Thanks! This is my first day of global politics (self-learning, sort of done nothing in the passed 2 weeks) so if I say some noobish stuff, forgive and correct! :)
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Okay, to be clear, nothing you've said is noobish. They're actually fairly insightful questions that show you've fully engaged with the material, so congrats haha
So sovereignty is undermined when the principles of sovereignty (that you outlined) are ignored, whether in part or wholly. A state (or, as the case may be, an IGG like the IMF or WTO) doesn't neccesarily have to seek another state's permission to invade, they're welcome to do what they like if they have sufficient military power. However, in this globalised world, such actions would typically have long term consequences for the state - like in your Syria example, if the US invaded without the permission of Russia (who is a major Syrian trade partner, and who also has an offshore military base within Syria), it could have potentially caused some conflict between the two states.
The ability to interfere with another state's sovereignty is largely determined by the R2P doctrine, in particular the just-case threshold and the notion of right authortiy:
The most appropriate body to authorize military intervention for human protection purposes is the United Nations Security Council. However, should the Council reject a proposal or fail to take up a situation within a reasonable amount of time, alternatives are the following:
A. the General Assembly can consider the matter during an Emergency Special Session under the "Uniting for Peace" procedure; and
B. Regional or sub-regional organizations can act within their geographic jurisdiction, subject to their seeking subsequent authorization from the Security Council.
If those mechanisms fail to discharge their responsibility to protect in conscience-shocking situations, concerned states may not rule out other means to meet the gravity and urgency of that situation.
Note that your example of degradation of the Great Barrier Reef would be extremely unlikely to be accorded with global condemnation. (Unfortunately)
Most of the time, these things are left up to the Security Council. The compound of the Security Council's often conflicting interests and their power of veto means that they very rarely draw up resolutions on important issues.
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IGG
I'm sorry, what does IGG stand for?
Most of the time, these things are left up to the Security Council. The compound of the Security Council's often conflicting interests and their power of veto means that they very rarely draw up resolutions on important issues.
So when you're talking about the power of veto, does that power reside with the big 5 who can essentially stop anything that is going on in the world within the 193 states of the UN? Does the big 5 like vote on something, e.g. going to invade Australia - would the votes have to be unanimous or a majority?
Note that your example of degradation of the Great Barrier Reef would be extremely unlikely to be accorded with global condemnation. (Unfortunately)
Haha. I was watching a YouTube podcast and the guy was essentially explaining the sovereign right of non-intervention. So when talking about rights, he said we would essentially be able to destroy the Great Barrier Reef with no intervention in theory. Although the sovereign right can be challenged (due to condemnation) in theory, he said a state would be able to do that.
Thanks so much man!
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I'm sorry, what does IGG stand for?
Institute of Global Governance. You'll have trouble remembering that one right up until 5 minutes before the exam (my entire cohort blanked on it while waiting outside the exam hall. "Inter-governmental... something...")
So when you're talking about the power of veto, does that power reside with the big 5 who can essentially stop anything that is going on in the world within the 193 states of the UN? Does the big 5 like vote on something, e.g. going to invade Australia - would the votes have to be unanimous or a majority?
Decision needs to be unanimous. A single veto will completely block action by the security council. UNSC consists of 5 permenent members with that power of veto, and another 10 rotating countries. (Australia is one of the rotating countries, elected by General Assembly, sits for two years) This is a major criticism of the UN as it's a big part of why people feel it's ineffectual.
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This is a major criticism of the UN as it's a big part of why people feel it's ineffectual.
Seems pretty silly. What if one of the members of the Security Council - pretend Russia - invaded Australia and took away our sovereign rights? You go to the security council and the two states would have opposing votes or would use a veto or w/e. Who takes authority then when in talks of retaliation of an invasion or something? Are those directly affected suspended from the security council? Like if the USA was being invaded by North Korea and the security council was talking about dropping a nuke on NK, would the US get a vote?
Thanks mate.
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If anyone could please help me out in answering this exam question I'd appreciate it. I have to write this for homework and I already gave it a go in class and he said I didn't focus on 'influence' much, so if you could please help me out I'd appreciate it so much!
[8 marks] Evaluate the influence of two non-state actors in contemporary global politics.
[My wrong answer] The International Montetary Fund has global influence due to both economic and legislative powers. The IMF's purpose is to bailout states in need of financial assistance by giving them a loan with high interest (which yields high profit margins) which in turn, the IMF can essentially take 'economic' control over a state that fails to pay back the loan or follow set guidelines by the IMF, aswell as 'legislative' control over a state such as implementing new taxes to get their money back. This is the influence the IMF has as they can essentially take control over another states economy to do as they please to get their loan back. Essentially, they IMF may do as they please and can actually instigate 'currency manipulation' like China and flood the exchange markets. (P.S. This was only 4 marks that I wrote worth because when he told me I was wrong I stopped - didn't really have much else to write anyway).
-- As you can probably tell I don't really have any idea what I'm talking about. What I learnt here I learnt from peoples conversations on ATARnotes and my only real area of expertise is around sovereignty as I'm watching some guy on Youtube who explains stuff really well, but unfortunately is behind my class but is following the study design. If you could please help me with an answer I'd appreciate it!
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Hmm.
If you're addressing the question in some shape, I wouldn't ever call an answer in glopol "wrong". Before I say anything else, I'll just add that the IMF is a non-state actor, but it's a lot closer to an IGG (remembering the definition of global governance: institutions/rules/norms/blah blah blah that manage relations between states), which is a bit too close to states for my liking. For instance, the UN is an IGG that is effectively a coalition of 193 states, so you wouldn't really cite it as an NSA. Typically, for NSA questions, you'd go for an organised religion or crime syndicate or terrorist network, and maybe an NGO. If you were really struggling, you'd refer to an IGG or a TNC. Okay, that was way too much info for such a small point, but anywa
When your teacher said you haven't focused on 'influence' too much, I'm assuming he means you've talked more about the IMF's purpose and its general effect on states, without citing specific instances of the IMF's actions and influence on states. Your reference to China, if I was being really strict, totals two words ('like China'), as opposed to the "more correct" approach of showing off your knowledge. ("as it did in China, in 20__. The effect on China of the IMF's involvement was...." I don't actually know this particular case study). For this question in 2013, my assessor decided to give me the full 8 marks. I used the Catholic Church and al Qaeda as a response. I structured my response (iirc, don't have my answer in front of me sadly) as introducing the scope of the Church's power (which is the potential to influence other actor's actions), then gave two examples. Then I did the same thing for al Qaeda. I feel like two marks for two examples and two marks for describing their influence/power is a fair scheme. Don't feel intimidated if you can't quite do an exam question yet, AOS 1 contains all of glopol 3/4, the other 3 AOSs just pick specific parts of AOS 1 and look at them in more detail. What that means is that when the exam comes around, you'll have naturally stockpiled examples and definitions to rattle off, in addition to a greater affinity for question and answer structure
Try it again with some of the NSAs in the Anna-Louise Simpsons text. it's 4am i'm going to sleep
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Adding into what achre (very correctly) said, I'd usually structure my evaluate answers to include pros and cons for their influence, and then weigh these up and make an evaluative decision. So, for example, for the IMF it'd be like
Pro influence
- represents majority of states in global economy
- can force countries to accept conditions
- sheer economic power (States will likely comply because they're in crisis)
Cons
- States able to leave at any time
- actions are subject to the national interest of richer States (voting inequities)
- past failures (Bolivia, Greece) lower credibility
I'd add case studies to each point and then make an overarching conclusion at the end, like 'while the IMF has x,y,z pros, it's influence is diminished by a,b,c'
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Could someone actually explain what each aim of the IMF actually means/examples? My teacher didn't really interpret it well;
1. Promote international monetary cooperation
2. Exchange rate stability
3. Facilitate the balanced growth of international growth
4. Provide resources to help members in balance of payments difficulties
5. Assist with poverty reduction
Plus, loan bailout package provided by the IMF for Greece in 2010, is an example of?
Thanks heaps!
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Could someone actually explain what each aim of the IMF actually means/examples? My teacher didn't really interpret it well;
1. Promote international monetary cooperation
2. Exchange rate stability
3. Facilitate the balanced growth of international growth
4. Provide resources to help members in balance of payments difficulties
5. Assist with poverty reduction
Plus, loan bailout package provided by the IMF for Greece in 2010, is an example of?
Thanks heaps!
You don't really need to know what all of the aims mean, as you'll never be required to explain all 5 aims, so just pick two and know them well and have case studies for them. Even if you got an essay question, at one aim per paragraph, you'd run out of space/time before you were finished. So don't worry if some of them don't make sense. So long as you can name them, it's all gooood
1. International monetary cooperation is cooperation between different states on the monetary issues between them, generally through forums such as the IMF, to help stabalize further economic growth. It's complementary to the second and third aim in this respect. There are different kinds of monetary cooperation, mostly involving information exchange (domestic banking, financial policies) but also monetary union/integration (see: EU & the European Monetary Union) and policy cooperation (financial regulation)
2. 1 AUD is worth 89 US cents, so a stable exchange rate would mean that that figure doesn't change much over time.
3. Generally through cooperation with the WTO, they just try to improve trading relations with other countries. This might be achieved through liberalizing their policies by removing barriers to trade, or by improving the economic climate of the state (lowering inflation/unemployment, increasing GDP/current account balance) which would motivate other states to trade with them.
4. In addition to technical assistance (effectively guidance and training on economic management to low income states) and surveillance (monitoring financial policies of states), the IMF also provides loans to states that can't make international payments. It helps states restore their macroeconomic stability by stablizing currencies and paying for imports, which is necessary for launching growth. The May 2010 Greece bailout of 110bn euros falls most under this aim. (But as you can see, it's a little bit of everything, really)
5. They only 'assist' with poverty reduction because this is more of the purview of the World Bank. The measured poverty rate of a country is what they try to reduce. They were unsuccessful in achieving this aim in Bolivia, where after 5 years of IMF interaction, the poverty rate was quadruple that of the previous ten years, and they tried to enforce this via widespread privatization and labor reforms and a stated goal of deficit economic growth reduction by 2001 of 6%.
