World Organizations
Name the international organization founded in 1945 that aims to maintain international peace and security and also supports economic and social cooperation.
United Nations
Give one simple benefit of free trade for consumers in importing countries.
Lower prices and more variety for consumers.
Identify one potential negative effect of free trade on workers in developed countries.
Job losses in industries that move abroad or face cheaper imports.
What does the term "corporate social responsibility" (CSR) generally mean?
CSR means companies voluntarily taking responsibility for social and environmental impacts of their operations.
Define "sustainability" in one sentence as it relates to natural resources.
Using resources so they meet current needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs.
Which international organization focuses specifically on promoting international trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers?
World Trade Organization (WTO).
Explain how free trade can lead to economic growth for a country that specializes in goods where it has a comparative advantage.
By specializing in goods with lower opportunity cost, a country can export surplus, increase income, and grow GDP (comparative advantage).
Explain how outsourcing can create local economic challenges in affected communities.
Loss of local jobs, reduced tax base, decline of local businesses and community income.
Give one example of how a transnational corporation (TNC) can demonstrate responsible environmental behaviour in its supply chain.
Example: requiring suppliers to meet environmental standards, reducing emissions in production, or sourcing sustainably.
Give one example of a policy that promotes stewardship of the land while allowing economic development.
Example: strict environmental assessments and benefit‑sharing agreements for resource projects; protected areas with sustainable resource zones.
Identify the institution created at the Bretton Woods Conference that manages global monetary cooperation and provides short‑term loans to countries.
International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Describe how competition from international markets can increase innovation in domestic industries.
Competition pressures firms to improve products, reduce costs, and invest in R&D.
Describe one environmental concern that can arise from increased international trade (e.g., shipping, resource extraction).
Increased carbon emissions from shipping, habitat destruction from resource extraction, pollution from lax regulations.
Explain why transparency and reporting (e.g., publishing environmental impact reports) matter for corporate responsibility.
Reporting holds companies accountable, informs stakeholders, and lets consumers and regulators evaluate performance.
Explain the difference between short‑term economic growth and long‑term sustainable prosperity.
Short‑term growth focuses on immediate GDP increase; sustainable prosperity balances economic, environmental, and social health for long‑term wellbeing.
Which type of global organization represents business interests across multiple countries and can influence trade policies and standards?
Transnational corporations (TNCs) or multinational corporations (MNCs).
Explain how foreign direct investment (FDI) related to trade can help a developing country’s economy. Provide one concrete example.
FDI can bring capital, jobs, and technology transfer (example: a foreign car factory building plants, hiring locals, training workers).
Explain how trade liberalization might increase inequality within a country, giving one brief reason.
Gains concentrate among skilled workers and capital owners while low‑skill workers face job displacement.
Evaluate the role of consumer pressure (e.g., boycotts, ethical purchasing) in influencing corporate practices. (Short answer)
Consumer pressure can change demand and reputation, pushing companies to adopt better practices (e.g., sustainable sourcing).
Describe how international agreements or environmental legislation can influence resource development decisions in a globalizing world.
International agreements (e.g., climate accords) set limits and standards that affect how countries permit resource projects and enforce environmental laws.
Explain how regional trade blocs (e.g., the European Union or NAFTA/USMCA) differ from global organizations in structure and decision‑making.
Regional blocs are formed by a subset of countries with deeper integration, often have supranational institutions and binding regulations for members (e.g., EU) versus global organizations that include many countries and work by consensus or treaties.
Analyze how free trade can contribute to a knowledge economy. Include one specific mechanism by which knowledge or technology spreads between countries.
Free trade and FDI enable cross‑border collaboration, movement of skilled workers, and diffusion of technology and best practices — supporting industries like software, biotech, and services.
Analyze a scenario where reducing trade barriers leads to a decline in a domestic industry. Suggest one policy response a government might consider to support affected workers.
Domestic firms lose market share to imports → closures and unemployment; policy responses: retraining programs, temporary tariffs, adjustment assistance, or industrial policy.
Analyze a conflict that might occur between maximizing shareholder profit and pursuing responsible environmental policies. Offer one realistic way companies can balance these goals.
Conflict: cutting costs vs. investing in cleaner tech; balance via long‑term ESG strategies, stakeholder engagement, and integrating sustainability into business models.
Evaluate two competing perspectives on sustainability and prosperity (for example, resource development proponents vs. conservation advocates). Provide one argument for each perspective and a possible compromise policy.
Pro‑development: resource use brings jobs and growth. Conservation: protecting ecosystems ensures long‑term services and biodiversity. Compromise: sustainable resource development with strong regulations, revenue sharing, and restoration commitments