Is there a difference between global spells and targeting spells in magic the gathering?
There is a difference. Global spells do not target, and they can get arround permanents with protection of shroud. For example a Wrath of God will destroy a creature with protection from white (or shroud), since the global effect (wrath of god) does not target. On the other hand a path to exile can never affect a creature with protection from white (or shroud), since it can not even target such creature legally. Hopefully this helps.