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Are these aims from the new textbook? If so, Anna-Louise really needs to go have a coffee with the Chief Assessor and discuss what they actually want from students, because they're a bit out of sync. See 2012 exam report re: question about IMF aims:
"The objectives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are to
promote exchange rate stability
promote international monetary cooperation
assist in maintaining a multilateral system of payments
provide resources to members experiencing balance of payments difficulties
promote high employment and sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty around the world.
This question was not well answered by many students. Although this was a one-mark question, students needed to show a clear and sound understanding of one of the IMF’s objectives. Many students displayed a very vague understanding, choosing to truncate an objective and in the process not indicating a clear understanding. Students and teachers should also note that a mechanism of the IMF is not an objective."
So they're effectively saying that if you put, say "assist with poverty reduction" as an aim, that wouldn't get you a mark, because it's truncating the "promote high employment and sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty around the world" aim. Not to mention that "facilitate the balanced growth of international trade" isn't mentioned as an aim on its own.
I'm just pointing this out for you to consider - I'm sure on a SAC the aims you provided would be fine, but I'd be cautious about using them in the exam. But then again, it's GlobalPol, and nobody in the assessment authority had much idea what they're doing anyway, so maybe they'll backtrack on what they said in 2012, *nobody knows*
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Better yet, you could ask the IMF themselves. :P
Article I of the Articles of Agreement sets out the IMF’s main goals:
- promoting international monetary cooperation;
- facilitating the expansion and balanced growth of international trade;
- promoting exchange stability;
- assisting in the establishment of a multilateral system of payments; and
- making resources available (with adequate safeguards) to members experiencing balance of payments difficulties.
So even though I'm sure the chief assessor uses the list he put in the examiner's report, saying "facilitating the expansion and balanced growth of international trade" couldn't be marked wrong because it is a stated aim of the IMF. I mean, better to not chance it, but still.
Also, I swear the examiner's reports were out by February last year, pick up your game vcaa.
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Better yet, you could ask the IMF themselves. :P
So even though I'm sure the chief assessor uses the list he put in the examiner's report, saying "facilitating the expansion and balanced growth of international trade" couldn't be marked wrong because it is a stated aim of the IMF. I mean, better to not chance it, but still.
Also, I swear the examiner's reports were out by February last year, pick up your game vcaa.
Awkward that 'assist with poverty reduction' isn't even mentioned here, I stand by the fact that the textbook is seriously inadequate. Do you reckon the report will be out by the end of this month? They're probably bogged down due to the amount of 6/7/8 mark questions..
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Anna-Louise really needs to go have a coffee with the Chief Assessor and discuss what they actually want from students
My teacher had a meeting with the chief assessor last week because nobody in my school got over a 40, yet aced every SAC and thought they nailed the exam, which was essentially because they didn't address the questions yet wrote a good piece. He said that Anna-Louise is the chief assessor - lol.
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My teacher had a meeting with the chief assessor last week because nobody in my school got over a 40, yet aced every SAC and thought they nailed the exam, which was essentially because they didn't address the questions yet wrote a good piece. He said that Anna-Louise is the chief assessor - lol.
*cries*
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Hey,
For Global in AOS1, we have to choose two of something ... I think like TNC's or something, or non-state actors where we just have to know the actor back to front. Do you know what I actually have to know, whether it is a TNC or any non-state actor or something??
Any unusual great examples either if you know what I'm talking about? :D
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Hey,
For Global in AOS1, we have to choose two of something ... I think like TNC's or something, or non-state actors where we just have to know the actor back to front. Do you know what I actually have to know, whether it is a TNC or any non-state actor or something??
Any unusual great examples either if you know what I'm talking about? :D
Don't really know what you mean tbh
Do you mean unit 4 AOS1? You have to choose two issues out of human rights, people movement, development and arms control. Unless this is for a SAC task where you're only going to be assessed on two actors in depth, in which case I'd go for whatever interests you the most.
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Don't really know what you mean tbh
Do you mean unit 4 AOS1? You have to choose two issues out of human rights, people movement, development and arms control. Unless this is for a SAC task where you're only going to be assessed on two actors in depth, in which case I'd go for whatever interests you the most.
Not really sure now. I would clarify with my teacher but he is going away until 2-3 days before the SAC. Fantastic!
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Is this something like what you mean?
"Two non-state actors chosen from two of the following categories:
– human rights organisations
– environmental organisations
– organised religions
– global terrorist movements
– organised crime syndicates"
If so, your class should be doing one actor from two of the categories, usually your teacher chooses which categories to pick. If you get to choose yourself, I'd recommend picking based on which issues you're studying in Ethical issues and debates (unit 4, aos 1) and global crises and responses (unit 4 aos 2). So e.g. if you're doing human rights as an ethical issue in unit 4 aos 1, pick a human rights org now and you'll have some background and examples when you get to unit 4 later in the year.
If you don't know which issues you'll be studying, do as achre suggested and just pick ones from categories that interest you. There's plenty of information on all of them, I personally did Greenpeace and Al-Qaeda - but be careful with using actors that are a popular choice, your analysis will probably have to be deeper/more researched to stand out.
Re: what you have to know, it's like all the other actors: the aims and objectives, roles, power and influence of these non-state actors
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This year I am doing Global Politics by distance education and my topic for this week is the IMF and WTO as Institutions of Global Governance. I was just wondering if anyone had any good links for reading material or videos that could help me understand?
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Hi,
One of the aims of the IMF is to promote international monetary cooperation and exchange-rate stability - that is all the book says and my teacher says I will have to be able to further explain two aims for each institution of governance.
Would promoting international monetary cooperation be where in theory the more wealthy countries are supposed to be helping less developed countries (need to replace that word with states ffs) with aid, like how Australia gives most of our foreign aid to Papua New Guinea? Would promoting exchange-rate stability refer to trying to stop currency manipulation or something? Pls explain!
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You don't really need to know what all of the aims mean, as you'll never be required to explain all 5 aims, so just pick two and know them well and have case studies for them. Even if you got an essay question, at one aim per paragraph, you'd run out of space/time before you were finished. So don't worry if some of them don't make sense. So long as you can name them, it's all gooood
1. International monetary cooperation is cooperation between different states on the monetary issues between them, generally through forums such as the IMF, to help stabalize further economic growth. It's complementary to the second and third aim in this respect. There are different kinds of monetary cooperation, mostly involving information exchange (domestic banking, financial policies) but also monetary union/integration (see: EU & the European Monetary Union) and policy cooperation (financial regulation)
2. 1 AUD is worth 89 US cents, so a stable exchange rate would mean that that figure doesn't change much over time.
3. Generally through cooperation with the WTO, they just try to improve trading relations with other countries. This might be achieved through liberalizing their policies by removing barriers to trade, or by improving the economic climate of the state (lowering inflation/unemployment, increasing GDP/current account balance) which would motivate other states to trade with them.
4. In addition to technical assistance (effectively guidance and training on economic management to low income states) and surveillance (monitoring financial policies of states), the IMF also provides loans to states that can't make international payments. It helps states restore their macroeconomic stability by stablizing currencies and paying for imports, which is necessary for launching growth. The May 2010 Greece bailout of 110bn euros falls most under this aim. (But as you can see, it's a little bit of everything, really)
5. They only 'assist' with poverty reduction because this is more of the purview of the World Bank. The measured poverty rate of a country is what they try to reduce. They were unsuccessful in achieving this aim in Bolivia, where after 5 years of IMF interaction, the poverty rate was quadruple that of the previous ten years, and they tried to enforce this via widespread privatization and labor reforms and a stated goal of deficit economic growth reduction by 2001 of 6%.
Thanks heaps! Btw yes the book for this subject is written really badly.
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Hi,
I have a Global SAC on Wednesday and I'm a little confused about the Institutions of Global Governance, and how you have to be able to explain its aims, objectives, power, influence, role etc.
For example, I'll do the United Nations. One aim of the United Nations is that it attempts to maintain international peace and security. The United Nations has many roles to achieve this such as investigate situations threatening international peace or recommend a peaceful resolution of a dispute, but more specifically it can achieve this through the role of Peacekeeping, or enforcing its military power. The United Nations currently has over 80,000 peacekeepers positioned around the globe in 15 missions on 4 different continents. More specifically, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is a peacekeeping mission with 7,000 peacekeepers trying to maintain the peace between South Sudan and its neighbours. However, the United Nations is completely reliant on its members of the General Assembly and its fundings, in which in 2013 it had a budget of $7.2 billion for its military which is pretty small when compared to what Australia spent on its military which was $26 billion in 2013. Moreover, the structure of the United Nations and its Security Council means any permanent (not sure but possibly temporary members) members who are the Big 5 (UK, USSR, USA, France, China) are able to veto anything that comes up in the Security Council.
That is essentially all I know about the United Nations, and that it was founded in October 24th 1945 as a result of the initiative of the great powers who led the war against Japan and Germany to set up a system that reflected the power structures post World War II which included the Big 5 who are permanent members of the Security Council.
If I get asked to evaluate the power or influence of the United Nations, what could I possibly write? I've already been told that I'm going to get asked a question like that for each of the IGG's but on no resource does it actually detail the forms of power or influence these institutions have. Theoretically, I could be like the UN has influence over its member-states who can in reality ignore the institution etc. but I would like something solid. Pls help? e
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A score of 92% on my first global sac, thoughts? good enough for a 40 or not?
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Not enough information ;)
It's very hard to tell off the bat of your first SAC even a ballpark of what study score you're going to get. Your cohort matters more than your score, as everyone will tell you. Keep your final score in mind, but remember that all the time you spend thinking about it is time not working towards getting that score.
But 92% is a tremendous effort, all the same. It's so easy to drop just 1 mark here and there because you didn't say the specific thing the teacher was going for, and you should be congratulated for not letting those small losses tally up. (As they so easily do)
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A score of 92% on my first global sac, thoughts? good enough for a 40 or not?
