How Do Global, International, Transnational, and National Concepts Interplay
How Do Global, International, Transnational, and National Concepts Interplay?
The notions of global, international, transnational, and national are very intertwined, and they influence each other. For instance, a company (national) will exist across a number of countries (transnational), is subject to rules in the field of international business (international), and is affected by global macroeconomics (global). Within its borders, a national government may regulate transnational corporations and negotiate international treaties to deal with sweeping international issues like climate change.
Digital technologies
Global: With the advent of the internet and digital technologies, a global digital space in which information and ideas could flow freely emerged. This interconnectedness is exemplified by how global phenomena can change the interactions between nations, organisations, and individuals.
International: Technology, for example, 5G and artificial intelligence (AI), have international standards set by host countries. Thus, these are international efforts toward a collective approach to managing technological advancements.
Transnational: Google and Apple are two dominant tech giants that render their services in multiple languages, and this influences e-commerce. Due to their transnational nature, they mould user behaviours and industry standards globally.
Governments usually regulate the internet, data privacy, and cybersecurity laws.
Climate Change
Global: Climate change is a global issue that impacts every country, requiring action and responsibility from individual actors as well as by the international community.
International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, where countries come together to commit to climate challenges are negotiated among countries. Initiatives based around COP 29 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) UNEP converge on these conversations.
Through their transnational efforts, they actively encourage cooperation across borders in order to address environmental concerns in an effective manner.
Nations adopt domestic measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions, introduce prices of carbon, and all this to form a more sustainable environment at home.
Health
Global: The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the interconnectedness of global health, showing that diseases can spread rapidly across borders and affect people around the world.
International: Global health initiatives, including vaccine development and distribution, involve countries pooling resources. For instance, the global response to COVID-19 and efforts to fight malaria underscore the significance of international partnership in handling health emergencies.
Transnational: Pharmaceutical companies can work on a global scale, developing and distributing medicines all over the world. Transnational activities are critical to increasing access to healthcare and resolving public health issues.
National: Public health measures, like vaccination programs and quarantine regulations, that are implemented by governments help protect the health and welfare of citizens. National strategies for managing health risks and responding to pandemics are essential.
Finance
Global: Financial markets are global, inherently interconnected; a good example is the rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin and PayPal.
International: The World Bank is an example of the country's cooperation to regulate global financial institutions and maintain the stability of the world.
Transnational financial institutions are global in nature, operating in different countries and facilitating global trade and investment, such as the African Development Bank and other institutions.
Governments regulate domestic financial markets at the national level, overseeing banking practices, insurance, and securities. The maintenance of economic stability and the protection of consumers make this regulation essential.
Technology
Global: Global data storage and technology transfer offers services from every corner of the world to businesses and individuals, e.g., IBM, Oracle, and Google.
International: Countries also enter into international treaties like the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Transnational: Tech companies operate at a transnational level, imposing a sense of social media norms and practices in the midst of various regulatory environments in different countries.
National data protection laws, for instance, the Data Protection Regulation Act in Kenya, have been expressed by governments in efforts to improve data security.
Environment
Global: The Biodiversity Crisis is a global crisis where ecosystems are at risk beyond national borders, and a collective response is needed
International: To tackle biodiversity loss and foster sustainable practices in the country, countries adopt international agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity
Transnational: Transnational environmental NGOS, including Greenpeace, advocate for environmental protection by operating transnationally and at times even influencing public policy and corporate behaviour in multiple countries.
National: As part of domestic environmental policy, countries conduct conservation programs to protect their unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Trade
Global: The automotive industry is an example of parts being manufactured in various countries, and then assembled examples are ISUZU.
International: Other countries enter into international trade agreements (such as the WTO) to encourage international trade and investment.
Transnational: Multinational corporations, such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola, source materials from different countries, affecting local economies and consumers while navigating diverse regulatory frameworks.
National: Governments employ tariffs and trade policies intended to shield domestic industries and constrain imports, which in turn influence local economies and consumers.
Migration
Global: Desperate searches for refuge from Syria and Afghanistan are worldwide challenges that must be collectively addressed by the international community.
International: Countries collaborate on international humanitarian issues, such as the UNHCR, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) to address migration rights effectively.
Transnational: Sending remittances and maintaining ties with 'home countries' are the common diaspora practices that can influence economies and cultures across borders.
National: Immigration policies set by governments decide who can enter and reside in a country.
These examples demonstrate how global, international, transnational, and national levels link together and continuously exert influence on one another. It is important to recognise these distinctions when analysing complex global issues and construct workable solutions to today's problems, where the issues are multifaceted and conflict of laws is a real concern.
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