THE CONTEMPORARY

WORLD
Midterm
Reyclyde Jywel T. Maramag, LPT
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the Midterm period, the students will be able to:

Differentiate the Global South from the Third World

Analyze how a new conception of global relations emerged from the

experiences of Latin American countries

Differentiate between regionalization and globalization

Analyze how different Asian states confront the challenges of globalization

and regionalization
Course Content
Global divides: The North and the South (focus on Latin
America)

Asian regionalism
New conception of global relations emerged from
the experiences of Latin American countries
Global divides: The North and the South (focus on
Latin America)
The global divide between the North and the South refers to the
economic, political, and social disparities between developed
and developing regions of the world.

Latin America serves as a crucial case study in understanding

this divide. Despite being rich in natural resources and having a
diverse cultural and economic landscape, the region has faced
persistent challenges such as poverty, political instability, and
economic dependency on the Global North. Historical patterns
of colonial exploitation, foreign debt, and economic policies
favoring external markets have contributed to its subordinate
position in the global economic system.
Latin America (South America)
This refers to countries that were colonized by
the Spaniards in the American continent. The
region is characterized by a shared linguistic,
cultural, and historical background primarily
influenced by Spanish colonization.
Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) - Treaty of Tordesillas
was signed to divide newly discovered lands
outside Europe between two colonial powers:
1. Portugal
2. Spain
TREATY OF TORDESILLAS, 1494
Age of Discovery
and Exploration
Mnemonics - PEWS
Portugal - Eastward
Spain - Westward
World Division: Cold War
The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension
between the United States (US) and the Soviet
Union (USSR), created a division between:
Capitalist/Democratic states (aligned with the
US)
Communist states (aligned with the USSR)
The Cold War was characterized by indirect
conflicts, proxy wars, and ideological struggles
rather than direct military confrontation.
Key Aspects of the Cold War
1. Atomic Age
The Cold War ushered in the nuclear arms race
between the US and USSR.
Key nuclear weapons developed
United States: Fat Man and Little Boy (used in
Hiroshima and Nagasaki). Mnemonics: FatHir LiNa
USSR: RDS-1 or “First Lightning” test fired in
Semipalatinsk in Kazakhstan (codenamed “Joe-1”
by the US)
Key Aspects of the Cold War
2. Space Race
A competition between the US and USSR to achieve
space exploration milestones.
USSR: Launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first
artificial satellite.
USA: Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon, making Neil
Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first humans to
walk on the lunar surface.
Key Aspects of the Cold War
3. Berlin Wall
Mnemonics: CEaWeD
The Berlin Wall symbolized
the division between East
(Communist) and West
(Democratic) Germany.
It was a physical and
ideological barrier that
separated the two regions
until its fall in 1989.
Key Aspects of the Cold War
4. Vietnam War
A proxy war in which the US supported South
Vietnam against North Vietnam, which was
backed by the USSR and China.
The war resulted in significant casualties and is
often seen as a failure of US Cold War policy.
Key Aspects of the Cold War
5. Korean War
North Korea (backed by the USSR and China)
invaded South Korea (supported by the US and
the United Nations).
This conflict was a direct result of Cold War
tensions and ended in an armistice rather than a
peace treaty.

