anastasiia y25anastasiia 20250402 2 63 (send the link to your google doc (in edit mode!)

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Download onto your phone or tablet and listen carefully. 1. What political topics interest you the most? International relations and diplomacy Political ideologies and philosophy Electoral systems and governance Political discourse and rhetoric Global conflicts and resolutions 2. What are your main communication goals in political discussions? Expressing complex political opinions clearly Debating effectively with structured arguments Understanding political jargon and idioms Writing analytical essays and reports Engaging in formal and informal political conversations 3. Which language skills do you want to improve most? Speaking persuasively in debates Understanding political speeches and news reports Writing policy briefs and academic essays Expanding political vocabulary and terminology Listening to and comprehending native speakers in political contexts 4. What difficulties do you face when discussing politics in English? Finding precise words to express political ideas Understanding fast-paced political debates Following nuanced or satirical political commentary Structuring persuasive arguments effectively Responding quickly and confidently in discussions 5. Do you prefer to participate in formal or informal political discussions? Why? I prefer to take part in formal discussions, as they require structured reasoning. Engaging in informal discussions helps me practise spontaneous speaking. I want to improve in both settings to develop flexibility. Taking part in formal debates prepares me for academic or professional settings. Participating in informal discussions makes learning politics more engaging. 6. Which types of political media do you engage with most? Reading news articles and opinion pieces Watching political speeches and debates Listening to podcasts and interviews Taking part in social media discussions Studying academic journals and research papers 7. Do you find it difficult to understand political humour or satire? Yes, because understanding satire often requires cultural knowledge. Sometimes, especially when interpreting idioms or metaphors. No, but analysing it more deeply would be helpful. I understand it, but responding appropriately can be difficult. I prefer to focus on serious discussions rather than interpreting political humour. 8. What writing skills do you want to develop in politics? Writing persuasive essays or opinion pieces Summarising political events concisely Crafting formal reports or policy papers Analysing and critiquing political speeches Structuring arguments logically in written debates 9. How confident are you in public speaking on political issues? Very confident, I enjoy debating and presenting. Somewhat confident, but I struggle with fluency. Not very confident, I need more practice. I prefer writing rather than speaking. I need more exposure to formal debate styles. 10. What kind of vocabulary do you find challenging in political discussions? Technical terms related to government and policy Abstract concepts in political philosophy Legal and constitutional language Slang or informal expressions in political discourse Economic and financial terminology in political contexts 11. What kind of exercises or activities would help you improve? Debating with structured arguments Analysing and summarising political speeches Writing opinion pieces on current events Watching and discussing political documentaries Participating in model UN or parliamentary debates 12. What is your preferred learning approach for political language? Immersing myself in news and political programmes Taking part in interactive debates and role-playing exercises Studying structured lessons on political terminology and analysis Working independently with research and writing assignments Combining all methods to create a balanced learning experience Brief selection of political topics readily available for a trial lesson ]]> sbook_plugins/wordlist_generated_from_xml_clog_sbook_for_sbook_session.inc sbook_plugins/payment_history_generated_from_xml_clog_sbook.inc Anastasiia 20250402 12:00-13:00 1 active Rationale for a common European military defence policy By the end of this session you will have studied Zoom meeting details Trial lesson - D.Potter Zoom Meeting (recurring) Meeting ID: 765 1187 4648 Password: pFGjq3 https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76511874648?pwd=pqq81L5Zbdw6lT8hToYVMKUIJsisYn.1 ]]> 14 1 Common military defence policy active edit_ol_qa pix/icons8-collaboration-100_white.png visual

]]> What is the rationale behind a common European military defence policy? ✓ cut cost on public procurement ✓ share responsibility for safeguarding territorial integrity ✓ is considered long overdue Is a common military defence policy an effective deterrent? ✓ probably more useful than nuclear heads 〆EU members seem to be divided as to its deployment 〆any European mobilisation & retaliation are unlikely to match Russian war effort Does the EU really need such military force? ✓ the USA have declined to support Ukraine ✓ need to boost credibility in case of retaliation ✓ is a form of reassurance for central European countries who have experienced Soviet occupation first-hand Can Putin be trusted to observe a ceasefire? 〆the Russian government systematically denied allegations in 2014 and 2022 〆most European leaders were taken by surprise though such events had been predicted by various intelligence services → 2 precedents prove Putin cannot be trusted?... 13 2 CDSP active edit_ol_qa pix/icons8-collaboration-100_white.png Have you ever heard of the CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy)? Can you imagine its role? https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/common-security-and-defence-policy_en