People really should not be fixated on sac marks, they genuinely mean nothing. Some teachers are very easy markers, some are harsh - it all gets moderated by the exam.
For National Politic/Australian Politics I dropped a lot of marks and still got a 50, in Economics I was on close to perfect Sacs and did significantly worse than pol, don't get caught up on sacs, focus on learning from mistakes (as cliched as that sounds).
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I don't understand it.
They had Grade Assessment 1 and 2 on the SS sheet, as well as the exam. If you got like D's on the SACs but maintained top 3 in the cohort and blitzed the exam, wouldn't they essentially ignore the GA's and mark you up?
I got 41/50 for my first SAC - I dropped 2 marks because of something stupid, and the other 7 were due to not defining in every question and I'm second in the two classes at my school. From looking at the statistics I'm already below an A+ and I'm only half way through GA1 so that means I basically can't get a 40. Sucks.
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Your cohort matters more than your score, as everyone will tell you.
What do you mean by cohort? Unfortunately someone topped the class with 100%, me in second :(
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They had Grade Assessment 1 and 2 on the SS sheet, as well as the exam. If you got like D's on the SACs but maintained top 3 in the cohort and blitzed the exam, wouldn't they essentially ignore the GA's and mark you up?
According to my teacher, yes. Your rank and exam mark will moderate SAC marks positively or negatively respectively.
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Hi,
My school has been doing China but I really want to do Indonesia. We've pretty much completed China as our area of study but I know absolutely nothing of what we have done and am lost, and know a really good resource for Indonesia. Would the SAC my school has be focused around China or will it be around a state you have studied this year or whatever?
Cheers.
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Schools tend to keep the questions they ask very general in relation to the exam, however it really depends on your teacher mate!
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Hi,
My school has been doing China but I really want to do Indonesia. We've pretty much completed China as our area of study but I know absolutely nothing of what we have done and am lost, and know a really good resource for Indonesia. Would the SAC my school has be focused around China or will it be around a state you have studied this year or whatever?
Cheers.
As I've seen on the past exam, it says to list the state studied, and then gives you regulated questions on it. However presuming that the teacher which assigned your class with China is most likely going to base the SAC on China. Stay on the safe side and stick to it for the SAC.
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Asian Pacific SAC soon, any good case studies? Tips? Advice? Anything beneficial? Haha
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I'm doing Global Politics notes right now ... trying to learn all the national interests of China now.
For economic development, what are you expected to know? Like, after the Cold War China encouraged the ideology of globalisation through expanding their market internationally and modernising China ... then what? A bunch of random facts like ...
Joining the WTO in 2002.
Private home ownership in 2004.
$2.1 trillion in trade in 2007.
Three three major manufacturers USA, Japan and Germany are all in minor recession, allowing China to become more competitive.
One Country, Two System Policy - talking about Macau and Hong Kong and their autonomy for capitalism.
7-10% economic growth for 20 years.
Would that be enough? Or should you talk about something very specific and ALOT like currency manipulation if you are to talk about this as a national interest?
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Hey Global Politics students,
I am actually studying Aus. Pol. instead of Global.
Due to the lack of activity on the Australian Politics forum - I have to seek assistance elsewhere.
I started off pretty poorly in the first SAC and got 25/30 for short answer and 15/20 for the essay. Even more frustrating, I was doing VCAA exams, and most of the past school SAC papers. If someone could give me any tips with my efficiency of studying politics that would be greatly beneficial?
1) With the short answer, how does everyone remember the information and condense it into questions. E.g. small cards, videos, documentaries etc...?
2) I don't mean to come across as arrogant here, but I consider essay writing to be one of my stronger points. I was using various quotes and recent examples, but my teacher said this didn't always relate back to the prompt. I was writing about democratic principles rather than democratic rights and freedoms. In this sense, what is the point of recent examples if you do not know what the essay prompt is going to be? Also, does anyone have a proven formula when it comes to writing Political essays?
Help would be much appreciated,
Thank you!
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When it comes to National Interest, Global Politics is more interested in "why" than "how". The questions you should be asking yourself (and what your knowledge should relate to) is why the national interest is what it is, what they've done to secure this national interest element and how successful they've been.
The lion's share of marks does come from describing specific things your state has done (your random facts, preceded with a "For example _____" or an "as seen through _____"), but it's strung together with a sustained discussion of why your state does the things it does, and how well it has achieved them. I can't see where you would ever need to mention the Cold War, same way you very rarely need to discuss a state's "historical power", as it requires you to refer to exclusively pre-2000 events.
So, China wants to develop its economy because it directly strengthens its military, cultural, diplomatic and (obviously) ecoanomic power, and this power helps it achieve other dimensions of its national interest. Ways China has chosen to pursue economic development include joining the WTO in 2002 and/or allowing private home ownership and/or the economic instrumentation of the SARs, which has had the effect of (building international trade up to 2.1 trillion dollars in 2007/7-10% economic growth for the past 20 years).
Super specific detail on the mechanics of economics, like currency manipulation, is not expected of you at the year 12 level, but, used correctly, references to it may score you brownie points.
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Hey Global Politics students...
Help would be much appreciated,
I got 46/50 on my first SAC, what worked for me may not work for you! But may as well give it a go :)
I would read over notes, create questions I thought were on the SAC, answer them, read them, re write them, and read them again. In doing so, it stuck in my head. Then for extra practise I usually do past SAC papers and sections of past exams that consist of that particular AoS, in exam conditions. This really tests your ability to tackle questions efficiently.
Once knowing your faults in the practice SACs/exams, focus on improving them.
When it comes to memorisation, reading and re writing is my main thing.
Essays are essays, the more evidence the higher the credibility.
Good luck with the rest of the year!
P.S I'm no academic genius, these just tend to work for me :)
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Wow, 46/50 well done :)
I was aiming for 45 but it's harder than I thought it was.
I did BAD again on a practice essay. I got 12/20 and I was literally so furious I demanded a conversation with my teacher. He's like "it's probably one of the most impressive essays I have seen, but you didn't directly answer the question etc..."
So getting pissed off. I think the question was along the lines of: which has the more democratic mandate, the US President or the Australia Prime Minister. I was quoting journalists, using examples but going back as far as 1948, which my teacher found exhilitaring apparently to read but was just too far back.
HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU MEANT TO DO WELL IN THESE ESSAYS! Literally my book is just dot points of the study design. I did History Rev's last year and there was like a narrative to it, so the essay you could kind of predict. In Politics how can you predict the essay topic? It could literally be anything, which gets rid of all the hard work which goes into finding recent examples, articles and documentaries etc...
Could I please have more advice on the essay, because funny enough, essays are my biggest strength and for some reason in politics it is just getting ridiculous.
The only positive news is I got 28/32 for a short answer... So ironic, the essay should be my biggest strength.
Can anyone (e.g. Reus and/or Achre) give me a template for my essays? How do you get 46/50 if you do not know what the question is going to be, not knowing what examples to use, not knowing what quotes to use and the textbook only has dot points of each area?
So frustrated, help is needed...
Thank you!
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So frustrated, help is needed...
Just remember you start off with 0% at the start of the SAC, so you cant go wrong, have that positive mindset from the start.
12/20 isn't necessarily bad, at least you get your practise essays and now you can rectify your errors! And yes answering the question is a struggle for me too, sometimes I end up off track and ramble on some random statistic/quote which I think sounds impressive however irrelevant.
Don't get pissed off, wrong mindset. Always stay positive. About the 1948 quotes not too sure about AusPol, but Global Politics all sorts of evidence needs to be >2000. You might want to keep it that way, the newer the more impressive it is for examiners.
You can't specifically predict the essay question, BUT, it will be based on your AoS. Nothing else. So, try to figure out what potential short answer questions there could be and essay prompts. Usually teachers hint essay questions when they emphasise on a particular topic for extended responses and an influx of case studies.
Always remember to link to the prompt, and keep it simple but include a plethora of evidence.
In the meantime, keep writing essays on a variety of questions deriving from you AoS, send them to you teacher, post them here?
Once again good luck!
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Thanks Marco Reus, appreciate the advice.
It is a mental attitude I have, because if you work really hard but don't get the desired result... I have never treated that well.
But you gave me some really good pointers on essay structure, examples and ultimately abiding by the prompt.
I attempted another essay which I just literally finished at 1:30AM (not a normal thing), it was on America's Constitution in comparison to Australia's and whether we should adopt some of their functions.
I'll update you/others on how I go. I think it is a well written essay and I used a range of library books to help me. If it doesn't go to plan or I get a mark which I do not like, I will express that as well and re-write the essay I wrote here for areas of improvement.
Until then, thanks for the help :)
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My school, well teacher considering its only one class, ran out of time in covering AoS 2 of Unit 3 and so we only covered Australia's national interests.
We we're meant to do China or Indonesia... and because we didn't, you guys reckon 1 state is enough to know about? As the SAC in in a few weeks and not only that, for the exam. I was thinking of covering China independently, waste of time or would it benefit me?
Thanks.
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Waste you will have to state the one state you have studied on the exam and your SAC will be modelled around Australia's national interests.
Thanks for that!
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Yay! Finally some improvement. Went from 12/20 in an essay to 18/20. My teacher recommended me to have more examples from beyond 2000, but at least I know what type of essay he wants. I made like a 5 minute plan, which helped me stick to the question throughout (majority - still the odd mistake).
Alas, I dropped from 25/30, 28/32 to 20 and a half/30 for a short answer SAC. This SAC was rather difficult and I made a few silly mistakes, e.g. instead of saying that the President doesn't have the power to legislate, I said it did. Also "Bill/Charter of Rights", I didn't know the USA only referred to it as a Bill. Electoral Colleges I will have to study for a little better.
Even though it is a woeful mark worthy of demolition, I still do not feel panicked by the short answer questions as previous to this I was going ok, and hey maybe it's a good thing I am not peaking this time around! E.g. I was getting 28/30 for short answer practices in Australian Democracy (AOS1) and pulled a measly 25/30 next time around (the one where it mattered!).
