13 The Contemporary World Free Online FlashCards

Which events marked the end of the Cold War order?

The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, and the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, ending the Cold War political order.

Did the end of the Cold War create one uniform political model?

Post-Cold War political change was not uniform: some countries expanded democratic movements, while authoritarian governments persisted or strengthened.

What is globalization?

Globalization is the growing connection of economies and societies through trade, investment, migration, communications, and cultural exchange.

How do international supply chains connect production?

International supply chains link production across borders: a product may be designed in one country, use parts from others, and be assembled and sold worldwide.

What are two effects of interconnected global trade?

Trade gains have been uneven, and economic shocks can spread quickly between countries linked by global trade.

What benefits and concerns accompany digital technologies?

Digital technologies support education, commerce, research, and political organizing, but can also raise concerns about privacy, misinformation, surveillance, job disruption, and concentrated power.

What did the 2025 internet-use estimates reveal about access?

In 2025, an estimated 6 billion people used the internet, while 2.2 billion remained offline, showing that digital access is unequal.

How did many post-Cold War wars differ from a conflict between rival blocs?

Armed conflict continued after the Cold War; many later wars occurred within states or involved governments, armed groups, and outside powers.

Name two security concerns beyond conventional warfare.

Modern security concerns include terrorism, cyberattacks, disinformation, and the use of drones, in addition to conventional warfare.

How do climate mitigation and adaptation differ?

Mitigation means reducing emissions; adaptation means preparing communities and infrastructure for climate impacts.

How do climate risks change as warming increases?

Climate risks increase with every additional increment of warming, making both emissions reduction and preparation for impacts important.

When did the WHO characterize COVID-19 as a pandemic?

The World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020.