THE GLOBAL

INTERSTATE
SYSTEM
Objectives:

• Explain the effects of globalization

on governments
• Identify the institutions that govern
international relations
• Differentiate internationalism from
globalism
Nations once held strong control over their own
economies and politics. However, as
globalization advanced, the power of nation-
states declined. This shift happened because of
the rise of supranational organizations such as
the United Nations, International Monetary
Fund, World Bank, and World Trade
Organization, which influence global
governance.
Zürn (2013) explained that globalization
transforms nearly all modern political
institutions by reducing the autonomy of
nation-states, weakening democracy, and
changing sovereignty. This shift moves
international politics from an anarchic system
toward global governance, which refers to
rules and regulations created to solve
problems that cross national borders and to
provide shared global benefits.
According to Zürn (2013), global governance
has two key implications:

1. Governance beyond the nation-state is

possible by separating structures from actors
and content.
2. International cooperation goes beyond
coordination between states, aiming to achieve
shared political goals and address common
global problems based on collective interests.
EFFECTS OF
GLOBALIZATION
ON GOVERNMENT
Globalization changes modern political institutions, especially
nation-states. It influences how governments create domestic
policies and programs.

Buchanan (2012) explained that globalization has reshaped the

political role of states. While states were meant to be sovereign,
globalization has led them to share or pool sovereignty through
conventions, contracts, and external pressures. This results in
more similar jurisdictions across countries, with power now
viewed more in economic than purely political terms.
Consequently, states experience political change collectively and
become more development-oriented.
Buchanan (2012) argued that states have shifted from being
fully authoritative to more dependent on others. For example,
Britain and many countries rely on the US as a guiding power.
While this dependence limits sovereignty, it can also be
positive since strong states benefit from strong allies.

Navarathman (2014) argued that globalization has weakened

the nation-state’s monopoly over sovereignty. With
diminishing importance of territory and boundaries, states are
losing control over both internal and international affairs,
challenging their traditional sovereignty.
Globalization has significantly reshaped the role and sovereignty
of nation-states. According to Navarathman (2014), this impact
can be seen in three main ways:

1. Economic Control: International trade and capital markets

have reduced states’ ability to manage their domestic economies.
2. Delegation of Authority: States now transfer authority to
international organizations to cope with global challenges.
3. International Law: New international legal frameworks limit
states’ independent policy-making.

Additionally, advances in technology have crossed borders,

influencing states’ autonomy and capacity (Camilleri & Falk,
1992). Non-state actors have also grown powerful, challenging
state authority both internally and externally.
Khan (2015) explained that globalization has both
positive and negative effects on states. On the
positive side, it fosters development, improves
accountability of state laws, raises awareness, and
promotes world peace through interdependence.
However, it also encourages regionalization,
allows developed countries to exploit
underdeveloped ones, weakens state sovereignty,
and makes national economies more fragile
(Burak 2011 in Khan, 2015).
Bloor (2022) argued that globalization makes it
harder for nation-states to protect their borders,
especially from non-state actors like international
terrorists, and leaves them vulnerable to the global
financial system. Many scholars believe this shows
the decline of the Westphalian system. At the same
time, Bloor noted that nationalism remains strong
because people feel emotionally attached to their
nation. In fact, globalization may even revive
nationalism, as seen in the rise of populist parties and
figures such as Poland’s PiS.
POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE EFFECT OF
GLOBALIZATION ON
GOVERNMENT
POSITIVE EFFECTS

1. Promotes Development - Globalization encourages governments to

adopt development-oriented policies and programs (Khan, 2015).
2. Improves Accountability - Global pressure and cooperation push
states to improve the accountability of their laws and governance
systems (Khan, 2015).
3. Raises Awareness & Cooperation - Governments become more
aware of international standards and collaborate with others to
address global issues (Khan, 2015).
4. Encourages Peace through Interdependence - Strong
interconnections among states reduce the likelihood of conflicts and
promote global peace (Khan, 2015).
5. Shared Strength with Allies - Weaker states can benefit from
aligning with stronger states, gaining support in security and
development (Buchanan, 2012).
NEGATIVE EFFECTS