I am also planning my revision sheets. E.g. one for the study design and one for potential SAC questions. Using various highlighters, key words and dot points. Does anyone have any feedback on this; I am confident in my processes (every so often) but I am open to criticism.
Also just on a side-note, my teacher said that whilst he thinks (not sure if I do) I have a very strong work ethic, he claims that I am too pedantic about specific details and that I should back myself because "I know more than I realise" (according to the teacher). I feel as though this may be true but is this something to be cursed? I.e. if I don't know one dot point for a Politics SAC coming up, that is a potential 2 - 4 marks gone. And in the last SAC, I got caught out in this regard. Thoughts?
Thank you everyone for the help previously! :)
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You're lucky. With half the dot points on the study design I can't even find the resources available for the SAC. I'll be writing in my SAC in 2 hours time and I literally know nothing. I took yesterday off in an attempt to find as much information and examples as possible which was a complete failure, so now I'm basically trying to learn some notes I just had written down for the sake of it. Half of what is on the SAC will be textbook questions as well which I don't learn because I just follow the shitty global study design so yep, I'm gone. I'm gone for 4 subjects now, I only have 1 subject that I'll get a 40+ in. FML.
Not necessarily! Just grab the dot points on the AoS and makesure you can answer any form of question relating to the same sort of thing.
Best approach to do is make potential SAC questions and answer them with their full marked component. Then memorise it!
If you guys want I have a practice SAC for Global Politics AoS2. Good source of revision!
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Yay! Finally some improvement. Went from 12/20 in an essay to 18/20. My teacher recommended me to have more examples from beyond 2000, but at least I know what type of essay he wants. I made like a 5 minute plan, which helped me stick to the question throughout (majority - still the odd mistake).
Haha congrats! Keep it up!
EDIT: I did the SAC. I completely didn't know two questions worth 6 marks altogether. The rest of it I felt I covered somewhat well to a degree, of course with marks lost here and there, but the questions seemed to cross over so much and I used the same examples so much. Hope I get like 70%. Even though that isn't great if I get that I'll be happy. There were a few questions on territorial integrity and I completely forgot to talk about secession in the definition, and I wrote terribly. There are so few lines in Global so I was just being vague and I hate it, and I have tiny handwriting.
Sounds like you did better than you expected! Hope it turns out well :)
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Australian Politics SACs x 2 next week, OMG!
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Mine is in a weeks time. Come at me.
Haha ;D
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I've prepared thoroughly for the short answer, and I a lot more calm than I was after school.
Not sure about everyone else, but like I think with Aus. Politics/Global it is nigh on impossible for me to regurgitate info. in comparison to say a Business Management subject, because with adequate preparation you know what is virtually on the SAC.
In terms of politics, the teacher has told us nothing of what will be on it, however everyone is in the same boat I guess.
I've focused on understanding terms more so than for repetition's sake. Is this the right way of going about?
E.g. we only have like 2/3 questions that are worth 2 marks and there are like 40 definitions and the teacher has left us guessing.
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The 4 markers I have some idea, but one still needs adequate examples to get the full marks.
I am confident because I know I have prepared very well, but at the same time the wealth of information gets to me...
Literally, the teacher has said nothing of what will be on it.
I've covered everything in my notes though
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With my SACS you can pretty much guess what is going to be on it, with exception. e.g. My teacher asking something like 'Explain the third dimension of power' or 'explain the current situation between China and Japan' for several marks.
What I think is really good about global politics is that I can remember facts really easily. I'll remember dates and a long list of things about x, y and z but when a SAC is actually asking me to spit it out it is hard to pick the right ones, let alone not get completely jumbled up in the bazillion facts that you've memorised. Across maybe ten questions for my last SAC, I think I wrote the same examples across every question which was really bad but I had a huge mental blank and couldn't do anything about it -> bit me in the ass for not doing any practice questions!
If you cover the study design you should be golden. I need to start doing that myself. Examples are key in GP, and probably AusPol.
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For Global as 90ATAR said (you are literally what I aspire to be) ;D
My teacher hints here and there, emphasises on particular questions and gives us revision. In saying that, even if that wasn't provided, your AoS 'key knowledge' points on the Study Design, should be your expected acquired knowledge (as SACs are derived off these points).
Definitions are often quite limited to 2-3 per SAC as they only offer 1-2 marks each.
What really is essential is you applying examples into the questions.
Examples = marks.
Evaluating = marks.
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Ok thanks guys.
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I've kind of memorised the definitions. I don't know, like I haven't rote learned them (some I have) but I feel like I have a general sense of how to approach a question when I see it. Not sure if this is effective... Couldn't do it any other way, there is too much info. Thankfully I have done many practice SACs but the most important one is tomorrow.
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Should I keep reading over my notes, start creating voice memos??? My SAC is like 5th period, so I can use about 2-3 classes to study. How should I approach this?
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Should I keep reading over my notes, start creating voice memos??? My SAC is like 5th period, so I can use about 2-3 classes to study. How should I approach this?
To be honest, I don't study on the same day as my SAC.
You should be confident enough to not to that anyhow. But hey it might be just me! Considering you have 2-3 classes to study, try to do more practise SACs/questions. (Without notes)
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Should I keep reading over my notes, start creating voice memos??? My SAC is like 5th period, so I can use about 2-3 classes to study. How should I approach this?
You should blitz it - you're the guy getting 27/30 for English and feeling bad about it that I was giving a rough time (Sorry!). You don't need to create voice memos - but I would study on the same day; just keep going over dates and examples for evaluate questions. I study like mad on my SAC days often learning a majority of the content on the day of the SAC but that is just my learning style - loves the pressure.
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It's alright 90ATAR I didn't take it personally. Anyway I am failing Further Maths anyway, so I don't really have any talent, I just work exceptionally hard.
Yeah if I was super super super confident, on the rare occasion I will not study at all on the same day.
However I tend to get more consistent marks if I study a little more on the SAC day.
Then again, if I study too much I tend to freak out and lose all composure.
I'm nervous but reasonably confident...
I'm worrying more about how to control my state of nerves/lack of self-esteem at times rather than the actual SAC + content itself. Last Politics SAC I was worrying about both. Might listen to some music or something and bring my iPod... haha I no idea what to do.
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I would encourage revising on the day of the SAC but only if it's stuff that needs to be rote learned. The meat and potatos sort of content should already be pretty well learned by now - you're not going to figure out anything new about the course in the hours beforehand, and if you do, it will be new information that will muddle your previous line of reasoning and might impair you a bit in the SAC environment.
By contrast, if all you're doing is making sure you don't forget a particular percentage or date or dollar amount, then that will be super helpful. Voice memos work great for that, so long as you distill it down to the essentials - no unnecessary fluff or explanations, just to-be-rote-learned fact after fact. It's annoying that Global demands you rote learn numbers and stuff instead of focusing on theories of global politics and international relations, but it is what it is.
Good luck!
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Is economic power, hard or soft?
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Both, depending on how it's used. None of the forms of power are always hard or always soft. Military power is usually hard and diplomatic power is usually soft, but they can both function as either.
A good test is to see whether the result (the application of economic power, such as a Free Trade Agreement, or provision of aid) happens before or after the "action" (whatever the other state is compelled to do through via power, like recognising Taiwan as a part of the PRC, or giving China some natural resources). This is because soft power is indirect wherever hard power is direct, and often (nearly always) involves making your "target" want to do what you want to do.
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Thanks :)
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I understand that soft power is the ability to influence the actions of another global actor, mainly through diplomacy, politics, history or culture.
However an example of this would be? Isn't too clear for me, as opposed to hard power.
Hard power is the ability to influence the actions of other global actors through coercion, or threatened acts of coercion. For example China's threat to invade Taiwan if they were to declare independence or the US's invasion of Iraq in 2003.
(typed this up for revisions sake :p )
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Finished with 81/100 which is an A. Pretty happy with that. Would it be possible to get a 40+ when I'd be ranked 3-4/40 or is an A+ imperative for 3 A+'s. I should improve next term and especially by the time exams come because I somehow lose 1 mark on most questions except for high mark questions where I get full marks.
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Finished with 81/100 which is an A. Pretty happy with that. Would it be possible to get a 40+ when I'd be ranked 3-4/40 or is an A+ imperative for 3 A+'s. I should improve next term and especially by the time exams come because I somehow lose 1 mark on most questions except for high mark questions where I get full marks.
That is an incredible effort! You should be happy :D I think you're still well in the run for 40+, just be consistent with unit 4!
Im currently on 46/100 (note I've still got the second SAC tomorrow :p )
So hopefully I can a ≥44 tomorrow for a ≥90/100 ::)
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I understand that soft power is the ability to influence the actions of another global actor, mainly through diplomacy, politics, history or culture.
However an example of this would be? Isn't too clear for me, as opposed to hard power.
Oh wow, I thought I replied to this already.
Well here I go again:
An example? Cute, cuddly, claw-your-face-off pandas!
China's use of pandas to establish diplomatic relations with other countries is mostly symbolic , but there are some revenue raising benefits (pandas are very rare animals, so their exhibition in zoos attracts tourists and locals alike). States play nice with China in the hope that China will reward their actions with such diplomatic action. Why? Because China is understood to be a powerful state actor, being on their good side has many benefits. Why is this soft power? Because the states want to do what China wants to do, as opposed to not wanting to do what China wants to do but doing it anyway to avoid unwanted consequences/to acquire explicitly stated tradeoffs, which is hard power.
That last point, about acquiring some trade-off - it probably sounds a lot like soft power. The distinction between coercive hard power and all forms of soft power is a difficult one to make. The best way to look at it is that coercive hard power or economic hard power will usually play into the short term goals of an actor. Something like chequebook diplomacy, on the other hand, plays into the longer term goals of a state. (Provision of aid to a state might not have any immediate benefits, but in the long run, it will make that state more inclined to play into the national interest of the providing state into the future) So, hopefully, the distinction between the use of economic hard power and economic soft power can be made. Don't know how clear that is haha soft power is a bitch to compact into a small but efficient explanation.