]]> Why does Europe's security start abroad? ]]> What tools does the EU dispose of to promote its objectives? https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/military-csdp-capabilities_en ]]> In what countries and/or regions do you think the CDSP has already carried out missions? https://eunavfor.eu/ EU Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell for the Sahel https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eu-racc-sahel_en EUAM Iraq contributes to a safer and stronger Iraq, through its support, engagement and participation in an effective and sustainable Security Sector Reform Process (SSRP) https://www.euam-iraq.eu/en EU Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) The EUAM RCA Mission advises the Central African authorities on the reform of the internal security sector in order to improve the security situation of the population, contribute to the development of the country and achieve sustainable peace. The support of EUAM RCA experts is based on best practices, while taking into account the local situation. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/euam-rca_en see also: Lybia Moldova & Ukraine Rafah Sahel Mali Sahel Niger Somalia Althea Kosovo Armenia Georgia Palestinina Territories Gulf of Guinea Mozambique https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/common-security-and-defence-policy_en ]]> 12 4 European military reassurance vs deterrence & effectiveness active edit_ol_qa pix/icons8-collaboration-100_white.png Does the EU seriously envisage war? visual

]]> To what extent is the rule of law important to Europeans? Can it justify prolonging the war? ✓ fighting Russian aggression feels morally justified ✓ addresses disparate concerns Russia may violate neighbouring territorial sovereignty ✓ prolonging the war guarantees public spending on long, overdue common military defence policy (independent of the US) ✓ sets high on the agenda the risk of setting a precedent 〆doesn't reflect the reality that Putin is actually unlikely to annexe more territories, especially of NATO members 〆proves to be a costly form of reassurance for central European member states → preserving the rule of law occurs at the cost of human lives rule of law = political and legal ideal that all people and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers, government officials, and judges. It is sometimes stated simply as "no one is above the law" or "all are equal before the law". Is defined as "the mechanism, process, institution, practice, or norm that supports the equality of all citizens before the law, secures a nonarbitrary form of government, and more generally prevents the arbitrary use of power" What are Europe's flaws in resolving conflicts? 〆Europe can't reach agreements on negative outcomes → won't put up with poor geopolitical solutions in Ukraine 〆lacks a strong leader = inherently federated 〆lacks military credibility & deterrence flaw = mistake in sth that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly What countries have a vested interest in not ending the war soon? ✓ Russia can afford to continue the war since it has now reoriented its industries to support the military effort 〆may be eager to recover its frozen assets 〆the situation on the front line hasn't really improved ✓ Ukraine wants to recover its territorial integrity ✓ perhaps overestimating support from the EU & the US ✓ the EU doesn't want to set a precedent by acknowledging Russia has annexed territories = Pandora's box ✓ China & India may enjoy cheap oil & gas ✓ the US may take advantage of Russia's economically weaker position to confront only China ✓ act according to the logic of egoism, i.e. seek their own interest and will not subordinate their interest to the interests of other states (see structural realism) vested interest = personal reason for involvement in an undertaking or situation, especially an expectation of financial or other gain Can Putin be trusted not to conquer more territories? ✓ Putin genuinely wanted to join NATO (see Munich conference in 2007) = was the best guarantee of geopolitical stability in the region 〆perhaps at the cost of former Soviet Union states political independence (e.g. Poland, Ukraine)? → was disappointed not to be allowed to join the club → was irritated by NATO's expansion in central European despite promises by the US government ✓ China is now an economic threat to the USA → American bipolar, geopolitical vision of the USA vs Russia has become obsolete ✓ Trump may afford to underestimate Putin's ambitions → the USA now unlikely to wage war in Europe against Russia ✓ from a European standpoint, moral integrity is often more valuable than geopolitical practicality 〆numerous cases of poisoning & sabotage 'highly likely' by Russian intelligence ✓ notorious corruption & allegations of cheating at Olympic Games... ✓ invasion of Ukraine took prominent European leaders by surprise → Europe can't trust Russian partners 〆following American & Russian perspectives, nations only have interests → Russia could seek more territories in the name of a so-called buffer area 11 to devote = to give most of your time, energy, attention, etc. to sb/sth acutely = in a critical, serious way backdrop = painted piece of fabric that is hung behind the stage in a theatre as part of the scenery; scenery surrounding an event; general conditions in which an event takes place, which sometimes help to explain that event to ramp up = to bolster or strengthen complacency = (usually disapproving) a feeling of satisfaction with yourself or with a situation, so that you do not think any change is necessary dividend = amount of the profits that a company pays to people who own shares in the company rule of law = political and legal ideal that all people and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers, government officials, and judges. It is sometimes stated simply as "no one is above the law" or "all are equal before the law". Is defined as "the mechanism, process, institution, practice, or norm that supports the equality of all citizens before the law, secures a nonarbitrary form of government, and more generally prevents the arbitrary use of power" flaw = mistake in sth that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly vested interest = personal reason for involvement in an undertaking or situation, especially an expectation of financial or other gain 10 20250216 17:00-18:00 1 active Large economies vs economic unions By the end of this session you will have studied 9 1 Largest economies in the world active edit_ol_qa pix/icons8-collaboration-100_white.png What makes some economies larger and more attractive than others? It is believed GDP per capita is a reliable indicator of a market's purchasing power and potential for buying new products, India, however, with hardly 18 times less GDP per capita than the UK, is considered a larger economy. This means... Top 10 largest economies/ richest countries in the world in 2025 sourced from IMF data (as of January 10, 2025) https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/top-10-largest-economies-in-the-world/86159/1

