What political strategies are in place to manage globalisation’s negative effects?

Political strategies to manage globalisation's negative effects include implementing protective trade policies, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening international cooperation.

One of the key strategies is the implementation of protective trade policies. These policies are designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, which can often be more cost-effective due to lower labour costs or less stringent environmental regulations. Protective measures can include tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. For example, the European Union has a Common Agricultural Policy that provides subsidies to farmers, protecting them from cheaper agricultural products from other parts of the world. However, these policies can also lead to trade wars and are often criticised for being protectionist.

Another strategy is promoting sustainable development. Globalisation can lead to environmental degradation, as industries seek to maximise profits often at the expense of the environment. Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, recycling, and conservation. These policies can also include incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices, such as tax breaks or grants. For instance, many countries have implemented carbon pricing to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon emissions.

Strengthening international cooperation is also a crucial strategy. Globalisation's negative effects, such as income inequality and environmental degradation, are global problems that require global solutions. International organisations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the International Monetary Fund, play a key role in facilitating cooperation between countries. These organisations can set international standards, provide a platform for negotiation, and help resolve disputes. For example, the Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to mitigate climate change, which is a direct result of globalisation.

Lastly, governments can also implement social policies to address the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by globalisation. These policies can include social safety nets, such as unemployment benefits and healthcare, as well as education and training programmes to help workers adapt to the changing job market. For example, the Nordic countries have a model of 'flexicurity', which combines flexible labour markets with strong social security systems.

In conclusion, while globalisation has brought many benefits, it also has negative effects that need to be managed. Governments can use a range of political strategies, including protective trade policies, promoting sustainable development, strengthening international cooperation, and implementing social policies, to mitigate these effects.