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Quite clear and well explained thank. BUT! A tad late :p
Had my SAC this morning. Argh stuffed up one question, didn't read the question properly ::)
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Quite clear and well explained thank. BUT! A tad late :p
Had my SAC this morning. Argh stuffed up one question, didn't read the question properly ::)
Ahhhh sorry man.
At least you've got it somewhere in your head for the exam? :-\
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Ahhhh sorry man.
At least you've got it somewhere in your head for the exam? :-\
Yes without a doubt! Thanks heaps.
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Do any of you guys have Skype so we can have chats about Global on a regular basis? :P Probably the only subject I actually enjoy and it's quite fun learning all of this.
RANDOM EDIT: Not quite sure if it is possible but as I mentioned I finished off with an A (81/100) which I am quite happy with, knowing I will only get better and I personally think I only dropped around 5-6 marks because it seems like in Global my teacher just takes a mark off all the <5 markers from me, then the high end questions I have gotten full marks each time, and I'll be having a chat to him about it to see why it's happening. My school has no history of a 40+ in GP but the kids this year above me are doing VERY well, and I would LOVE a 40. I'll keep improving, hopefully get an A+ next semester and kill the exam. :)
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Do any of you guys have Skype so we can have chats about Global on a regular basis? :P Probably the only subject I actually enjoy and it's quite fun learning all of this.
PM me! We finally started Unit 4, there interesting aspect begins! ::)
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Yeah I stuffed up Unit 3, just looking forward to Unit 4... For Australian Politics though... There is a possibility that there will be less than 200 students doing Aus Pol. (indeed this was the case in the exam).
I wonder if it will get marked up by 4-5 this year due to the amount of student doing it this year. E.g. the ATAR notes forum on Australian Politics is completely stale.
Mod edit: amended on request.
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ATAR notes forum on Australian Politics is completely stale.
Is Australian Politics basically Legal Studies + domestic affairs or what?
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I don't do legal studies, but apparently it is quite similar. E.g. learning about the Cabinet, Executive, Head of State.
In the first area of study we covered Australian Democracy in Perspective. E.g. significance of the minor parties, committees, free and independent media (ABC), individual ministerial responsibility etc...
Second area of study we compared the Australian Political System to America's, e.g. Roles of the President/Prime Minister, separation of powers (how they are different - this I knew but somehow seemingly forgot to explain the fundamental principle during the SAC!!!!!), Elections (e.g. compulsory voting and non-compulsory voting etc...
I believe unit 4 covered Domestic policy and coveres the Executive and Judiciary in more depth.
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The textbook in Australian Politics is also not quite up to my taste.
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I'm not going to lie that sound sososos boring!
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Yes it is dry to an extent but it is the mainly the textbook which gets on my nerves. It is quite cool to learn about the domestic operations of the political system but it would have been more interesting to do global.
I wish I had done philosophy or global at another institution.
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Apparently legal has 10 times more memorisation than politics! :o
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There are two guys who do hardly any work in Aus. Politics who are ahead of me on marks by quite a bit and they just cram like a day before.
I get frustrated by this - Australian Politics seems to attract very intelligent students, e.g. the mean is 75+ which is absolutely insane. I'll be struggling to get 30+ at this rate.
e.g. those two guys who don't do any work will study hardcore for the exams and it will be hard to get in the 30's. None of our Year 11's managed to get 30+ despite getting around low 70's which is beyond a joke. My teacher told me to not look into this a lot, as apparently some of the cohort was very weak. Conversely, there are some guys who just breeze through the subject and save themselves for the SAC and day before and just start pulling 29/30, absolutely crazy. Very weird subject I will admit.
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In my opinion it is the methods of humanities.
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Everyone's probably had their SAC by now, but I thought I'd pitch in with a slightly different way of looking at soft power... achre's obviously explained it really well, but I think another way at looking at soft power is as the 'PR' of a state.
Soft power is everything a state does to make itself look attractive to other states; Nye refers to this as the "power of seduction". If a state's culture, political values and foreign policy are attractive, other states will want to emulate it - this creates natural allies, and, like achre said, makes other states more likely to align themselves with the 'seductress' state's national interests.
So if you're evaluating the use of soft power, just ask yourself 'does this action make *state* look attractive to other states', and don't forget that soft power doesn't exist in a vacuum - more often than not, it's undermined by aggressive uses of hard power (well, at least in China's case). You can see this in the negative reaction to Confucius Institutes - China's aggressive propaganda and repression at home means the spread of CIs has been accompanied with paranoia about China trying to influence the discussion about itself in universities and schools. I'm going off-topic but basically China can't get out of the mentality of carrots and sticks, so it can't use soft power effectively. How good can China really look when it gives $100,000 in aid to the Phillipines after Haiyan because it's angry at them about Scarborough shoal while IKEA gives $1.6 million?? I think I'm just trying to procrastinate, sorry.
So yeah, idk if helpful, but maybe a different way to look at it? Soft power = looking sexy.
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I like Business Management because generally those who study will go very well. Unfortunately, this correlation ceases to exist in Australian Politics.
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I love global for that reason you just said you hated it - not just global but all my SACS, I always cram and Global is so much easier! :D You just find a tonne of examples, learn the course so you can apply the examples and you're golden. I'm obviously going to put more effort in now as I realised it's actually quite enjoyable to learn! Love watching the VICE documentaries which can be slightly relative, but not really applicable.
EDIT: To Reus' comment, that definitely does happen. People act like they do absolutely nothing but work so much outside of school. Someone was pretending he did absolutely nothing and would say he failed the SAC after he'd sat it to being pleasantly surprised getting 80%+, but found out he had a tutor for 5 subjects twice a week!
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I like Business Management because generally those who study will go very well. Unfortunately, this correlation ceases to exist in Australian Politics.
These people may study day in day out, but just make it seem like they don't! So they can make you fell underachieved and themselves naturally smart.
I know A LOT of these people so, don't trust what they say when they 'cram' the day before.
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These people may study day in day out, but just make it seem like they don't! So they can make you fell underachieved and themselves naturally smart.
I know A LOT of these people so, don't trust what they say when they 'cram' the day before.
Yes and no. Like I was the only one really giving a multitude of practice SACs to my teacher.... They could be listening to documentaries/visiting the Q & A TV Show for all I know.
Point is, I need to find a way to improve.
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Perhaps try their techniques? :P
I'm sure there is a range of norms that you could learn Politics from.
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I can't really cram though. I have a very scheduled roster which I follow through during the week. Cramming just feel like an outer body experience... May have to do it for politics though
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Which two ethical debates are you guys doing?
People movement is one of mine.
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Poverty and Inequality, and Arms Control Armament.
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Hey everyone, I would like to participate in this forum. I'm doing global politics 3/4, and doing pretty well so far (ranked 1st in my school cohort).
I was just wondering if anyone would be able to show me where I can get some global politics practice exams? (or would be willing to share?) Besides the VCAA 2012/13/sample exams and the free Engage Education exam, it's pretty hard to get my hands on practice exams for global politics. My friend and I bought two practice exams from The Age expo (2014 TSSM and 2013 Insight), but we gave them to my teacher so that he can keep it and photocopy it for the rest of the class later on; I should have photocopied it first for myself but oh well, silly me. Cheers.
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I was thinking the same thing man. I can't find any other sources for global exams...
However QATs have amazing practice SACs.
Insight and QATs supposedly have good exams, however I have not bought any. Probably won't either haha
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Yeah, I wasn't sure if I should invest into buying any practice exams. So if anyone would be able to share some then that'd be great!
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I think I have a few somewhere on some gmail that someone sent me, but they are all illegal to put on a public place.
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What about emailing? :P
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Anyone know examples of states that practice a realist, pluralist and cosmopolitan school/view?
Thanks :)
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Sorry this is completely unrelated...
Do you know where I can seek lectures for Australian Politics??? It bugs me that there are lectures for Global but not Australian Politics... E.g. I had to contact a previous student from my school who I am meeting with soon to seek advice.
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Anyone up for reading an essay? Need some feedback and what not :)
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Anyone up for reading an essay? Need some feedback and what not :)
I'm happy to. Although I haven't written a global essay before, I'm sure it will be interesting. I really need to start writing them but our school simply doesn't!
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Sorry this is completely unrelated...
Do you know where I can seek lectures for Australian Politics??? It bugs me that there are lectures for Global but not Australian Politics... E.g. I had to contact a previous student from my school who I am meeting with soon to seek advice.
SEV run an exam lecture in October for Auspol. I went to it last year and it was alright - it's great to confirm whether you covered everything in your class properly.
http://sev.asn.au/students/student-lectures-calendar.html
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Who's started AoS2 of Unit 4 already? If so what are your two chosen crises?
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Who's started AoS2 of Unit 4 already? If so what are your two chosen crises?
Environmental degradation and Inter/intra state conflict.
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We have I don't know what we are doing though.
Let alone AOS 1 sac for monday I will have to do a tonne of cramming for. fml. forgot all the stuff i crammed into one session like 2 weeks ago.
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Environmental degradation and (most likely) Terrorism.
Inter/Intra state conflict and terrorism woo.
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Not sure if Chemistry or Global Politics....
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So I have a SAC tomorrow and I'm learning everything now unfortunately ... like always (sigh). Can someone please let me know if this is a good enough answer (p.s. Reus, I just remembered I still have to read your essay, sorry everything has been hectic lately).
'Analyse the impact of one international law or treaty on your chosen issue [arms control and disarmament] in the 21st century. (7 marks)
The Ottawa Treaty has an objective of the cessation of all anti-personnel mines around the world since proclamation in 1999. Since proclamation, 161 states have ratified the treaty, although 35 states have not, including U.S.A, Russia and China, all of which are collecting huge stockpiles of A-P mines. Since 1999, 46 million anti-personnel mines have been destroyed which were stockpiled by signatory states. Since the treaties implementation, to date 83 states have declared no longer stockpiling anti-personnel mines, contributing to the overall goal of arms control and disarmament. Of those 83 states, 27 states did stockpile anti-personnel mines before ratifying the treaty. However, article 3 of the treaty states that signatory states can still have anti-personnel mines for training purposes of A-P mine clearance, so 72 estates still stockpile on average between 1,000 and 10,00 A-P mines, with only two states having over 10,000 stockpiled A-P mines in their inventory. Since proclamation, 25 states have declared being anti-personnel mine free countries, including Rwanda, Costa Rica etc.