Rank & Country  GDP (USD) 	        2025 Projected Real  	GDP Per Capita 
                                          GDP (% Change)     (Current Prices) (USD)
#1 United States    $30.34 trillion             2.2%            $89.68 thousand
#2 China            $19.53 trillion             4.5%            $13.87 thousand
#3 Germany          $4.92 trillion              0.8%            $57.91 thousand
#4 Japan            $4.39 trillion              1.1%            $35.61 thousand
#5 India            $4.27 trillion              6.5%             $2.94 thousand
#6 United Kingdom   $3.73 trillion              1.5%            $54.28 thousand
#7 France           $3.28 trillion              1.1%            $49.53 thousand
#8 Italy            $2.46 trillion                0.8%          $41.71 thousand
#9 Canada           $2.33 trillion              1.3%            $55.89 thousand
#10 Brazil          $2.31 trillion              2.4%            $10.82 thousand
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What factors contribute to a country's economic growth and size? 
The availability of natural resources, infrastructure, political stability, and human capital drive economic growth. Nations with strong institutions, efficient labour forces, and advanced technology often see larger economies. 

For instance, the United States benefits from a wealth of resources, technological innovation, and a robust workforce, contributing to its economic dominance. 
 


 

How does political stability affect economic attractiveness? 
Political stability fosters investor confidence, reduces risks, and attracts foreign investments. A stable government ensures predictable economic policies, infrastructure development, and rule of law. 

For example, Switzerland's political neutrality and stability have attracted global businesses and financial institutions.



 
 
What role does education and innovation play in economic growth? 
A highly educated workforce fosters innovation, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Countries that prioritize research, development, and education often develop high-value industries. 

South Korea's focus on education and innovation has propelled its economy, especially in technology. 



 
 
How does international trade influence the size of an economy? 
Countries with open trade policies expand their market reach, access resources, and increase exports, contributing to economic size. 

For example, China’s rise as an economic powerhouse is largely driven by its role as the "world's factory" in global trade.
 


 
 
Why do some economies have higher standards of living than others? 
Standard of living is influenced by factors such as income levels, healthcare, education, and social security systems. Countries with strong economies provide better services and opportunities. 

Norway's wealth from oil and its well-developed welfare system result in a high standard of living.
 






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What makes a market more attractive for businesses?


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What is most conducive to growth and profitability: market size, regulations, tariffs?








How does market size affect a business’s potential for growth?

A larger market size offers a broader customer base, increasing demand for products or services. It allows businesses to achieve economies of scale, reduce costs per unit, and grow faster. Larger markets also provide opportunities for diversification in terms of target audiences or product lines.

Example: The smartphone market's size has led companies like Apple and Samsung to scale operations and innovate continuously.





How do regulations impact business profitability?

Regulations set the framework for how businesses can operate. In markets with light regulations, businesses often benefit from lower compliance costs and faster growth. In highly regulated markets, however, businesses face higher operational costs but might also gain a competitive advantage by ensuring higher standards.

Example: In the U.S., deregulation in energy markets has helped renewable energy companies grow rapidly





What role do tariffs play in determining market profitability?

Tariffs directly affect the cost of importing or exporting goods. High tariffs increase costs and reduce profit margins, while low tariffs facilitate smoother international trade. Businesses focused on global supply chains or exports may suffer in markets with high tariffs.

Example: The U.S.-China trade war resulted in higher tariffs on electronics, raising costs for companies like Huawei and Apple.





How do competitive dynamics in a large market influence profitability?

While a large market offers potential, it also invites intense competition. Businesses must innovate, differentiate, and improve efficiency to capture market share. Increased competition can erode profit margins if businesses focus too heavily on price.

