IBDP Geography – Global Interactions – Question Spotting & Potential Questions 2023

Unit 4 – Power, Places & Networks

Syllabus Point Questions already asked Date Potential Question
1. Global Interactions & Global Power - KEY CONCEPT - How global power and influence varies spatially
Globalization indices showing how
countries participate in global interactions

Global superpowers and their economic, (b) Discuss the challenges and opportunities May 2021 Using examples, analyse ways in which global
geopolitical and cultural influence that global superpowers create for other superpowers have exerted influence on
countries. [16] different places. [12]
• Detailed examples of at least two actual
or potential global superpowers Analyse how powerful countries are able to Nov 2022
sustain their global influence over time. [12]

Powerful organizations and global groups: 2. (a) Analyse how the actions of two global May 2021 Using examples, analyse ways in which global
• G7/8, G20 and Organization for Economic groups or organizations have resulted in groups or organizations control the flows of
Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries being more interconnected. [12] money and energy to different places. [12]
groups
• Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Analyse how powerful organizations are able
Countries’ (OPEC) influence over energy to sustain their global influence over time.
policies [12]
• global lending institutions, including the Nov 2020
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and 1(b) Discuss ways in which global financial
New Development Bank (NDB) flows can be affected by the actions of
governments. [16]
Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How wealthy and powerful places exist at varying scales, and how the global map is complex and subject to change
 2. Global Networks & Flows - KEY CONCEPT - How different places become interconnected by global interactions
Global trade in materials, manufactured Analyse the relative importance of different
goods and services networks and flows in connecting countries
(12)

An overview of international aid, loans and 1(b) Discuss ways in which global financial Nov 2020
debt relief flows can be affected by the actions of
governments. [16]

Using examples, explain how two types of

May 2022
financial flow connect different places
together. [12]
International remittances from economic 1(b) Discuss ways in which global financial Nov 2020
migrants flows can be affected by the actions of
governments. [16]

Using examples, explain how two types of May 2022

financial flow connect different places
together. [12]
illegal flows, such as trafficked people, 3(b) Discuss how different businesses and May 2021
counterfeit goods and narcotics societies have been affected by the growth
of global supply chains. [16]

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Using examples, analyse ways in which
outsourcing by transnational corporations (b) Discuss the opportunities and challenges Nov 2019 contrasting TNCs implement their global
(TNCs), and ways in which this networks that global interactions create for different strategies and supply chains. [12]
transnational corporations (TNCs). [16]
places and markets
3(b) Discuss how different businesses and May 2021
• Two contrasting detailed examples of societies have been affected by the growth
TNCs and their global strategies and of global supply chains. [16]
supply chains

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

The relative importance of different flows, and the suitability of different methods for graphically representing flows and interactions
3. Human and physical influences on global interactions - KEY CONCEPT - How political, technological and physical processes influence global
interactions
Political factors that affect global Using examples, analyse ways in which multi
interactions: governmental organisations (MGOs) and free
1(b) Discuss ways in which global financial Nov 2020 trade zones influence the flow of people and
• multi-governmental organisations flows can be affected by the actions of trade between places. [12]
(MGOs) and free trade zones governments. [16]
Nov 2021
• economic migration controls and rules 2. (a) Using examples, analyse ways in which
international economic migration has been
affected by political decision making. [12]
Our “shrinking world” and the forces ?? Using examples, analyse how the concept of
driving technological innovation: the “shrinking world” has accelerated
globalization. [12]
• changing global data flow patterns and
trends Using examples, analyse how the improved
speed and capacity of transportation has
• transport developments over time accelerated globalization. [12]

• patterns and trends in communication Using examples, analyse how developments

infrastructure and use in communication infrastructure have
accelerated globalization. [12]

The influence of the physical environment 1 (b) “Physical geography is the main May 2019 Explain how the physical environment can
on global interactions: reason why some places are less connected influence the level of interactions between
than others.” Discuss this statement. [16] different places. [12]
• natural resource availability
2(b) “Physical factors are the main reason Nov 2020
• the potentially limiting effect of why cultural diversity varies from place to
geographic isolation, at varying scales place.” Discuss this statement. [16]
 (a) Analyse how interactions between places
can be affected by the physical environment.
[12]
Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities
How processes that influence spatial interactions are interlinked in complex ways that accelerate globalization
Unit 5 - Human Development & Diversity
Syllabus Point Question already asked Date Potential Question
1. Development Opportunities - KEY CONCEPT - Ways of supporting the processes of human development
The multidimensional process of human 1(b) Discuss the relationships between May 2019
development and ways to measure it: globalisation and human development [16]
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
criteria
2 (a) Analyse the validity and reliability of May 2019
• validity and reliability of development two indicators of human development [12]
indicators and indices, including the human
development index (HDI) and gender 1 (a) Using examples, analyse ways in which Nov 2019
inequality index (GII) global interactions can lead to improved
gender equality. [12] Using examples, analyse ways in which global
• empowering women and indigenous or interactions can lead to the empowerment of
minority groups (a) Explain the strengths of the United May 2022 women and minority groups. [12]
Nations (UN) Sustainable Development
Goals as a way of supporting the human
development process. [12)

