Globalisation leads to economic, environmental and human challenges that give rise to debate and affect English-speaking societies. What are the political, institutional and social consequences of such an interdependent world?

IEconomic interdependences

1 International trade

Covid-19 pandemic showed how interdependent states were. The pharmaceutical industry had to react quickly and competitions between importing/exporting countries began. Indeed, there are ongoing war patents in the US, Australia, UK and Canada amongst others.

Since the 2000s, the demand for electronic equipment and rare-earth metals has soared due to the increasing need of renewable energy worldwide. However, China is the largest country for rare-earth metal production by far and this triggers tensions between China and the US revealing their interdependent relationship.

2 Environmental issues

Globally, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Therefore, a global answer needs to be addressed. COP is the UN climate change conference.

Citizens in English-speaking countries are changing the way they consume. For example, they are likely to buy and sell second-hand clothes (to limit fast fashion habit) because it’s better for the environment.

California exemplifies the emerging environmental consciousness. For the past 20 years, it has achieved its goals in terms of environment and economy. California hits nearly 95% renewable energy of its in-state needs and is the world’s 10th largest economy.

IIQuestioning globalisation

1 Closing borders?

English-speaking countries tend to relocate their industries and favour their economy. In 2020-21, Biden announced a $900 billion stimulus package plus an additional $1.9 trillion to aid the rapidly deteriorating economy. It was the second biggest aid in US history. The US economy has since made tremendous progress toward recovery, and workers are benefiting.

Economic, geopolitical, and climatic crises are said to trigger migration to less affected areas in the world. Europe has been facing new waves of migration for the past years. Since Brexit, the migration crisis has now reached its peak: Britain being reluctant to have its share of migrants and the EU protecting its frontiers.

2 A liberal order at stake

Democracy is declining around the globe because of the growing number of far-right or authoritarian regimes where peaceful protests are risky.

Even in the English-speaking countries, democracy is questioned. For example, on January 6, 2021, and after Donald Trump’s speech, a mob of his supporters barged into the Capitol and attacked officers. The aim was to overturn the election. Five people died and many were injured.

On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark piece of legislation that made access to an abortion a federal right. The decision dismantled 50 years of legal protection and paved the way for individual states to allow it or not.