Learning Module 2
The Contemporary World
Learning Packet 3
Contemporary
Global Governance
NGEC 0723 The Contemporary World
Learning Packet 3
Contemporary Global Governance
Introduction
States have risen through different phases of evolution. Stronger states have dominated
world affairs and asserted their stand on various perspectives of globalization. Not to
discount the fact that political and economic power continues to be displayed in different
international interplay of multifaceted approaches in world affairs.
In the distant past, the so-called colonizers have metamorphosed into the modern
global northern states and former colonies struggle to be part of global affairs and are
categorized as developing countries and less-developed countries or simply the global
south. International relations is seemingly precarious at this stage in the absence of a
“world government” that should administer world affairs.
Objectives
At the end of the learning packet, you are expected to identify different institutions and
organizations that facilitate globalization, analyze the significance of the United Nations,
its Organs and reflect the issues and problems that correspond on the global governance.
Learning Management System
(Provide the link for the class as used in Google Classroom. Likewise, share links of
other learning materials stored using the Google Drive. In the event that a
commercial LMS will be made available by the University, links shall be
refreshed/updated and also be shared.)
Duration
• Topic 03: Contemporary Global Governance = 3 hours (1.5 hours self-directed learning
with practical exercises and 1.5 hours
assessment)
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NGEC 0723 The Contemporary World
Readings
Suggested Readings and Videos. Access them on the internet just follow the link:
1. The United Nations and Contemporary World Governance
[Link]
2. Asian Regionalism [Link]
v=6ppMoazEKUQ
3. World of Regions [Link]
4. The Global Divides – Global South [Link]
v=Z-k-e4v2mZE
Contemporary Global Governance is viewed from the angle of various players
in the international arena. The rise of various regional organizations of nation-states
have paved the way to cooperation, amity and peace. The United Nations envisions a
harmonious world that every challenge can be tackled in the ambience of diplomatic
umbrella.
The different videos will give a clear understanding on how different states
deal with countries in various settings.
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NGEC 0723 The Contemporary World
Introduction
Key Points:
In a fast and changing world, the dynamics of international
interplay has caused several changes in world affairs. What • Governance
stands in the forefront is the United Nations Organization • United Nations
• The Treaty of
or the U.N. The 193 member states have all equal statuses Westphalia
in the organization. In turn, various member-states have • International
aligned themselves to different organizations aside from Relations
the UN for various reasons. Be it political or economic • Diplomatic
agenda, states have demonstrated their option for survival Relations
in the world arena. • International
Actors
In this learning packet, you are expected to demonstrate
understanding on the basic tenets of world politics Definition of Terms:
specially on how states adhere to the international
principles of peace, amity, justice and cooperation as Governance. It refers
espoused by the United Nations. to structures and
processes that are
Lesson Proper designed to ensure
accountability,
transparency,
responsiveness, rule
of law, stability, equity
and inclusiveness,
empowerment, and
broad-based
participation.
United Nations. It is
an intergovernmental
organization aiming to
maintain international
peace and security,
develop friendly
relations among
nations, achieve
international
cooperation, and be a
center for harmonizing
the actions of nations.
The Treaty of
Westphalia. It is
regarded as a key step
in the development of
tolerance and
secularization across
the world. It also
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strengthened nations
● Brief Lesson. since they could now
enter into foreign
Global governance refers to the sum of laws, norms, alliances and decide
policies and institutions that define, constitute and mediate important matters,
trans-border relations between states, cultures, citizens, such as peace and
intergovernmental and nongovernmental organization and war.
the market. In a civilized world, international law is the
International
benchmark of world affairs. International law may be
Relations. It is the
defined as the rules and principles that nation-states consider
study of the relations
binding upon themselves. International law pertains to
of states with each
property, trade, immigration, and other areas that have
other and with
traditionally been under the jurisdiction of individual nations.
international
International law applies only to the extent that countries are
organizations and
willing to assume all rights and obligations in these areas. certain subnational
The roots of modern international law can be traced back to entities (e.g.,
the 17th-century Peace of Westphalia. bureaucracies,
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization political parties, and
aiming to maintain international peace and security, develop interest groups).
friendly relations among nations, achieve international
Diplomatic
cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of Relations. It refers to
nations. The UN has 4 main purposes: the relationship
● To keep peace throughout the world; between two
● To develop friendly relations among nations; countries in which
they send diplomats
● To help nations work together to improve the to work in each
lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, other's country.
disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect establish/break off
for each other’s rights and freedoms; diplomatic relations
● To be a center for harmonizing the actions of
International Actors.
nations to achieve these goals
It include states,
States operate in a multicentric environment and organizations and
respect the element of political sovereignty. This is individuals that are not
expressed in their voting rights in the United Nations affiliated with, directed
by, or funded through
General Assembly.
the government. These
include corporations,
private financial
institutions, and NGOs,
as well as paramilitary
and armed resistance
groups.
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NGEC 0723 The Contemporary World
In the same vein, nation-states aligned themselves
by establishing relationships with other states of similar
background. The idea of regionalism was given birth.
Regionalism which is “the formal process of
intergovernmental collaboration between two or more
states (i.e. ASEAN). Regionalism is the set of conscious
activities carried out by states within a region to cooperate
while regionalization is a less conscious process which is
the outcome of these states' policies.
Globalization is focused on the rapid expansion and
intensification of social relations across world time and
space (Steger, 2013)
Regionalization the latter is part of globalization.
The United Nations as an International Organization
The United Nations is composed of 193 member
states with 2 countries as observers namely: Vatican and
Palestine. The main function of the United Nations is to
preserve international peace and security. Chapter 6 of the
Charter provides for the pacific settlement of disputes,
through the intervention of the Security Council, by means
such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial
decisions.
The Six Main Organs
1. The General Assembly
2. The Security Council
3. The Trusteeship Council
4. The Economic and Social Council
5. The International Court of Justice
6. The Secretariat
The International Actors
● States
● International Organizations
● Civil Society
● Market (Global Corporations/Industries)
The international actors have their own sphere of
influence in globalization. As to the degree of their influence,
it varies. This is due to various factors in the realm of global
interplay. Dominant states coming from the global north
display their presence in the international arena through the
presence of Multinational Corporations and Transnational
Corporations operating in various places in the world.
Resiliency in developing and less-developed
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countries are shown in various strategies formulated
through their state policies.
● Generalization.
There is no Global Government. There is no central
government. It is a rule-based order without government.
Global governance is the sum of laws, norms, policies, and
institutions that define, constitute and mediate trans-border
relations between states, cultures, citizens,
intergovernmental and nongovernmental organization, and
the market. It is based on the working concept of a
multicentric environment. The modern global interstate
system operates on the virtues of equality and respect
among sovereign states. International law and
jurisprudence play a vital role in a harmonious relationship
among countries.
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References
De Guzman, J. et al. 2020. The Contemporary World. Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Valenzuela City
Martinez, R. M, et al. 2018. The Contemporary World. Mindshapers Co. Inc.
Intramuros Manila
Steger, M. B. (2005). Ideologies of Globalization. Journal of Political Ideologies. pp.
11-30
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NGEC 0723 The Contemporary World
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