Detailed illustrative examples of

affirmative action to close the
development gap
The importance of social entrepreneurship Explain how TNC corporate social
approaches for human development: 1 (a) Explain how microfinance organizations May 2021 responsibility and global agreements can help
and alternative trading networks can help to support human development in different
• the work of microfinance organizations communities to develop. [12] communities. [12]
and their networks
• alternative trading networks such as
“Fairtrade”

• TNC corporate social responsibility

frameworks and global agreements

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How actions to support human development involve spatial interactions from local to global scales
2. Changing Identities & Cultures - KEY CONCEPT - How global interactions bring cultural influences and changes to places
Using examples, analyse the links between
The global spectrum of cultural traits, branded commodities and cultural changes in
ethnicities and identities, and ways in the built environment. [12]
which the spectrum of diversity is
widening or narrowing at different scales

the diffusion of cultural traits, and cultural Using examples, analyse how global
imperialism 1 (a) Analyse the ways in which cultural traits May 2019 interactions may lead to a narrowing of
are spread from place to place [12] cultural diversity in different places. [12]

glocalization of branded commodities, and Analyse reasons why glocalization has

cultural hybridity become an increasingly important strategy Using examples, analyse how global
for many transnational corporations (TNCs). Nov 2021 interactions may lead to a widening of
[12 cultural diversity in different places. [12]

cultural landscape changes in the built

environment 3. (a) Using examples, analyse the links
between cultural diversity and cultural
hybridity. [12]

How diasporas influence cultural diversity 2 (a) Using examples, analyse the influence Nov 2019 Using examples, analyse the influence of
and identity at both global and local scales of diaspora populations on the cultural diaspora populations on the cultural diversity
 identity of different places. [12] of different places. [12]
• Case study of a global diaspora
population and its cultures(s)

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

Differing evidence and perspectives on how diversity is changing at local, national and global scales
3. Local Responses to Global Interactions - KEY CONCEPT - The varying power of local places and actors to resist or accept change
Local and civil society resistance to global
interactions:

• rejection of globalized production, (b) Discuss the opportunities and challenges Nov 2019 Analyse the reasons for the widespread
including campaigns against TNCs and in that global interactions create for different rejection of globalized production in favour of
favour of local sourcing of food and goods transnational corporations (TNCs). [16] local sourcing by citizens [12]
by citizens

• rise of anti-immigration movements 1. (a) Analyse reasons for the recent and Nov 2020
widespread rise of anti‐immigration
movements. [12]
Geopolitical constraints on global 3 (a) Analyse the reasons why people’s Nov 2019
interactions: freedom to participate in global interactions
varies from place to place. [12]
• government and militia controls on Using examples, analyse the reasons why
personal freedoms to participate in global some national governments & militia attempt
interactions to control personal freedoms to participate in
global interactions. [12]
• national trade restrictions, including 1. (a) Using examples, analyse the reasons Nov 2021
protectionism and resource nationalism why some national governments introduce
trade restrictions. [12]
The role of civil society in promoting 2(b) Discuss ways in which communications Nov 2019 Using examples, analyse how civil societies
international-mindedness and technology can help and hinder human challenge the restriction of personal
participating in global interactions, development processes. [16] freedoms in different places [12]
including social media use and Analyse ways in which civil society Nov 2022
campaigning for internet freedom organizations have influenced people’s views
on different types of global interactions. [12
• Two detailed examples of places where
restricted freedoms have been challenged

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How acceptance of, or resistance to, global interactions takes different forms and occurs at different scales

Unit 6 – Global Resilience

Syllabus Point Question already asked Date Potential Question
1. Geopolitical and economic risks - KEY CONCEPT - How technological and globalizing processes create new geopolitical and economic risks for
individuals and societies
Threats to individuals and businesses: 2(b) Discuss ways in which communications Nov 2019 Using examples, analyse the increasing
technology can help and hinder human threats to individuals and businesses from
• hacking, identity theft and the development processes. [16] technological developments. [12]
implications of surveillance for personal
freedoms b) Discuss the local and global challenges Nov 2021 Using examples, analyse the risks to global
that are being created by new supply chains by geopolitical instability. [12]
• political, economic and physical risks to communications technologies. [16]
global supply chain flows
New and emerging threats to the political b) Discuss the local and global challenges Nov 2021 Analyse reasons for new and emerging
and economic sovereignty of states: that are being created by new threats to the political and economic
communications technologies. [16] sovereignty of states. [12]
• profit repatriation and tax avoidance by Nov 2019
TNCs and wealthy individuals
(b) Discuss the opportunities and challenges
• disruptive technological innovations, that global interactions create for different Nov 2019
transnational corporations (TNCs). [16]
such as drones and 3D printing
2(b) Discuss ways in which communications
technology can help and hinder human
 development processes. [16]

