What are some examples of structural violence in global politics?

Structural violence in global politics can be seen in economic inequality, health disparities, and systemic racism.

Economic inequality is a significant form of structural violence in global politics. It is often perpetuated by international financial institutions and trade agreements that favour wealthy nations at the expense of poorer ones. For instance, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been criticised for imposing austerity measures on developing countries, leading to cuts in social spending and exacerbating poverty and inequality. Similarly, trade agreements often protect the interests of powerful nations and multinational corporations, undermining the ability of developing countries to protect their economies and workers.

Health disparities also represent a form of structural violence. These disparities are often the result of economic inequality and systemic discrimination, and they are exacerbated by global health policies and practices. For example, pharmaceutical companies in wealthy nations often hold patents on life-saving drugs, making them unaffordable for people in poorer countries. Additionally, global health initiatives often focus on diseases that primarily affect wealthy nations, neglecting the health needs of people in poorer countries.

Systemic racism is another example of structural violence in global politics. It is embedded in international relations and global institutions, leading to policies and practices that disproportionately harm racial and ethnic minorities. For example, immigration policies often discriminate against people from certain countries or regions, leading to human rights abuses and social exclusion. Similarly, the global war on drugs has been criticised for disproportionately targeting people of colour, leading to mass incarceration and other forms of social harm.

In conclusion, structural violence is a pervasive and insidious form of violence in global politics. It is often invisible and unacknowledged, but its effects are profound and far-reaching. Understanding and addressing structural violence is therefore a crucial task for anyone interested in promoting justice and equality in global politics.