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This is probably my best subject now. Somewhat unfortunate seeing as everyone will destroy me in the exam.
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This is probably my best subject now. Somewhat unfortunate seeing as everyone will destroy me in the exam.
How's that unfortunate!?
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How's that unfortunate!?
Well I've gotten I believe 39/50, 40/50 and 45/50 whilst kids last year were getting 95%+ every single SAC and the highest study score was 32. They all mucked up the exam and I probably will too. I want like a 40 in this subject but it just seems beyond possible but oh well.
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Well I've gotten I believe 39/50, 40/50 and 45/50 whilst kids last year were getting 95%+ every single SAC and the highest study score was 32. They all mucked up the exam and I probably will too. I want like a 40 in this subject but it just seems beyond possible but oh well.
Wotttt you're approaching this as if you don't have control over the situation haha. Just don't muck up during exam study and you'll be fine.
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The UN couldn't define terrorism since it'll allow the US to gal under the category of terrorism. This is so sad I laughed, LOL.
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please.....what do you guys this is the possible essay questions for countries in the asia-paciifc this year????
maybe To what extent has....so and so.... achieved its aims??
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please.....what do you guys this is the possible essay questions for countries in the asia-paciifc this year????
maybe To what extent has....so and so.... achieved its aims??
I'm thinking something like "military power is more effective than economic power" discuss or something got to do with the effectiveness of power in pursuit of national interests.
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would it ever be as specific as to discuss the effectiveness of 2 of its national interests or uses of power... or more on general terms as to the effectiveness of its power or national interests?
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no idea tbh
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would it ever be as specific as to discuss the effectiveness of 2 of its national interests or uses of power... or more on general terms as to the effectiveness of its power or national interests?
There's no reason it couldn't be. So long as it's applicable to all the asia-pacific states on the SD, it's fair game.
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I'm thinking something like "military power is more effective than economic power" discuss or something got to do with the effectiveness of power in pursuit of national interests.
That would actually be a really good question and would fuck so many people up, but no other powers (except diplomatic) would work for a 20 marker. Military power you can talk about like militarisation, strategic placement of armaments, troop deployments and economic power would be like trade, fdi, then china you could do like three direct links policy. That would actually be such a good question and everyone would get stumped because most people wouldn't realise the links between foreign policy instruments. Good thinking Reus!!
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would it ever be as specific as to discuss the effectiveness of 2 of its national interests or uses of power... or more on general terms as to the effectiveness of its power or national interests?
In some company practice exam there was one that said 'to what extent has the state in asia-pacific achieved their national interests and then it said you had to talk about at least two. Effectiveness is pretty much an evaluation, you just have to talk about successes and failures.
With powers, I really don't see it happening unless they are like 'analyse the use of diplomatic, cultural, economic and military power by a state in the asia pacific' which just seems like four 5 mark questions into one.
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That would actually be a really good question and would fuck so many people up, but no other powers (except diplomatic) would work for a 20 marker. Military power you can talk about like militarisation, strategic placement of armaments, troop deployments and economic power would be like trade, fdi, then china you could do like three direct links policy. That would actually be such a good question and everyone would get stumped because most people wouldn't realise the links between foreign policy instruments. Good thinking Reus!!
for that question i would say that military and economic power are equally important, though there still needs to be an equal use of soft power
therefore i would do:
P1- effectiveness of military power
P2- effectiveness of economic power
P3- effectiveness of diplomatic power
What do you think??
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for that question i would say that military and economic power are equally important, though there still needs to be an equal use of soft power
therefore i would do:
P1- effectiveness of military power
P2- effectiveness of economic power
P3- effectiveness of diplomatic power
What do you think??
With the question Reus posed, no you don't bring in diplomatic power nor any other soft power. I was just saying that diplomatic power was the only other power that could be used for a big mark essay kind of question.
I'd argue economic power is more important than military power in achieving my states national interests (China) typically because economic power is a prerequisite for military power, and China uses economic power for its 5 national interests compared to military power. This would differ on a state to state basis but I'd assume most states would have economic power > military power in the pursuit of national interests.
I'd say what economic power is, how china uses its economic power. Then I'd get specific saying the effectiveness of probably two parts of its foreign policy instruments like aid and foreign direct investment. Honestly because I'm favouring it I'd probably be doing 8 effective stats and 3 (just to be safe) ineffective stats for the two together so 11 in total across aid/investment. I usually write for marks, rather than writing an answer judged on quality. You have to choose your own style but I find mine is a lot better.
Similarly, I'd talk military power then get into things like militarisation and strategic placement of armaments. Would do probably 5 stats that make it effective in achieving national interests, and 5 (or more if i could) stats that make china's use of military power limited in achieving national interests.
i.e. Two of China's national interests is to improve the perception of china's regional role and Peaceful rise. the south china sea incident with China storming the sea with naval presence utilises military power, but negates these national interest, deeming military power as ineffective in achieving the national interests.
For the sake of it I'll talk about diplomatic as well. This is where for China I would say whether or not things like chequebook diplomacy, use of veto in UN, public denouncements and/or panda diplomacy is good or not in achieving national interests.
i.e. China's use of chequebook diplomacy enables the recognition of state sovereignty of China over Taiwan by paying states to recognise them and stop them recognising (agnosia) Taiwan, which helps them in achieving the national interests of peaceful rise, but also negates the perception of chinas regional role.
so yeah. there you go. :)
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thankyou..that was a big help :) :) :) :)
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sorry one last question...can you please help me answer this question in a paragraph or a couple of sentences please, just having trouble with it:
Describe Chinas ineffective use of political power in achieving its national interests
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sorry one last question...can you please help me answer this question in a paragraph or a couple of sentences please, just having trouble with it:
Describe Chinas ineffective use of political power in achieving its national interests
I don't think you can be asked that? I'm pretty sure you can only be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of it, or analyse the user of power but not specifically 'ineffective.' But anyway sorry I've only got notes on effectiveness and not the cons.
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Yep @AmericanBeauty pretty much summed it up.
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if asked to define ethics and justice and provide an example, what could be an example for each that could be used please?
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if asked to define ethics and justice and provide an example, what could be an example for each that could be used please?
Justice could be ICC and thomas lubango dylio.
Ethics could be the UN addressing issues of global importance such as initiating peacekeeping missions to stop ethnic cleansing in south sudan. (not 100% sure on this one haven't really done much study yet).
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thankyou! :) :) any don't worry i haven't started to study as much for this either.
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could you please outline the varying interpretations of chinas national interest please
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could you please outline the varying interpretations of chinas national interest please
At a guess of what this question is asking, I think it's looking for how China's national interest (and the pursuit of its national interest) could be characterised as either idealist or pragmatic. So you'd look to your examples of chequebook diplomacy and provision of aid in advancing an idealist interpretation of China's national interest (this might tie into its peaceful rise, or the one element of national interest common to all states: image), and its exercising military power to suppress rioters in separatist regions as a more pragmatic interpretation of its national interest (here, territorial integrity). I'm sure you have loads more examples off the top of your head than I do, but that's how I would approach that question. It's worded funnily, for a second you think they're asking you to bring in individual interpretations from commentators and stuff :o
gosh, isn't glopol revision exciting?
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Are you both doing China for powers in the Asian Pacific? I've focused on Australia tbh...
Also any other predictions for SA questions or essay prompts? ::)
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could you please outline the varying interpretations of chinas national interest please
The way most school teach it/the way that some examiners have said to approach it is similar to what achre said re: individual commentators, except it's focusing not on individuals, but rather groups. You're looking at how different groups within Chinese society interpret the national interests in a different way from how the Chinese Communist Party interprets them, and sometimes you also give reasons as to why this interpretation is different. So for territorial integrity, for example, there's the official 'One China', the Chinese people are one and united, our sovereignty is inviolable etc, and then there's the way, say, an East Turkmenistan Independence Movement member sees it, that religiously and culturally separate ethnic groups such as the Uighurs deserve their own state and don't benefit from being part of China. For the other national interests what I focus on is:
Economic development: CCP - growth most important; Critics: environmental + welfare considerations important
Harmonious society: CCP - we are just nice people trying to make you all happy, why won't you be happy; Critics: plz cut the crap you are just using this as an excuse to repress us
Peaceful rise: CCP: just trying to help the world be a better place while rising in power, yakno; Critics: it's all a cover for an attempt at a Chinese hegemony!!! Confucius institutes suppress academic freedom!!
Perceptions of regional role: pretty much the same as peaceful rise, but on a regional level and with the added element of "you are supporting dictatorships and aiding exploitation and human rights abuses in other states under the cover of it being for the development of those states!!" from the critic.
In your answers, the critics should be specific groups but not like super-specific, just 'dissidents who criticise the lack of freedom' for harmonious society, worker welfare groups for eco devel. etc.
Also good to have a look at how these differing interpretations inhibit China's ability to effectively pursue its national interests, that would be a good thing to integrate in a 'interps of nat interest' essay or a an 'achievement of nat interest' essay. Eg the different interpretations of territorial integrity give rise to terrorism, use of violence to supress riots, difficulty exercising effective control over those areas, so they inhibit the pursuit of territorial integrity and harmonious society
Hope this helps, let me know if anything is unclear :)
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That answer was awesome vermilliona.
Do you know if they can ask that question alongside like shaping national interests then there are five things like ethnic minority's and stuff. I suck I'll find question later
EDIT: The ‘national interest’ is often contested and views about national interest often depend on factors such as state formation, cultural and ethnic identity, ideology, historical links and relationships to foreign powers.
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thankyou! @virmilliona also one last question... for unit4 2 outcome 2 do you think that it is highly likely they will give a question such as "Discuss the causes of one global crisis..." because the remaining 2 years have assess all possible such as proposed solutions and challenges to effeticve resolutions. don't you think its time for causes??
