Question 1

Countries in the semiperiphery
A) have less of an investment in the current system, and thus more freedom to implement new technologies and forms of organization
B) may have enough resources to protect themselves from exploitation while simultaneously exploiting other nations.
C) are not good candidates for making radical changes in the system.
D) a and b above
E) a, b and c above

Accepted Answer

Countries in the semiperiphery have some level of investment in the current system, but not as much as core countries. This means they may have more flexibility to implement new technologies and forms of organization without being held back by strict adherence to the current system. However, they may also have enough resources to protect themselves from exploitation while simultaneously exploiting other nations, making them more similar to core countries in their actions. Therefore, the correct answer is a combination of A and B, making option D the best choice. Option C is not entirely accurate as semiperipheral countries can make changes in the system, but they may face more challenges to do so than core countries.

Question 2

According to Chapter 20, a major flaw in Patomaki's argument is
A) the lack of focus on the structural aspects of the world-system hierarchy, which thus overlooks the importance of the semiperiphery.
B) his complete dismissal of futurist arguments, such as the scenario portrayed by Wagar.
C) his omission of the world revolution of 1848 in the broader discussion.
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

As stated in the question, Patomaki's argument lacks focus on the semiperiphery, which is a major flaw in his analysis of the world-system hierarchy. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B and C may be relevant factors to consider, but they are not major flaws in Patomaki's argument.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of the possible future scenarios hypothesized in Chapter 20?
A) Another round of U.S. hegemony
B) A collapse of U.S. hegemony followed by global warfare, epidemic diseases, and environmental collapse
C) The emergence of a global democratic commonwealth
D) A benevolent corporate capitalist new world order
E) All of the above are possible future scenarios hypothesized by the authors

Accepted Answer

The authors hypothesized four possible future scenarios in Chapter 20, including another round of U.S. hegemony, a collapse of U.S. hegemony followed by global warfare, epidemic diseases, and environmental collapse, the emergence of a global democratic commonwealth, and a techno-ecological civilization. The benevolent corporate capitalist new world order is not one of the scenarios mentioned in the chapter. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Question 4

Technological rent is
A) a high price that can be charged by the originators of a new product because they are the only producers.
B) the differential returns received by merchants whose trading efforts are supported by a cost-efficient and protection-providing state.
C) the labor time and products of direct producers that are appropriated by the ruling class in a class society.
D) the higher prices that manufacturers in places like Silicon Valley have to pay for their corporate buildings because landlords know they have the money to pay these higher prices.
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Technological rent refers to the additional profits that can be earned by the originators of a new product or innovation because they have a monopoly on its production. This allows them to charge higher prices due to the lack of competition.

Question 5

Which of the below are reasons why the New Global Left is a qualitatively different constellation of forces from earlier Global Lefts?
A) There are new movements
B) The old movements have been reshaped.
C) The Internet is being used to resolve Global North/South issues within movements and the contradictions among movements.
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above are reasons why the New Global Left is a qualitatively different constellation of forces from earlier Global Lefts. The emergence of new movements, the reshaping of old movements, and the use of the internet to resolve global North/South issues within movements and the contradictions among movements are all key features of the New Global Left.

Question 6

Demographers predict that the total population of the earth
A) has already peaked.
B) will peak in 2015.
C) will peak in 2075.
D) will peak in 2200.
E) will continue to grow rapidly for the foreseeable future.

Accepted Answer

According to the United Nations Population Division, the world population is projected to reach its peak around 2075 and then gradually decline.

Question 7

The call for a democratic global people's parliament has been most explicitly made by
A) Herbert Spencer.
B) Karl Marx.
C) George Monbiot.
D) William Robinson.
E) Barack Obama

Accepted Answer

The call for a democratic global people's parliament has been most explicitly made by George Monbiot, a British writer, journalist, and environmental activist, in his book "The Age of Consent". He argues that a global parliament is necessary in order to address transnational issues such as climate change and global economic inequality. The other options may have expressed support for global democracy or international cooperation in some form, but none have explicitly called for a global people's parliament.

Question 8

Which nation is currently the world's largest polluter in terms of the total output of pollution (not per capita)?
A) Russia
B) China
C) Brazil
D) India
E) The United States

Accepted Answer

China is currently the world's largest polluter in terms of total output of pollution, according to data from the International Energy Agency. The country is responsible for around 28% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

Question 9

Which of the following is a critical problem with the current structuring of the United Nations that would need resolution prior to it being effectively able to help with the emergent challenges of humanity?
A) The lack of monopoly over legitimate violence
B) The relatively small number of nation-states that are recognized as member states
C) The dominance of militant peripheral nations like North Korea and Somalia on the Security Council
D) The heavy Tobin taxes that the UN currently forces on member nations
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The United Nations lacks a monopoly over legitimate violence, which is a critical problem for its effectiveness. This means it relies on member states to enforce its resolutions, limiting its direct power to intervene in conflicts or enforce international law.

