CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Contemporary Global Governance

The global economy refers to the interconnected worldwide economic activities that take
place between multiple countries. These economic activities can have either a positive
or negative impact on the countries involved.
What is an International Organization?
An international organization is an organization established by a treaty or other
instrument governed by international law and possessing its own international legal
personality
Often refers to international intergovernmental organizations or groups that are primarily
made up of member states.
Types of international organization:
1. Intergovernmental Organizations (IGO)
 Share national experts and resources.
 Formed between 2 or more government come together for a specific purpose.
2. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO)
 Work to solve problems around the world, not connected to any government.
 Free to work towards their goal without government interference.
Power of International Organization
1. Power of classification
 Create powerful global standards
2. Power to fixed meaning
 Various terms like “security” or “development” need to be well defined.
 State organizations and individuals view international organizations as legitimate
sources of information
3. Power to diffuse norms
 Can be source of great good and harm.
 Promote relevant norms like environmental protection and human rights.
The United Nations
The UN is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193
Member States, the UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles
contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with
a rapidly changing world.

The work of the United Nations covers five main areas:

1. Maintain International Peace and Security- The UN accomplishes this by working

to prevent conflict, helping parties in conflict make peace, deploying
peacekeepers, and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish.
2. Protect Human Rights- Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom
from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work
and education, and many more.
3. Deliver Humanitarian Aid- global fund that provides immediate rapid-response
aid when disasters strike, and individual Humanitarian Funds for ongoing crises
in specific countries.
4. Support Sustainable Development and Climate Action- development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
5. Uphold International Law- to establish conditions under which justice and respect
for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can
be maintained.

Six organs of United Nations General Assembly (GA)- the main policy-making organ of
the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for
multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter
of the United Nations.

1. Security Council (SC)-has primary responsibility for the maintenance of

international peace and security.
2. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)- brings people and issues together to
promote collective action for a sustainable world.
3. Trusteeship Council- The main goals of the International Trusteeship System
were to promote the advancement of the inhabitants of Trust Territories and their
progressive development towards self-government or independence.
4. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The Court has two functions:

1. To settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted by
States, and
2. To give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to by authorized UN organs
and specialized agencies. UN Secretariat-The United Nations Secretariat carries
out the day-to-day work of the UN as mandated by the General Assembly and
the Organization's other main organs.

Global governance refers to the system of international institutions, norms, rules, and
processes that aim to address transnational issues and manage global affairs. It
encompasses mechanisms for cooperation, coordination, and decision-making among
states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other
stakeholders to address common challenges and pursue shared objectives.

Global governance extends beyond traditional state-centric approaches to include a

wide range of actors and issues, reflecting the increasingly interconnected and
interdependent nature of the world. Key areas of global governance include peace and
security, human rights, development, trade, finance, environment, health, and
technology.

Examples of Global governance institutions include the United Nations (UN), World
Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank.

The goal of global governance is to promote stability, cooperation, and prosperity at the
international level by fostering dialogue, negotiation, and collective action to address
global challenges and advance common interests.

The challenges of global governance in the 21st century include;

1. Complexity- Global issues like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism are
complex and interconnected, making effective governance difficult.
2. Power Shifts- Emerging powers challenge the traditional dominance of Western
nations, leading to disagreements over governance structures and priorities.
3. Nationalism- Rising nationalism can hinder cooperation and weaken multilateral
institutions, making it harder to address global problems collectively.
4. Technological Advancements-Rapid technological advancements present new
governance challenges, such as regulating cybersecurity.
5. Inequality- Economic, social, and political inequalities within and between nations
exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts to achieve global cooperation.
6. Environmental Degradation- Environmental degradation, including biodiversity
loss and pollution, poses existential threats that require coordinated global
responses.
7. Security Threats- Transnational security threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks,
and organized crime require enhanced cooperation among nations.
8. Erosion of Trust-Trust in traditional institutions and governance mechanisms is
declining, leading to skepticism about the effectiveness of global governance.

Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts, innovative approaches, and

a renewed commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

RELEVANCE OF STATE AMID GLOBALIZATION

State is a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one

government.

4 Elements of a State

 Sovereignty - the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

 Government - the machinery of the state through which the people’s will is
formulated and carried out.
 Territory – includes all the land, sea and airspace the state exercises jurisdiction
on.
 People – the organization of human beings living together as a community.

In the context of globalization, the relevance of the state remains significant for several
reasons:

a. Regulation and Governance: States play a crucial role in regulating economic

activities, ensuring fair competition, protecting consumers, and enforcing laws.
This is especially important in a globalized world where companies operate
across borders, and there's a need for consistent rules and standards.
b. National Security: States are responsible for protecting their borders, citizens,
and interests in an increasingly interconnected world. This includes managing
security threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime that can
transcend national boundaries.
c. International Relations: States represent their citizens in international forums and
negotiations, shaping global policies on trade, environment, human rights, and
other issues. They engage in diplomacy, form alliances, and participate in
international organizations to pursue their interests and influence global affairs.
d. Social Welfare: States provide essential services such as education, healthcare,
social security, and infrastructure development to ensure the well-being of their
citizens. Globalization can impact these services through factors like migration,
trade agreements, and technological advancements, requiring states to adapt
their policies accordingly.
e. Cultural Identity: States often serve as custodians of cultural heritage and
national identity in the face of globalization's homogenizing influences. They
promote cultural diversity, support indigenous communities, and preserve
traditional values through policies and initiatives.

Overall, while globalization has led to increased interconnectedness and the rise of non-
state actors, the state remains a crucial actor in shaping and managing the impacts of
globalization on societies, economies, and international relations.