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thankyou! @virmilliona also one last question... for unit4 2 outcome 2 do you think that it is highly likely they will give a question such as "Discuss the causes of one global crisis..." because the remaining 2 years have assess all possible such as proposed solutions and challenges to effeticve resolutions. don't you think its time for causes??
Nobody would know just prepare for it. Each cause is 3 marks when asked in an explain scenario.
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thankyou! @virmilliona also one last question... for unit4 2 outcome 2 do you think that it is highly likely they will give a question such as "Discuss the causes of one global crisis..." because the remaining 2 years have assess all possible such as proposed solutions and challenges to effeticve resolutions. don't you think its time for causes??
It's 15 marks per AoS so they could ask fkr proposed solutions or what not again.... Questions can be repeated
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Re: causes, I almost feel like that would be too predictable and they'd want to shake things up a little. At least by throwing an 'evaluate the causes' in there or something like that, compare and contrast the causes idk. But also I think they're trying to use key terms/the preambles a lot more - so last year they had that 'international cooperation' one, maybe they'll do something about justice and/or ethics and how it impacts the resolution of conflicts/how it acts as a cause?
Best to be prepared for the worst, so I'd make some essay plans for tougher prompts like that. Same with the questions for AOS 1, they could ask about how people power impacts on the global political arena, or how globalisation affects the work of non-state actors. Glopol at the moment is like a box of cheap aldi chocolates - you never know what weird bullshit you're going to get, because they're running out of ideas.
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Re: causes, I almost feel like that would be too predictable and they'd want to shake things up a little. At least by throwing an 'evaluate the causes' in there or something like that, compare and contrast the causes idk. But also I think they're trying to use key terms/the preambles a lot more - so last year they had that 'international cooperation' one, maybe they'll do something about justice and/or ethics and how it impacts the resolution of conflicts/how it acts as a cause?
Best to be prepared for the worst, so I'd make some essay plans for tougher prompts like that. Same with the questions for AOS 1, they could ask about how people power impacts on the global political arena, or how globalisation affects the work of non-state actors. Glopol at the moment is like a box of cheap aldi chocolates - you never know what weird bullshit you're going to get, because they're running out of ideas.
Love it hahahaha
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"Briefly explain how the ICC has used its power and influence to achieve one of its aim."
Can we talk about how the ICC is actually limited in power against a sovereign state? Or this is question limited to 'how' its 'used' its 'power' in pursuit of its 'aims'?
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"Briefly explain how the ICC has used its power and influence to achieve one of its aim."
Can we talk about how the ICC is actually limited in power against a sovereign state? Or this is question limited to 'how' its 'used' its 'power' in pursuit of its 'aims'?
It isn't an evaluate question. You'd just bullshit on about structural adjustment programs and adjusting economic policies achieving their aims of like international monetary stability or some shit. Explain you have to agree.
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how globalisation affects the work of non-state actors.
If they make out huge questions with little terms I'm fucked.
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It isn't an evaluate question. You'd just bullshit on about structural adjustment programs and adjusting economic policies achieving their aims of like international monetary stability or some shit. Explain you have to agree.
Yeah thought so haha
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If they make out huge questions with little terms I'm fucked.
Just plan your response to questions like that now, you have heaps of time
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Just plan your response to questions like that now, you have heaps of time
Any other predictions? :P
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"Outline two different interpretations of the national interest within one Asia-Pacific state that you have studied this year."
What even. Could someone please answer this in terms of Australia? Thank you. :)
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"Outline two different interpretations of the national interest within one Asia-Pacific state that you have studied this year."
What even. Could someone please answer this in terms of Australia? Thank you. :)
This stumped me as well. I thought interpretations of national interests were just going like 'Peaceful Rise' for example, and talking about what they do to achieve this. But since reading Voldemorts and Achre response, I think you talk about what critics/commentators thoughts on national interests. But I've got no clue.
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This stumped me as well. I thought interpretations of national interests were just going like 'Peaceful Rise' for example, and talking about what they do to achieve this. But since reading Voldemorts and Achre response, I think you talk about what critics/commentators thoughts on national interests. But I've got no clue.
Would it be like China's view on Confucius Colleges (national interest - cultural power) and how critics view it as propaganda? Lol sucks how we studied Australia and I have an example for China and not Australia -.-
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Would it be like China's view on Confucius Colleges (national interest - cultural power) and how critics view it as propaganda? Lol sucks how we studied Australia and I have an example for China and not Australia -.-
Yeah. It's like censorship to education, forcing Confucius crap down their throats which I guess could be an interpretation of one of the national interests, probably harmonious society.
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Yeah. It's like censorship to education, forcing Confucius crap down their throats which I guess could be an interpretation of one of the national interests, probably harmonious society.
Got any for Australia mate? I feel like Border Security/Immigration Policy has two opposing views however I don't have the evidence to back it up haha
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Got any for Australia mate? I feel like Border Security/Immigration Policy has two opposing views however I don't have the evidence to back it up haha
Uhm .. I'm pretty sure Australia signed a treaty that says they have to allow a certain amount of immigrants in per year who are escaping their terrible lives from previous states. Yet Abbott governments' stance with regards to immigration is to only allow 'skilled people' or people who can invest $500k into the economy, and to reject all boat people.
honestly not really sure haha. might need to find some, I'll have to find some for china as well.
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Yeah for Australia I'd just look at how the different political parties perceive/look to achieve the particular national interest, so for example for environmental security you'd talk about the Liberals and their 'direct action policy'/valuing of economic growth over environmental security and contrast that with the greens who see environmental security as their number 1 priority. I generally favour the Liberals vs Greens comparison because their policies contrast so much. So then for:
immigration/refugee policy: liberals value border security above all, greens want human rights/fulfill international obligations
relationship with the US: liberals love them some 'murica, while the greens are a bit more reticent regarding supporting the US in overseas engagements and anti-terrorism activites
trade not aid: liberals are more for increased trade and etc whereas greens want to keep aid and reach that 0.7 level of GDP that we agreed to
Reus: I suggest just reading through the preambles, highlighting the key words and seeing how they can be applied to the key knowledge points, that's where they're getting their questions from. Other left of field questions that could appear are:
evaluate the impact of TNCs on the global political arena
a questions about TNCs and NGOs in relation to causes and solutions to ethical issues
can mechanisms of global governance respond to and stop global crises (essay question maybe?)
does the notion of sovereignty present an insurmountable challenge to resolving crises
there could be others, so that's why I suggest looking through the preambles yourself
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Yeah for Australia I'd just look at how the different political parties perceive/look to achieve the particular national interest, so for example for environmental security you'd talk about the Liberals and their 'direct action policy'/valuing of economic growth over environmental security and contrast that with the greens who see environmental security as their number 1 priority. I generally favour the Liberals vs Greens comparison because their policies contrast so much. So then for:
immigration/refugee policy: liberals value border security above all, greens want human rights/fulfill international obligations
relationship with the US: liberals love them some 'murica, while the greens are a bit more reticent regarding supporting the US in overseas engagements and anti-terrorism activites
trade not aid: liberals are more for increased trade and etc whereas greens want to keep aid and reach that 0.7 level of GDP that we agreed to
Reus: I suggest just reading through the preambles, highlighting the key words and seeing how they can be applied to the key knowledge points, that's where they're getting their questions from. Other left of field questions that could appear are:
evaluate the impact of TNCs on the global political arena
a questions about TNCs and NGOs in relation to causes and solutions to ethical issues
can mechanisms of global governance respond to and stop global crises (essay question maybe?)
does the notion of sovereignty present an insurmountable challenge to resolving crises
there could be others, so that's why I suggest looking through the preambles yourself
THANK YOU!!! ;D
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if they ask you to evaluate a countries use of economic power, for example china, wouldn't that translate through its trading relations?
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if they ask you to evaluate a countries use of economic power, for example china, wouldn't that translate through its trading relations?
They won't ask a specific state nonetheless yep economic power can be exerted through FTA's etc...
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if it says discuss the use of cultural power by one asia pacific state, can it be both internal and external to the state? because i know already that fi it says as a foreign policy instrument, it must be external to a state
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if it says discuss the use of cultural power by one asia pacific state, can it be both internal and external to the state? because i know already that fi it says as a foreign policy instrument, it must be external to a state
Yes you're right in saying that if it said foreign policy it has to be an example external to the state. However I'm sure that if you were to discuss the use of cultural power of a given state, it would be in pursuit of national interest, where much is driven inside a state. So I'm guessing it's either internal or external. :)
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Yes you're right in saying that if it said foreign policy it has to be an example external to the state. However I'm sure that if you were to discuss the use of cultural power of a given state, it would be in pursuit of national interest, where much is driven inside a state. So I'm guessing it's either internal or external. :)
Thankyou! :) :)
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It would be internal. Cultural power can't to my knowledge be asked as a foreign policy instrument (or at least not with China) because it isn't a foreign policy instrument, just a power. On the other hand military power would be a foreign policy instrument and a power.
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It would be internal. Cultural power can't to my knowledge be asked as a foreign policy instrument (or at least not with China) because it isn't a foreign policy instrument, just a power. On the other hand military power would be a foreign policy instrument and a power.
What about Australia's cultural influence of ABC's radio broadcast in the Asian Pacific? I'm sure that's external :)
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I think that if it asks simply about its use of power, you are not restricted to discuss internally or externally, but both factors, especially since Chinas use of cultural power is seen through establishing tv networks and colleges worldwide.
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Also any ideas for examples of chinas aid as a foreign policy instrument within one Asia pacific state?? struggling to find a specific example
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What about Australia's cultural influence of ABC's radio broadcast in the Asian Pacific? I'm sure that's external :)
I dont think I expressed myself clearly enough. Cultural power can be used both internally and externally of a state, but it's objectives are towards achieving its own national interests. Therefore, when your talking about the power with regards to national i tests typically it would be internal. Sorry i don't really know what I'm saying I'm typing on phone I'll edit later
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Also any ideas for examples of chinas aid as a foreign policy instrument within one Asia pacific state?? struggling to find a specific example
Overseas development assistance programs and contributions to UN peacekeeping missions
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Do u know of anything of ODA to a certain state?