“New technologies solve more global

problems than they create.” May 2022
To what extent do you agree with this
statement? [16]
The correlation between increased 3 (a) Using examples, analyse the links May 2019 Using examples, analyse the links between
globalization and renewed nationalism between globalisation and the rise of globalisation and geopolitical tension in some
nationalism in some countries. [12] countries. [12]
• Two detailed examples to illustrate
geopolitical tension/conflict
Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities
How the advantages of globalization must be weighed against heightened possibilities of new geopolitical and economic risks
2. Environmental Risks - KEY CONCEPT - How global interactions create environmental risks for particular places and people
Transboundary pollution (TBP) affecting a 3. (a) Analyse the scale and severity of the Nov 2020 Examine the spatial pattern of environmental
large area/more than one country challenges created by transboundary impacts associated with TBP. [12]
pollution (TBP). [12]
• One TBP case study including the Examine the responses of stakeholders to the
consequences and possible responses impacts associated with one TBP event. [12]

Environmental impacts of global flows at Analyse ways in which global trade flows can
varying scales: cause localized pollution in different places.
[12]
• localized pollution, including impacts 3. (a) Analyse ways in which global trade May 2021
along shipping lanes flows can affect the size of national carbon
footprints. [12]
• carbon footprints for global flows of
food, goods and people
Environmental issues linked with the 3 (b) Examine the spatial pattern of May 2019 Analyse ways in which global shift of industry
global shift of industry: environmental impacts associated with can cause environmental issues in different
different global flows. [16] places. [12]
• polluting manufacturing industries

• food production systems for global Analyse ways in which the globalization of
agribusiness food production systems has caused
environmental issues in different places. [12]

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How global interactions affect the physical environment by varying degrees at different scales
3. Local and global resilience - KEY CONCEPT - New and emerging possibilities for managing global risks
The success of international civil society 3(b) “The negative environmental impacts of Nov 2019 Using examples, analyse how civil society
organizations in attempting to raise globalization are beginning to lessen.” organizations attempt to reduce
awareness about, and find solutions for, Discuss this statement. [16] environmental risks caused by global
environmental and social risks associated interactions. [12]
with global interactions Analyse ways in which civil society
organizations have influenced people’s views Using examples, analyse how civil society
• Detailed examples of one environmental on different types of global interactions. [12 organizations attempt to reduce social risks
and one social civil society organization caused by global interactions. [12]
action

Strategies to build resilience: Explain how re-shoring by TNCs can be used

(b) Discuss the opportunities and challenges Nov 2019 to build resilience by governments. [12]
• re-shoring of economic activity by TNCs that global interactions create for different
transnational corporations (TNCs). [16]
• use of crowd-sourcing technologies to Explain how crowd-sourcing technologies can
build resilience by government and civil “New technologies solve more global be used to build resilience by government
society problems than they create.” and civil society. [12]
To what extent do you agree with this
• new technologies for the management statement? [16] Nov 2020
of global flows of data and people,
including cybersecurity and e-passports 2 (a) Explain how two new technologies can
be used to manage risks created by global
flows of data and/or people. [12]

Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities

How perspectives vary on the severity of different risks and priorities for action

The MASSIVE questions! – Linking Units 1-6

3(b) Discuss the economic challenges that global interactions have created for different countries and communities. [16] – November 2020

3(b) “Cultural changes caused by globalization have affected urban and rural places equally.” Discuss this statement. [16] – May 2021

3(b) “The largest transnational corporations (TNCs) have greater global power than national governments.” Discuss this statement. [16] – Nov 2021

2(b) “The economic gains associated with global development outweigh any cultural losses.” Discuss this statement. [16] – Nov 2021

1(b) “The environmental costs of global economic growth outweigh the social gains.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? [16) – May
2022

1(b) “The global interactions that matter most are increasingly happening online.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? [16)

2(b) “Access to technology is the best way for societies to manage the most serious environmental challenges the world is facing.” To what extent do
you agree with this statement? [16]
3(b) “All countries will eventually lose their distinctive identity and sovereignty as a result of globalization.” To what extent do you agree with this
statement? [16