Economics Glossary of Key Terms When looking at each of the issue areas involved in the simulation, it is important to remember that the countries around the world are interdependent .
Interdependence is another way of saying that our world is shrinking.
From the increase in global communications through the Internet and e-mail, to an increase in travel and trade, our modern world has forged linkages. This interdependence can be seen through economic activities and a shared fate over global issues like environmental concerns, the possibility of nuclear war, or the spread of disease. Even human rights concerns have become global as domestic conflicts create problems with immigration and refugees, and various economic issues emerge including requests other countries to help finance the conflict, and sanctions and trade embargo from disapproving governments. As these issues need to be discussed at the international level, it is also important to remember the interdependent nature of the actual issue areas. In the past, people have used the timber resources in the rainforest to support themselves.