How do you conceptualize “interdependence” and how are you a product of it? Think about the histories, cultures, communities, places, and people who formed you
Interdependence makes me think about the World Systems Theory as it splits the world’s nations into three categories: core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral. Core countries are industrialized nations(U.S), semi-peripheral countries are partially industrialized and also extract raw materials(Brazil), while peripheral countries are the most underdeveloped and often used for their natural resources(DRC); all three types of countries are dependent on one another to thrive. The incredibly interdependent world we live in today highlights the thin line between some of the most incredible milestones of humanity, while also being the cause for some of the fundamental problems in our international community.
Especially as an American, the number of everyday products that are made possible because of global supply chains— from tasty pineapples and bananas exported from Costa Rica, cheap raw materials from China, and premium salmon from Norway —are incredible. However, aside from the human rights violations inherent with many of these supply chains, our international community has also become dependent on them for financial capital and this has resulted in many countries dragging their feet when attempting to implement equitable policies. Interdependence within the frame of the World Systems Theory is both a tool to connect the world, but also a weapon to abuse the most vulnerable.
In America’s case, it has been an excuse to invade countries and extract their resources. Often using the claim that they’re freeing nations in order to create an international community of interdependent democracies, its evident that the concept is easily and often abused. However, I believe that interdependence will be one of the main tools used to bring the international community together in light of climate change. Though, I have yet to see how it will be done.
You rightly apply the theory of world systems to the idea of interdependence and show how inextricably linked inequalities (esp. human rights abuses) are with trade. Your final question is key… we have ‘yet to see how it will be done’.
In the reading for today (Wed, June 3rd) Appiah will echo your examples of unbalanced trade and give historical depth to this repeated pattern. I would push you to think more about the final ‘how’ question in his proposal to be more ‘cosmopolitan’ in whatever approach is taken. In this view, ‘cosmopolitanism’ emphasizes personal choice and respect for such choices, yet it would be hard to argue that Costa Rican farmers or Chinese middle-traders are necessarily choosing their professions. Your analysis places their predicaments at the center.