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