Saturday, January 10, 2026

Topic 10: International Economic Issues

 10.1 Globalisation

  • Integration of economies worldwide through trade, investment, technology, and culture.
  • Benefits: wider markets, efficiency, innovation, cheaper goods.
  • Costs: inequality, exploitation, environmental damage, vulnerability to global shocks.

 

10.2 International Trade Problems

  • Developing countries often face:
    • Dependence on primary products (volatile prices).
    • Lack of diversification.
    • Trade deficits (imports > exports).
    • Protectionism from developed countries.

 

10.3 Exchange Rate Issues

  • Floating exchange rate: determined by the demand/supply of currency.
  • Fixed exchange rate: pegged by the government/central bank.
  • Managed float: mix of both.
  • Depreciation → exports cheaper, imports costlier.
  • Appreciation → exports costlier, imports cheaper.
  • Volatile exchange rates can destabilise economies.

 

10.4 International Institutions

  • IMF: provides loans, stabilises exchange rates.
  • World Bank: funds development projects.
  • WTO: promotes free trade, resolves disputes.
  • Criticism: may favour developed nations, impose strict conditions.

 

10.5 Economic Development

  • Development = improvement in living standards, not just GDP growth.
  • Indicators: HDI (health, education, income), literacy, life expectancy.
  • Barriers: poverty, inequality, corruption, and lack of infrastructure.
  • Policies: investment in education/health, fair trade, sustainable growth.

 

10.6 Trade vs Aid

  • Trade: long‑term growth, self‑sufficiency.
  • Aid: short‑term relief, but risk of dependency.
  • Best approach: aid targeted at building capacity for trade and development.

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