1. Weakens Sovereignty - States lose full control over

their internal and external affairs, as sovereignty is
shared or influenced by international agreements and
organizations (Navarathman, 2014).
2. Reduced Economic Control - International trade and
global capital markets limit a government’s ability to
manage its own domestic economy (Navarathman,
2014).
3. Delegation of Authority - Governments transfer
decision-making power to international bodies (e.g., UN,
WTO), reducing national independence (Navarathman,
2014).
4. Vulnerability to Exploitation - Developed
nations may exploit underdeveloped ones through
unequal economic relationships (Khan, 2015).
5. Border & Security Challenges - Governments
struggle to control borders against threats like
terrorism and cybercrime due to globalization
(Bloor, 2022).
6. Rise of Nationalism - Ironically, globalization
can fuel nationalism and populism as people react
against the loss of sovereignty (Bloor, 2022).
INSTITUTIONS THAT
GOVERN
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Several key institutions play a significant role in
governing international relations. These include
the United Nations (UN), the World Trade
Organization (WTO), and the International
Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, the World
Bank and regional organizations like the
European Union also contribute to the
framework of global governance.
United Nations (UN): The UN is a central
body for maintaining international peace and
security, fostering cooperation between
nations, and promoting human rights and
development. It has various organs like the
Security Council, which is responsible for
maintaining peace, and the General Assembly,
where member states discuss global issues.
World Trade Organization (WTO):
The WTO sets the rules for international
trade and helps resolve trade disputes
between countries. It provides a
framework for negotiating and
implementing trade agreements,
promoting global trade, and ensuring a
level playing field for all members.
International Monetary Fund (IMF):
The IMF focuses on global monetary
cooperation and financial stability. It
monitors the economic policies of
member nations, provides financial
assistance to countries facing economic
difficulties, and works to prevent
financial crises.
Other important institutions:

World Bank: Provides financial

and technical assistance to
developing countries to support
economic development and reduce
poverty.
Regional Organizations: These
include the European Union, the
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN), and the African
Union, among others. They address
regional issues and promote
cooperation within their respective
areas.
International organizations play important role
globalization and international relations. For instance, The
World Trade Organization (WTO) governs international
trade. Regiona organizations like Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN and European Union (EU)
facilitate regional political, cultura and economic
integration between countries in Southeast Asi and
Europe respectively. These organizations serve as globa
governments that help in maintaining good relations
between countries around the world. Also international
organization provide a venue to solve issues that are
beyond the control of countries such as trade dispute
arbitrations and forging of free trade agreements between
multiple countries.
INTERNATIONALISM
VS GLOBALISM
Introduction:

The terms “internationalism” and “globalism”are

often confused, but they are actually very different.
Both deal with how nations interact in today’s world,
but they view relationships and boundaries in unique
ways. To understand our present age of globalization,
it’s important to first know the difference.
Internationalism:

Definition: Internationalism refers to relationships between

or among nations.
Focus: The nation is still the basic unit.
Examples:
International trade agreements
Regional alliances (like ASEAN or NATO)
Bilateral treaties between two countries
Characteristics:

 Nations remain distinct and separate.

Borders still matter (laws, languages,
currencies).
Nations cooperate but do not lose their
identity.
Globalism:

Definition: Globalism refers to the world as a ‘single

system’ where national borders are less significant.
Focus: Integration of economies, cultures, and societies
beyond the nation-state.
Examples:
 Free trade and free flow of capital
 Easy or uncontrolled migration
 Operations of multinational corporations
Characteristics:

National borders become less important.

Supranational institutions (like the EU or
UN) play a role.
People, goods, and ideas move more
freely across borders
KEY DIFFERENCES

INTERNATIONAL GLOBALISM
ISM
Between nations Beyond nations
Borders matter Beyond diminish
Nation is main Global system is
unit main unit
Focused on the Focused on
cooperation integration of
among countries economies and
societies
Transition from Internationalism to Globalism

 Internationalism → Cooperation between nations

while keeping strong borders.
 Globalism → Borders become less relevant,
economies and societies merge.
 No exact moment marks the shift; it is a gradual
process.
Conclusion

We now live in the “age of globalization”, where

globalism has become more dominant. Transnational
corporations and supranational institutions play major
roles in shaping a world where national borders matter
less. While internationalism is still important in
diplomacy and agreements, globalism reflects today’s
reality of a more interconnected and borderless world.
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