In this post, notes of “Unit 3: Contemporary Global Issues” from “DSC 12: Global Politics” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

Overview of Global Issues Today

• Issues like climate change, nuclear weapons, terrorism, migration, and people’s safety are key topics in global politics.
• These problems go beyond borders, requiring international cooperation.

Why We Need to Study These Issues

• Global issues influence international relations, economies, and security policies.
• Climate change affects trade and food availability; nuclear weapons shift power dynamics.
• Terrorism and migration impact national security and social stability.
• Understanding these issues helps leaders plan for development, peace, and stability.

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Ecological Issues: Climate Change and Environmental Agreements

What is Climate Change?

• Long-term changes in temperature and weather caused by human activities.
• Leads to higher temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, and ecosystem changes.

Causes and Effects of Climate Change

Causes:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O trap heat, causing global warming.
• Deforestation: Reduces CO₂ absorption, worsening climate change.
• Industrial and Agricultural Activities: Increase carbon emissions and harm ecosystems.

Effects:

• Rising Sea Levels: Threaten coastal cities and small islands.
• Extreme Weather: More frequent storms, droughts, and wildfires.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Many species face extinction due to habitat changes.
• Food and Water Shortages: Affect agriculture and freshwater supplies.

Important International Environmental Agreements

1. Kyoto Protocol (1997):
   • Set emission reduction targets for developed countries.
   • Introduced carbon trading to encourage lower emissions.
2. Paris Agreement (2015):
   • Signed by 196 countries to keep warming below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C.
   • Requires nations to submit climate action plans.
3. Montreal Protocol (1987):
   • Banned ozone-depleting substances.
   • One of the most successful environmental agreements.
4. UNFCCC (1992):
   • Established a global framework for climate action.
   • Led to major agreements like Kyoto and Paris.

Challenges:

Lack of enforcement, conflicting national priorities, and political resistance slow progress.

Spread of nuclear weapons After the Cold War

Background on nuclear weapons Spread

• Nuclear proliferation means the growth of nuclear weapons and technology in new countries.
• Cold War (1945–1991):
  • The U.S. developed nuclear weapons (Manhattan Project, 1945).
  • The U.S. and Soviet Union competed in a nuclear arms race.
  • The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) (1968) aimed to stop nuclear weapons spread.
• After the Cold War (1991–Present):
  • Collapse of the Soviet Union raised concerns over nuclear security.
  • India (1998) and Pakistan (1998) tested nuclear weapons, defying global restrictions.
  • North Korea left the NPT (2003) and developed nuclear weapons; Iran’s nuclear activities remain a concern.

Reasons for the Spread of Nuclear Weapons

1. National Security Concerns: Nations want nuclear weapons for defense against threats (e.g., North Korea).
2. Power and Prestige: nuclear weapons demonstrate military strength (e.g., India and Pakistan).
3. Weak Arms Control Agreements: Poor enforcement of treaties like NPT allows secret nuclear development.
4. Regional Rivalries: Conflicts between neighbors (e.g., India-Pakistan, Iran-Israel) drive nuclear ambitions.
5. Technological Advancements: Illicit networks (e.g., A.Q. Khan’s nuclear smuggling network) spread nuclear technology.

Effects on Global Security and International Relations

• Higher Risk of Nuclear War: Tensions between nuclear nations (e.g., India-Pakistan) increase war risks.
• Global Order Issues: Countries outside the NPT (e.g., India, Pakistan, Israel) challenge non-proliferation efforts.
• Terrorist Threats: Fear of nuclear materials falling into terrorist hands.
• Arms Races and Military Spending: Increased nuclear spending diverts funds from social and economic needs.
• Diplomatic Actions and Sanctions: The UN imposes sanctions on nations like Iran and North Korea to curb nuclear ambitions.

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Global Terrorism and Its Effects

What is Global Terrorism?

• Violent acts by non-state groups for political, ideological, or religious goals.
• Key characteristics:
  • Motivation: Political or religious extremism (e.g., ISIS).
  • Use of Violence: Bombings, shootings, cyberattacks.
  • Cross-Border Operations: Terrorist networks (e.g., Al-Qaeda, ISIS) operate globally.
  • Targeting Civilians: Attacks on civilians and major sites (e.g., 9/11 attacks).

Reasons and Effects of Global Terrorism

Reasons:

1. Political Instability: Weak governments allow terrorist groups to thrive (Afghanistan, Somalia).
2. Religious Extremism: Groups exploit beliefs to recruit (e.g., ISIS using radical Islam).
3. Economic Inequality: Poverty and unemployment make people vulnerable to radicalization.
4. Foreign Actions and Wars: Military interventions (e.g., U.S. in the Middle East) fuel anti-Western sentiments.
5. Globalization and Tech: Terrorists use the internet for recruitment and propaganda.

Effects:

• Loss of Lives: Civilians and soldiers are killed in attacks.
• Displacement and Refugees: Millions flee their homes due to terrorism (e.g., Syria, Afghanistan).
• Economic Problems: Terrorist attacks hurt businesses and markets.
• Increased Surveillance: Stronger security measures impact personal freedoms.

Impact on Global Politics and Security

• Changes in Foreign Policy: The U.S. War on Terror led to military interventions in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).
• More International Cooperation: Nations collaborate via the UN, NATO to combat terrorism.
• Rise of Right-Wing Nationalism: Fear of terrorism fuels anti-immigrant policies in the West.
• Tech and Cybersecurity Threats: Terrorists use social media for recruiting and planning attacks.

