Here is Article 31, continuing one by one, same IB Geography revision style, ~450 words, with meta title and meta description, clean and student-focused.

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Trade and Global Power Relations | IB Geography

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Understand how international trade influences global power relations in IB Geography, including inequality, dependency, and economic influence.

How Does Trade Influence Global Power Relations? (IB Geography)

Trade is a powerful force shaping global power relations and is a key focus in IB Geography, particularly within the Power, Places and Networks unit. International trade influences which countries gain wealth, political influence, and economic stability, and it plays a central role in shaping relationships between states.

Countries that dominate global trade networks tend to hold greater global power. High-income countries often control high-value industries such as finance, technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. These countries export high-value goods and services while importing raw materials and low-cost manufactured products. This trade structure allows them to accumulate wealth and exert influence over global markets.

In contrast, many low-income countries are dependent on the export of primary commodities such as minerals, agricultural products, or fossil fuels. These products often have low and unstable prices, making economies vulnerable to global market fluctuations. This dependency can limit economic development and reduce political influence, reinforcing global power imbalances.

Trade also influences power through trade agreements and economic blocs. Countries with strong economies can negotiate favourable trade terms, shaping rules that benefit their industries. Membership in powerful trade blocs can increase influence and market access, while countries excluded from these agreements may struggle to compete. Trade rules can therefore reflect and reinforce existing power structures.

In IB Geography, the concept of unequal exchange is important. Unequal exchange occurs when developing countries export large quantities of low-value goods while importing smaller quantities of expensive manufactured products. This imbalance transfers wealth from poorer to richer countries over time, strengthening the power of already dominant economies.

Trade can also be used as a political tool. Sanctions, tariffs, and trade restrictions are sometimes imposed to influence the behaviour of other countries. These measures can weaken economies, pressure governments, and reshape international relations. Countries with diversified economies and strong trade networks are better able to withstand such pressures, increasing their global power.

However, trade does not always reinforce inequality. Some countries have used trade strategically to increase their global influence by industrialising, diversifying exports, and investing in education and infrastructure. This demonstrates that trade can be a pathway to increased power if managed effectively.

Overall, trade influences global power relations by shaping economic strength, political leverage, and dependency relationships. The benefits of trade are unevenly distributed, contributing to global inequalities and shifting power dynamics.

RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students analyse trade and power relations clearly, linking economic processes to global influence and exam-style evaluation.