Armistice/Truce - an agreement made by opposing

sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time
End of Cold War
By the late 1980s, the USSR faced political and
economic instability.
Mikhail Gorbachev introduced reforms such as
glasnost (openness) and perestroika
(restructuring), leading to democratic
movements in Eastern Europe.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized
the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern
Europe and the end of the Cold War.
World Division: First, Second,
and Third World
First World: Capitalist economies allied with the
US, mainly industrialized and democratic.
Second World: Communist economies led by the
USSR, including its Eastern European allies.
Third World: Non-aligned nations, often
underdeveloped and economically
disadvantaged.
World Division: First, Second,
and Third World
First World: Capitalist economies allied with the
US, mainly industrialized and democratic.
Second World: Communist economies led by the
USSR, including its Eastern European allies.
Third World: Non-aligned nations, often
underdeveloped and economically
disadvantaged.
Global Divides: Brandt Line by
Willy Brandt
The world is also divided into
the Global North and Global
South, based on economic
and political differences
rather than purely
geographical factors.
Global North
95% of the population has access to adequate food
and shelter.
Characterized by:
1. Wealth and technological advancements.
2. Political stability.
3. Zero population growth.
4. Dominance in global trade and politics.
Home to members of G8 and P5 (Permanent
Members of the UN Security Council).
Global North
95% of the population has access to adequate food
and shelter.
Characterized by:
1. Wealth and technological advancements.
2. Political stability.
3. Zero population growth.
4. Dominance in global trade and politics.
Home to members of G8 and P5 (Permanent
Members of the UN Security Council).
G8 Nations
Mnemonics: FRI CaGe and UniK JUs
Canada
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Russia
United Kingdom
United States of America
P5 (Permanent Members of the
UN Security Council)
Mnemonics: F-UK-U-RU-CHI
1. France The P5, chosen in the wake of
2. United States World War II, have veto power.
3. United Kingdom The Security Council fosters
4. Russia negotiations, imposes sanctions,
5. China and authorizes the use of force,
including the deployment of
peacekeeping missions.
Global South
Consists of developing countries, mainly in Africa,
India, and Latin America.
Characterized by:
1. Agrarian economies.
2. Economic instability and underdevelopment.
3. War, conflict, and political turmoil.
5% of the population has access to adequate food
and shelter.
Serves as a source of raw materials for the
industrialized North.
Global North Global South
Low Poverty High Poverty
High Child Mortality
Low Child Mortality
Low Economic and Educational
High Economic and Development
Educational Development Low self consumption of natural
Advance Technological resources
Vulnerable to exploitation by
Advancement
large corporations and industrial
Stable Governments nations
Low Fertility Rates Less technological advancement
Low Gender Related Economy are dependent on
developed countries
Illiteracy
Unstable Governments
High Fertility Rates
High Gender Related Illiteracy
Asian regionalism
New conception of global relations
emerged from the experiences of Latin
American countries
Asian regionalism refers to the process by which countries in
Asia strengthen their economic, political, and cultural ties to
enhance cooperation and integration. Unlike regionalism in
Europe, which is characterized by formal institutions like the
European Union, Asian regionalism is more flexible, focusing
on economic interdependence, trade agreements, and
multilateral dialogues. This process has been driven by shared
historical experiences, economic globalization, and the desire for
collective stability and development.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the
interests of a specific region over a larger area. It
arises due to various factors such as:
Political separations
Religious differences
Geographic distinctions
Cultural boundaries
Linguistic variations
Managerial divisions
REGIONALISM
Regionalism can also refer to the theory or practice of
organizing economic, cultural, or political systems
around regional rather than central administration.
Regionalization vs. Globalization
Regionalization: The process of dividing an area into
smaller segments called regions. It often results in
administrative divisions such as states or provinces
within a nation.
Globalization: The process by which people,
economies, and societies across the world become
interconnected and function as a single entity.
Why Do Countries Form Regional
Organizations?
Countries form regional organizations to
cope with the challenges of globalization.
By working together, they enhance economic
cooperation, security, and political stability.
ASIAN REGIONALISM
Asian regionalism is a product of economic
interaction among Asian countries. Over time,
Asian economies have not only grown richer but
also developed stronger interconnections. Factors
such as technological advancements, economic
collaboration, and the rise of China and India have
reinforced regional ties. However, challenges such
as the 1997/1998 Asian financial crisis have also
highlighted the need for stronger regional
cooperation.
Key International Organizations
in Asia
1. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
A regional organization that addresses economic
and security issues among its members.
Member countries: Timor-Leste, Laos, Brunei,
Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia,
Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Mnemonics: TiLa - BruThail - Si - Phil.Indo - Viet -
Mya sa CaMa
Key International Organizations
in Asia
2. ASEAN + 3 (APT)
Established in December 1997, APT promotes East
Asian cooperation with a long-term goal of building
an East Asian Community.
Members: ASEAN nations + China, Japan, and South
Korea.
Mnemonics: Chin JaKor
Key International Organizations
in Asia
3. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Aims to encourage economic growth and prosperity
in the region by:
Liberalizing trade and investment.
Reducing cross-border trade costs.
Enhancing economic and technical cooperation.
Key International Organizations
in Asia
4. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Supports economic and development projects in
member countries through public and private
sector investments, advisory services, and
knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Factors Leading to Greater
Integration of Asian Regions
Regional Integration
A process where neighboring states enter agreements
to enhance cooperation through common institutions
and rules.
Objectives of Regional Agreements
These agreements can focus on economic, political, or
environmental cooperation but typically prioritize
political and economic collaboration.
Factors Leading to Greater
Integration of Asian Regions
Methods of Regional Integration
Supranational institutional structures.
Intergovernmental decision-making.
Hybrid Model: A combination of both approaches.
Factors Leading to Greater
Integration of Asian Regions
Key Goals of Regional Integration
Removing barriers to free trade.
Increasing the free movement of people, labor, goods,
and capital across national borders.
Reducing the possibility of regional conflicts.
Developing unified policies on issues such as the
environment, climate change, and migration.
Conclusion
Asian regionalism has played a important role in
strengthening economic and political ties across the
continent. While challenges such as financial crises have
tested these relationships, shared interests and
deepening interdependence continue to drive regional
cooperation. As Asian economies grow, their integration
and collaboration will become even more significant in
shaping global economic and political landscapes.
THANK YOU
SO MUCH!