Example: The fast-food industry is large but competitive, with brands like McDonald's constantly innovating to maintain market leadership.





What impact do government incentives have on profitability in certain markets?

Government incentives, such as tax breaks, grants, and subsidies, can significantly reduce operating costs and improve profitability. A market that provides these incentives becomes more attractive to businesses, particularly startups or those in industries like technology, green energy, or manufacturing.

Example: Tesla benefited from government incentives for electric vehicles, helping it scale and dominate the EV market.







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conducive = making it easy, possible or likely for sth to happen
pitfall = danger or difficulty, especially one that is hidden or not obvious at first
sustainable = involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment; that can continue or be continued for a long time
sales funnel | purchase funnel = visual representation of the customer journey, depicting the sales process from awareness to action
retention = company's ability to turn customers into repeat buyers and prevent them from switching to a competitor. Businesses work hard to attract customers through marketing, social media, and sales strategies—it only makes sense to invest in customer retention as well
supranational = involving more than one country




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Competitiveness of economic unions
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Can smaller economies compete with larger ones thanks to economic unions? In what ways can economic unions help smaller economies?
 






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Supranational effectiveness of economic unions


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How successful are economic unions in their supranational activities?



✓ integrate monetary and fiscal policies
✓ coordinate policies, taxation, and government spending related to the agreement
✓ provide a common currency that comes with fixed exchange rates

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What is the EAEU? How successful is it in providing supranational regulations?

EAEU - Eurasian Economic Union 
= Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation
✓ also called the Eurasian Union, EAEU or EEU, the Eurasian Economic Union
✓ political and economic union of states in central and northern Eurasia
✓ treaty that established the union was signed in 2014 by the leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan
✓ accession treaty of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan came into force in the following year
✓ seek to foster economic development, free movement of goods, services, capital and labour
✓ contribute to modernisation of the member-states' economies
→ now only viable, though costly, alternative financial landscape to swift transactions





Have you ever heard of the CARICOM, the Single Market and Economy (CSME)?
✓ aims to create an economic space for competitive goods and services to establish a foundation for growth and development of the Caribbean community
✓ enlarged market that provides better opportunities to sell products and services, increased competitiveness, and improvement of the lives of people





Is there any economic union in central America for such countries as Costa Rica or Guatemala?
✓ Central American Common Market
✓ formed by six countries in Central America
✓ Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama





Can the European Union (EU) be considered the world's largest trading bloc?

✓ is the world’s largest trade bloc
Importing goods and services from more than 100 countries, it is the biggest import market, as well as the biggest exporter in the world.

The EU’s common currency is the euro, which is used by its 28 member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The EU countries coordinate their economic policies, laws, and regulations to address economic and financial issues. One of the union’s founding principles is free trade among its members. It is also committed to the liberalization of world trade outside of its borders.

src:
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/economics/economic-union/

As the largest trading bloc globally, the EU is the primary trading partner for more than 80 countries and is among the most open economies worldwide
https://researchfdi.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-eu-single-market/]]>




What challenges does the EU face?
〆diverse economic conditions across member states
〆slower decision-making than in the USA for instance, due to its complex structure
〆ongoing debates over fiscal policy coordination





Can the EU compete with the USA?
✓ the EU and the USA have roughly comparable GDPs
(...)







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to foster = to encourage sth to develop




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Pros and cons of the EAEU


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Is the EAEU an attractive market for businesses?








Why isn't Russia among the top 10 largest economies in the world?

✓ exported natural resources
✓ oligarchs placed dividends in banks in London
(...)





Why haven't Western companies relocated their production to Russia although the GDP per capita is equivalent to the Chinese one?
✓ collectivism & work culture in China more disposed to being outsourced for low-skilled manufacturing and division of labour
→ reminiscent of vassals' behaviour
〆Soviet Union legacy resulted in widespread lack of ownership & accountability
→ little interest in taking their future in their own hands or being held responsible
= unpredictable, unreliable, careless approach to finishing goods
✓ more cultural & economic ties with India





To what extent does market size matter when starting up?





What spheres are regulated at national or supranational levels? How confusing can this be when growing your business?







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feudalism /'fyu:də,lizəm/ = term that emerged in the 17th century that has been used to describe economic, legal, political, social, and economic relationships in the European Middle Ages. Used most narrowly to describe relations between lords and vassals that involve the exchange of land for military service. Feudalism in this sense is thought to have emerged in a time of political disorder in the 11th century as a means to restore order, and it was later a key element in the establishment of strong monarchies 
vassal /ˈvæsəl/ = holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance. Vassals were protected by lords who they had to serve in war






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