Migration

Types and Causes of Migration

Migration is the movement of people across borders for various reasons.

Types of Migration:

1. Voluntary Migration: Moving for better jobs, education, or living conditions (e.g., skilled workers moving to rich countries).
2. Forced Migration: Leaving due to war, danger, or natural disasters (e.g., Syrian refugees).
3. Internal Migration: Moving within a country, often from rural areas to cities (e.g., urban growth in China and India).
4. International Migration: Moving to another country for work, safety, or social reasons (e.g., Latin Americans moving to the U.S.).
5. Irregular (Illegal) Migration: Moving without legal permission or documents (e.g., migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea).

Causes of Migration:

• Economic Reasons: Better jobs and higher wages (e.g., Indian IT workers in the U.S.).
• Political Reasons: War, conflict, persecution, and human rights violations (e.g., Rohingya fleeing Myanmar).
• Environmental Reasons: Climate change and natural disasters force people to relocate (e.g., Pacific islands at risk).
• Social Reasons: Family reunification, education, and healthcare access (e.g., students studying abroad).

Impact of Migration on Host and Home Countries

On Host Countries:
✅ Positive Impacts:

• Economic growth from more workers.
• Cultural diversity and innovation.
  ❌ Negative Impacts:
• Pressure on public services (healthcare, housing).
• Rise in anti-immigrant sentiment.

On Home Countries:
✅ Positive Impacts:

• Remittances (money sent home) boost the economy (e.g., Filipino workers supporting families).
• Returning migrants bring skills and knowledge.
  ❌ Negative Impacts:
• Brain drain: Loss of skilled workers.
• Aging population due to fewer working-age people.

Role of Migration in Global Politics

• Policy Debates: Open immigration vs. strict border control.
• Diplomatic Tensions: Migration disputes affect international relations (e.g., U.S.-Mexico border issues).
• Human Rights Concerns: Ethical issues in migrant treatment and labor rights.
• Security Concerns: Illegal migration linked to crime or terrorism → stricter laws.

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Human Security

Definition and Scope of Human Security

• Human security focuses on people’s safety and well-being, beyond military threats.
• Introduced in the 1994 UNDP Human Development Report, covering:
  • Economic Security: Protection from poverty and job loss.
  • Food Security: Access to enough nutritious food.
  • Health Security: Protection from diseases and lack of healthcare.
  • Environmental Security: Safety from natural disasters and pollution.
  • Personal Security: Protection from violence and crime.
  • Community Security: Preservation of cultural identity.
  • Political Security: Protection of human rights and freedoms.

Key Challenges to Human Security

1. Armed Conflicts and Political Instability: Wars and terrorism threaten lives (e.g., Syria, Ukraine).
2. Poverty and Economic Inequality: Wealth gaps increase vulnerability (e.g., extreme poverty in Africa).
3. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Natural disasters and rising sea levels displace communities (e.g., floods in Bangladesh).
4. Health Crises and Pandemics: Outbreaks like COVID-19 expose healthcare weaknesses.
5. Human Rights Violations and Discrimination: Persecution of minorities based on ethnicity, religion, or gender (e.g., Uyghurs in China).

Role of Global Governance in Addressing Human Security

• United Nations (UN): Leads peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
• International Organizations (WHO, UNHCR, IMF, World Bank): Work on health, refugees, and economic support.
• Regional Organizations (EU, AU, ASEAN): Address security through regional cooperation.
• NGOs & Civil Society: Provide aid and advocate for human rights (e.g., Amnesty International).

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Conclusion

Global challenges like climate change, terrorism, migration, and human security require international cooperation, strong policies, and sustainable solutions. Understanding these issues is essential for a safer and fairer world.

Summary of Key Points

Global issues like climate change, nuclear weapons, terrorism, migration, and human security shape international relations and stability.

• Ecological Issues: Climate change leads to severe weather, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to reduce these effects.
• Nuclear Proliferation: After the Cold War, stopping the spread of nuclear weapons became more challenging, with threats from North Korea and other nations.
• Global Terrorism: Terrorist groups use violence for political goals, impacting global security and leading to military and diplomatic responses.
• Migration: People move due to economic, political, and environmental reasons, affecting both home and host countries and shaping global policies.
• Human Security: Focuses on economic, health, and environmental safety, requiring global cooperation to address key challenges.

Importance of Understanding Contemporary Global Issues

• Informed policymakers, researchers, and citizens can create better solutions.
• Challenges like climate change, terrorism, nuclear control, and migration require international cooperation.
• Addressing these global problems promotes peace, stability, and development.
• Understanding these issues helps build a fairer, safer world.

Glossary

1. Climate Change: Long-term weather changes mainly caused by human activities.
2. Paris Agreement: A 2015 global treaty to limit temperature rise and fight climate change.
3. Nuclear Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons to countries without them.
4. Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): A global agreement to prevent nuclear weapon spread and promote peaceful nuclear energy use.
5. Global Terrorism: Violent acts by extremist groups targeting civilians for political or religious goals.
6. Radicalization: The process of adopting extreme beliefs, sometimes leading to violence.
7. Forced Migration: People fleeing conflict, danger, or natural disasters.
8. Brain Drain: Skilled workers leaving their home country for better opportunities.
9. Human Security: Protecting individuals from threats like poverty, violence, and disease.
10. United Nations (UN): An international organization promoting peace and cooperation since 1945.
11. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO): Independent nonprofit groups working on social and environmental issues.
12. Multilateralism: Countries working together on global problems through agreements and organizations.