North America's Role In International Relations

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It is not necessarily admitted, however, the international system does favor the wealthier and more powerful nations. These nations are considered the Great Nations of the world, and belong in the North Gap. The North Gap is where most of the world’s developed countries are, and where the most GDP comes from. The South Gap is where the LDCs (least developed country) are located, and where the most of the human population, and world’s natural resources are found. While is it arguable that a developing country can contribute to decisions that are placed in the international system, many of these countries are not up to par with the finances of other developed countries. The influence of the North can be greatly attributed to “Northern Vampirism”, …show more content…
Through these international organizations, the North can control the flow of trade and money that goes in and out of many countries. It can also be argued that the North is simply acting upon its own self-interest. According to the realist theory “the state should maximize its power because the environment of international relations is anarchical and perilous. The first priority of state leaders is, therefore, the continued survival of the state.” . This theory of realism alludes to the survival of the fittest paradigm. The richer countries take from poorer countries in order to benefit …show more content…
The IMF determines the qualifications for a loan, and the international community provides these loans. Basically the international community lends money, not just to help countries into development, but also to invest in the countries and gain from them. The IMF is very particular about which country it loans its money to, since they do not want to run the risk having their loans become defaulted. If a country defaults on its loan, other countries suffer economically and either most likely must forgive the loans. For these reasons there are strict criteria that a country must meet in order to receive a loan from the International Monetary Fund; a country must have a strong financial background, and will implement the IMF financial policies . These criteria may leave the countries of great need of assistance out, since they would not be able to pay back the loans, and countries would have no interest in lending them money since they will not benefit financially. The World Trade Organization is also another example in the international system of controlling the obstacles faced in foreign trade. Through this organization, countries are able to trade smoothly with other countries. Unfortunately, there is a bias in the WTO as the developed countries have great influence over the rules, in order to work in favor for the developed countries. In