AP World Prep

Globalization

Growing interconnection of economies, cultures, and politics worldwide.

IMF / World Bank

Institutions that provide loans and shape global economic policy.

World Trade Organization

International body regulating global trade rules.

NAFTA

Trade agreement linking the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

European Union

Regional bloc promoting economic and political integration.

Green Revolution

Agricultural innovations that increased food production in the 20th century.

Climate change

Long-term shifts in climate driven largely by human activity.

Internet

Digital communication network that transformed information and commerce.

Outsourcing

Relocating production or services to lower-cost regions.

Transnational corporations

Firms operating across multiple countries with global supply chains.

NGOs

Non-governmental organizations focused on humanitarian or advocacy work.

Human rights

Global norms protecting individual freedoms and dignity.

HIV/AIDS

Global health crisis that reshaped public health policies.

Migration

Large-scale movement of people for work, safety, or opportunity.

Urbanization

Rapid growth of cities, especially in the Global South.

Digital divide

Unequal access to digital technology and the internet.

Terrorism

Politically motivated violence by non-state actors.

Environmental NGOs

Groups advocating for sustainability and conservation.

Pandemics

Global disease outbreaks with major social and economic impacts.

Cultural diffusion

Spread of ideas, music, language, and values through global contact.

Paris Climate Agreement

2015 global accord aiming to limit temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Global financial crisis (2008)

Worldwide recession triggered by banking and housing market failures in the U.S.

Social media

Digital platforms that accelerate global communication, activism, and cultural exchange.

Global supply chains

Worldwide production networks that distribute manufacturing across multiple countries.

Just-in-time production

Inventory system that reduces storage costs by timing inputs to immediate demand.

Containerization

Standardized shipping containers that reduced costs and sped global trade.

World Health Organization (WHO)

UN agency coordinating global public health responses.

ASEAN

Southeast Asian regional bloc promoting trade and cooperation.

African Union

Pan-African organization promoting unity and development.

BRICS

Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa economic partnership.

Kyoto Protocol

1997 agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

Large-scale removal of forests for agriculture, logging, or development.

Biodiversity loss

Decline in species variety due to habitat destruction and climate change.

Desertification

Expansion of desert conditions due to climate change and overuse.

Clean energy transition

Shift toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Carbon footprint

Total greenhouse gas emissions produced by individuals or organizations.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

1948 UN statement defining fundamental human rights.

Genocide Convention

1948 treaty defining and outlawing genocide.

Truth and reconciliation commissions

Post-conflict bodies that document abuses and promote national healing.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Network of connected devices exchanging data in daily life.

E-commerce

Online buying and selling that reshaped retail markets.

Gig economy

Labor market of short-term contracts and platform-based work.

Pandemic response

Global coordination to manage outbreaks, including vaccines and public health measures.

Refugee crises

Large-scale displacement due to conflict, persecution, or environmental stress.

Cultural homogenization

Spread of similar consumer culture across regions, sometimes reducing local distinctiveness.

Cultural hybridity

Mixing of global and local cultural practices creating new identities.

Populism

Political movements claiming to represent 'the people' against elites.

Terrorism (post-9/11)

Global security focus on non-state violence after attacks like September 11, 2001.

Regional trade agreements

Bloc agreements like EU or ASEAN that lower trade barriers among members.

Bretton Woods institutions

IMF and World Bank, created to stabilize postwar economic order.