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Do u know of anything of ODA to a certain state?
ODA?
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ODA?
as in like specific assistance to africa for example but somewhere else of mind?
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Myanmar oil pipeline
- total = $14 billion ODA over last 10 years
- Myanmar allowed building of oil and gas pipelines for new import route for China (doesn't have to rely on Malacca strait, which currently provides 80% of all its oil and gas, risky to import so much through one channel, if cut off = collapse china industry)
- Chinese section began construction Sep. 2010 by CNPC
Cambodia blocked ASEAN communique aimed at resolution of South China Sea conflict
- 1992 - 2010 gave $9.7 billion in ODA and investments
- May 2010 provided $14 million worth of military equipment
- in return, Cambodia used its postition as Chair to stop the development of a "code of conduct" in the South China Sea ASEAN's 45th Joint Communique on July 13, 2012`
- "The attitude and position taken by Cambodia at the last [ASEAN] meeting shows that it was toeing the Chinese line.” Lao Mong Hay
- 2009 gave $39 million to Laos, Burma Cambodia, poorest states in region
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Why China why!??!?! Ugh Australia FTW ;D
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Why China why!??!?! Ugh Australia FTW ;D
Are you lamenting China as a nefarious actor on the global political arena, or are you looking for China aid examples, I'm confused 0_o
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Are you lamenting China as a nefarious actor on the global political arena, or are you looking for China aid examples, I'm confused 0_o
Neither 8)
I just love your examples but I did Australia hence my frustration :P
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Maybe these will be of more use then:
(for environmental security)
Aid
- The World Bank estimates that at least US $70 billion is needed annually to help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change. Australia’s current contribution of $160 million is 0.002% of the amount World Bank says is needed.
- Not only is climate aid inadequate and in breach of UN commitments, but a large proportion is being misspent.
- $200 million of Australia’s climate aid is funding a government campaign for the recognition of forest carbon credits at the UN, as a way of offsetting Australian emissions. The money is being spent on ‘Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ (REDD) in Indonesia and PNG, to demonstrate the offsets are viable. Many NGOs and indigenous people’s organisations argue REDD offset schemes are ineffective in reducing overall emissions, undermine the livelihood of subsistence farmers and displace forest-dwelling indigenous peoples
Immigration and refugee policy
PNG solution (aid)
- Introduced by Kevin Rudd in July 2013
- Australia gave PNG $420 million extra in aid to persuade it to take in refugees who arrive in Australia by boat
- Continued by Tony Abbott
- However, PNG PM Peter O’Neil has said that PNG will only take “some”, not all refugees, putting this policy in jeopardy
Trade not aid(ish, more like the national interest of being a positive global actor)
Mining for development
- The $127 million dollar Mining for Development Initiative was launched by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in October 2011.
- It's intended to help developing nations avoid the catastrophic mismanagement, corruption and environmental damage that, in places like Nigeria, has resulted in people being left worse off as a result of their mineral wealth.
- The director of NGO AidWatch, Thulsi Narayanasamy, says the initiative is "at best, an expensive exercise in corporate welfare".
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and also lol I just realised I wrote china when I meant are you looking for Australia aid examples so my post didn't make any sense, good job me, sorry
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Myanmar oil pipeline
- total = $14 billion ODA over last 10 years
- Myanmar allowed building of oil and gas pipelines for new import route for China (doesn't have to rely on Malacca strait, which currently provides 80% of all its oil and gas, risky to import so much through one channel, if cut off = collapse china industry)
- Chinese section began construction Sep. 2010 by CNPC
Cambodia blocked ASEAN communique aimed at resolution of South China Sea conflict
- 1992 - 2010 gave $9.7 billion in ODA and investments
- May 2010 provided $14 million worth of military equipment
- in return, Cambodia used its postition as Chair to stop the development of a "code of conduct" in the South China Sea ASEAN's 45th Joint Communique on July 13, 2012`
- "The attitude and position taken by Cambodia at the last [ASEAN] meeting shows that it was toeing the Chinese line.” Lao Mong Hay
- 2009 gave $39 million to Laos, Burma Cambodia, poorest states in region
THANKYOU! exactly what i needed :) :) :) :)
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and also lol I just realised I wrote china when I meant are you looking for Australia aid examples so my post didn't make any sense, good job me, sorry
Legend.
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Any couple of specific examples of responses by certain global actors to the issue of people movement and refugees??
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Any couple of specific examples of responses by certain global actors to the issue of people movement and refugees??
Turkey and Lebanon have contrasting responses on the influx of Syrian refugees (caused by the civil war 2011). April 2011 Turkey implemented it's new border security policy where it accepts ~2000 Syrians a day. The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey is well above 580,000 and with this comes the construction of refugee camps. For example, Ceylanpinar, Hatay and Gazintep all provide medical aid, food and shelter for the displaced people. Opposing this cosmopolitan approach is Lebanon's response. Initially the sovereign state of Lebanon allowed Syrian refugees in until FDIs dropped, Syrians occupied jobs at low prices and severely damaged the economy as Lebanon's GDP decreased (I think) and so taking a realist approach, Lebanon has put its national interests above the obligation to strangers as it strives to prevent 'national suicide' (M)
Sorry for no specifics, I haven't studied for global yet haha this is at the top of my head.
Hope it helps :)
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Turkey and Lebanon have contrasting responses on the influx of Syrian refugees (caused by the civil war 2011). April 2011 Turkey implemented it's new border security policy where it accepts ~2000 Syrians a day. The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey is well above 580,000 and with this comes the construction of refugee camps. For example, Ceylanpinar, Hatay and Gazintep all provide medical aid, food and shelter for the displaced people. Opposing this cosmopolitan approach is Lebanon's response. Initially the sovereign state of Lebanon allowed Syrian refugees in until FDIs dropped, Syrians occupied jobs at low prices and severely damaged the economy as Lebanon's GDP decreased (I think) and so taking a realist approach, Lebanon has put its national interests above the obligation to strangers as it strives to prevent 'national suicide' (M)
Sorry for no specifics, I haven't studied for global yet haha this is at the top of my head.
Hope it helps :)
yes thankyou! Appreciate it
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Just making sure is economic power exerted through trade perceived as a hard power? or just economic in general is soft power and military power is the only hard power??
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Just making sure is economic power exerted through trade perceived as a hard power? or just economic in general is soft power and military power is the only hard power??
If a country is clearly offering trade in return for the recipient country doing something (eg china will only trade with you if you don't recognise the ROC), then that's a 'carrot' and constitutes hard power. Military power is definitely *not* the only hard power - any situation where the country is saying that it will punish or reward a state/group for doing something is hard power.
Soft power on the other hand aims to create a positive image of the state and therefore encourage other states to align their policies with it - eg if I'm a student at a Confucius institute, I'm more likely to hold certain Chinese values in high regard and maybe eventually that'll trickle up into the policy my country has towards China and cause my country to adjust it's policy in such a way as to benefit China. It's much more indirect, and often difficult to see the consequences of. As a further illustration, America is the king of soft power because it has largely succeeded in pushing forward its essential characteristics of 'democracy' and 'freedom' as the ideal other states should strive for. So now, implicit within striving for 'democracy' is striving to be more like America and emulate/complement its policies, which leads to countries being more likely to adopt policies that are beneficial towards America.
Think of soft power as popularity - if I idealise a celebrity and their values, I'm likely to model myself on them; then if I meet that celebrity, I'm more likely to become friends with them, or know how to act in such a way as to make them happy, because we are similar. Basically, China wants to be the Beyoncé of the global political arena.
Hope this helps!! Let me know if any of it is confusing :)
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Thankyou, much appreciated and just to make sure do we have to know the ecomoc and political power of a SPECIFIC TNC ? Or just in general because the study design does not say so
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Thankyou, much appreciated and just to make sure do we have to know the ecomoc and political power of a SPECIFIC TNC ? Or just in general because the study design does not say so
Yep specific TNC's, you should do two just in case. :)
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thankyou Reus. so if a question asks: discuss how trade can influence the economic power of a TNC.... can i use an example such as the state owned chinese national pertoelam corporation in South Sudan considering it receives a 40% share of oil projects whilst exporting 80% of sundaes oil and its projects are worth $10 billion??
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and lastly would an example of terrorism such as Al-Qaeda in which it threatens stet sovereignty through creating less regional stability be a good example of issues and crisis that require multilateral resolution as a challenge facing state sovereignty ?
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and lastly would an example of terrorism such as Al-Qaeda in which it threatens stet sovereignty through creating less regional stability be a good example of issues and crisis that require multilateral resolution as a challenge facing state sovereignty ?
Yes. Terrorism, global warmining, climate change, AIDS, ebola etc. all require multilateral resolution and are considered third agenda issues.
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thankyou Reus. so if a question asks: discuss how trade can influence the economic power of a TNC.... can i use an example such as the state owned chinese national pertoelam corporation in South Sudan considering it receives a 40% share of oil projects whilst exporting 80% of sundaes oil and its projects are worth $10 billion??
I'm learning TNC's today so I'm talking a more simple approach rather an making an inextricable link which I personally don't think is required. I'm going to learn 4 facts about their economic and political power, and three/four points about trade/employment/FDI. Then I'll just be like 'through their trade, they are able to make $30 million in gross profits per year, which allows them to spend money lobbying the governments' or something. I'm being alot simpler in my approach. I hate these questions.
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thank you though with regard to employment and TNCs if you could plls pass on any info with regards to it economic and political power?
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Can someone explain to me how to describe characteristics of global crises, particularly in relations to state and non-state terrorism and intra/interstate conflict.
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If anyone is interested in a Global Politics tutor, I got 39 in 2014 and currently undertaking a Bachelor of Global Studies (& a Bachelor of Science) @ Monash if you're looking for one, I'm available!
PM me or reply to this if you want to discuss it any further! Good luck!!