Key Terms: Global Systems (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Interdependence - key terms

Diaspora – The spread of people from their country of origin to other parts of the world, contributing to global social links and cultural exchange.

Economic interdependence – When countries rely on each other for trade, investment, and services to support economic growth.

Environmental interdependence – Mutual reliance between countries to manage shared environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Global interdependence – The increasing connectivity and mutual reliance of nations in economic, political, environmental, and social spheres.

Media interdependence – Global sharing of media, including films, news, and online content, which links people and shapes cultural perceptions.

Political interdependence – Cooperation between countries to address global issues like conflict, migration, or climate agreements.

Social interdependence – Social connections through migration, tourism, communication, and shared lifestyles or cultural values.

Unequal flows - key terms

Brain drain – The migration of highly skilled workers from lower-income to higher-income countries, reducing the development capacity of the source country.

Capital flows – The movement of money across borders for investment, aid, and remittances, often disproportionately benefiting wealthier nations.

Conflict – Unequal flows of people and resources can cause tensions in host or source countries, especially where integration is limited.

Deindustrialisation – The decline of manufacturing industries in developed countries due to outsourcing, often leading to economic and social problems.

Development – Can be unevenly influenced by global flows, where some regions benefit from investment and trade while others are excluded or exploited.

Environmental degradation – Often linked to outsourced industrial activity in poorer regions with weak environmental regulations.

Exploitation of labour – Poor working conditions and low wages in manufacturing hubs or for migrant workers, driven by demand from wealthier nations.

FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) – Investment by companies in other countries, which may boost economic growth but can outcompete local firms.

Idea flows – The spread of dominant ideologies or policies from powerful nations, often shaping how economies and societies are structured globally.

IMF & World Bank – Institutions that provide loans and policy guidance to developing countries, often with conditions that can limit sovereignty.

Inequality – Unequal global flows contribute to increasing disparities in wealth, development, and opportunity between countries.

Migration – The movement of people, often from less to more developed countries, can provide economic benefits but also raise social and political challenges.

Military dominance – Powerful countries exert control or influence through military presence or alliances, affecting geopolitical balance.

Neo-liberalism – An economic ideology promoting deregulation, free trade, and privatisation, often associated with global economic policy.

Patents – Intellectual property rights that can limit access to medicines or technology in poorer countries, reinforcing inequality.

Remittances – Money sent by migrants to their home countries, often supporting families and contributing to national income.

Surveillance – Use of digital tools by states to monitor citizens or control information, especially in authoritarian contexts.

Technology flow – Disparities in access to technological innovations, often favouring wealthier nations and firms.

Trade barriers – Restrictions or tariffs on trade can limit market access for poorer countries or be removed as a condition of international loans.

Unequal power relations – Wealthier countries and multinational organisations often dominate decision-making in global systems.