Question 10

The New Global Left described in Chapter 20 is a network of alliances mainly among
A) corporations, the United Nations, and the emerging markets
B) progressive social movements and political regimes of countries in the Global South, along with some allies in the Global North.
C) social entrepreneurs who meet at the World Economic Forum.
D) the transnational capitalist class.
E) All of the above working together

Accepted Answer

The New Global Left is specifically described as a network of alliances among "progressive social movements and political regimes of countries in the Global South, along with some allies in the Global North." The other options listed do not fit this description.

Question 11

What would the proposed Tobin Tax be levied on?
A) Carbon emissions
B) Real estate construction
C) International financial transactions
D) The World Trade Organization
E) Drones that cross international boundaries

Accepted Answer

The Tobin Tax is a proposed tax on international financial transactions, intended to reduce volatility in financial markets and generate revenue for global development programs. It was first proposed by economist James Tobin in the 1970s.

Question 12

Which of the following nations is NOT identified in Chapter 20 as one of the strongest supporters of the contemporary global justice movement?
A) Brazil
B) Mexico
C) India
D) Venezuela
E) The United States

Accepted Answer

The United States is not identified in Chapter 20 as one of the strongest supporters of the contemporary global justice movement. The other countries listed (Brazil, Mexico, India, and Venezuela) are all mentioned in the chapter as being strong supporters of the movement.

Question 13

The progressive populist "Pink Tide" regimes referred to in Chapter 20 are located in which region of the world?
A) North America
B) Europe
C) Africa
D) Latin America
E) Asia

Accepted Answer

The "Pink Tide" regimes discussed in Chapter 20 are located in Latin America.

Question 14

The semiperiphery is structurally advantaged to take the lead in ecological sustainability efforts globally.

Accepted Answer

The semiperiphery, which includes countries like Brazil, China, and India, often have access to resources and technology that allow them to pursue more sustainable development paths. They also frequently have a growing middle class that is increasingly aware of environmental issues and demands greener policies from their governments. As a result, the semiperiphery may be uniquely positioned to lead the way in global sustainability efforts.

Question 15

A global democratic government would probably not have the support of the majority of the world's people, according to Chapter 20.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A global democratic government would probably not...

Question 16

The democratic global governance that Florini advocates is the same thing as a global state.

Accepted Answer

A global state implies a centralized government with authority over all nations and citizens worldwide, while democratic global governance refers to a system of decision-making and management that involves collaboration and participation from various actors, including states, international institutions, civil society, and individuals. It does not necessarily involve a unified, centralized governmental structure.

Question 17

Chapter 20 proposes the idea that the most likely of the possible global futures is the prospect of another round of U.S. hegemony.

Accepted Answer

Chapter 20 suggests that the most likely global future involves a multipolar world rather than another round of U.S. hegemony, indicating a shift away from a single dominant power towards multiple influential global actors.

Question 18

A factor in favor of a second round of U.S. hegemony is the flexibility of American culture, which gives an advantage in the development of new lead industries.

Accepted Answer

The flexibility of American culture allows for innovation and adaptation to new industries, giving an advantage in developing lead industries.

Question 19

A major factor missing from Patomaki's argument is the importance of the transformative role played by the semiperiphery.

Accepted Answer

Patomaki's argument may be focused on the core and periphery, but it is important to recognize the role of the semiperiphery in facilitating and driving transformations within the world-system. The semiperiphery, as an intermediary between the core and periphery, often experiences economic and political changes that can ultimately influence the entire system. Ignoring this dynamic would be a significant oversight in analyzing the functioning of the world-system.

Question 20

According to Chapter 20, a major global disaster would certainly ruin all chance of building a global democratic commonwealth.

Accepted Answer

Chapter 20 suggests that while a major global disaster would pose significant challenges, it could also serve as a catalyst for international cooperation and reform, potentially accelerating the process towards building a global democratic commonwealth by highlighting the necessity of global governance and cooperation.

Quiz 20: The Next Three Futures: Another Round of Us Hegemony, Global Collapse, or Global Democracy

Countries in the semiperiphery

According to Chapter 20, a major flaw in Patomaki's argument is

Which of the following is NOT one of the possible future scenarios hypothesized in Chapter 20?

Technological rent is

Which of the below are reasons why the New Global Left is a qualitatively different constellation of forces from earlier Global Lefts?

Demographers predict that the total population of the earth

The call for a democratic global people's parliament has been most explicitly made by

Which nation is currently the world's largest polluter in terms of the total output of pollution (not per capita) ?

Which of the following is a critical problem with the current structuring of the United Nations that would need resolution prior to it being effectively able to help with the emergent challenges of humanity?

The New Global Left described in Chapter 20 is a network of alliances mainly among

What would the proposed Tobin Tax be levied on?

Which of the following nations is NOT identified in Chapter 20 as one of the strongest supporters of the contemporary global justice movement?

The progressive populist "Pink Tide" regimes referred to in Chapter 20 are located in which region of the world?