Global governance and IGOs

2 different theories of likelihood of global governance

1. Social contract theory

2. Neo-liberal theory

Social contract theory

• Locke

  • Limited state created in a state of nature to prevent injutice

  • Therefore this should be applied to global politics

    • Rules-based international system would safeguard states from the problems of the anarchic international system

Neo-liberal theory

• Complex interdependence (lack of hierarchy, decline in military force) → international organisations important

• IGOs/NGOs set agenda, provide a forum and build coalitions

• States make absolute gains in a globally governed system and cooperation is in their interest

The ‘international community’

• 1999 Blair speech post-Kosovo NATO intervention

• Defence of shared values and interests

Separation of national and international interest

• Difficult

• Should act in the international interest when there’s an external threat

Protection of HR by the international community

• Should be done

• HR applies to all humans everywhere

• HR going unchecked → weakening of entire global system of HR

Necessity of states intervening in other state’s business

• To respond to crises that require international community’s response

International law?

• As long as clear and universally agreed = important basis for global politics

2 roles of international law

1. Hold states accountable

2. Ensure universal basic standards

• UDHR sets out basic principles of HR to be respected by all states

Reasons for 2005 R2P

• 1994 - 🇷🇼 genocide ineffectively prevented by 🇺🇳 peacekeepers

2005 R2P quote

“States have a serious responsibility to protect populations if they are suffering/likely to suffer serious harm”

R2P justification

• Core principles of liberalism — only after discussion will military action be justified

4 considerations before R2P is enacted

1. Purpose

2. Timing

3. Legality

4. Substance

Purpose of R2P

• Protection of civilians

Timing of R2P

• Only post-diplomacy/negotiation

Legality of R2P

• Only if authorised by UNSC resolution

  • P5 veto powers mean this could be set up as it wouldn’t be without it

Substance of R2P

• Must be proportionate

• Must be likely to suceed

• Must not make the situation worse

3 difficulties of R2P being enacted in 🇨🇳 (Uighur Muslims)

1. 🇨🇳 will not admit to commiting a genocide and therefore won’t negotiate — criteria 2 cannot be fulfilled

2. Cannot be proven due to censorship, and even if it can be, 🇨🇳 has a UNSC veto — criteria 3 cannot be fulfilled

Role of non-state actors in GG

• Make states aware of viewpoints/new policy choices

  • Add to richness of debate

• Peacefully resolve or de-escalate inter-state disputes

5 important aspects of IGOs

1. Universal and comprehensive source of IL

2. Have more power than a state acting alone

3. Improve integration, e.g. via free trade

4. Forum for negotation

5. Represent a broad range of ideas

Impacts of IGOs: 🇺🇳 (3)

1. MDGs and SDGs

2. PK missions across the 🌍

3. Acts via military action and sanctions

Impacts of IGOs: IMF(2)

1. Resolves cross-state financial crises

2. Had a more important role and impact on the global economy post-2008

Impact of IGOs: WB (2)

1. Improving international development

2. Implementing MDGs and SDGs

Impact of IGOs: NATO (2)

1. Military operations in 🇦🇫

2. Counter-piracy in Indian 🌊

Impact of IGOs: AU (2)

1. Formation of African bloc to increase African influence on the world stage

2. Peacekeeping in Africa

Impact of IGOs: ASEAN (3)

1. Increasing SE. Asian influence

2. Countering 🇨🇳

3. Better trade and connection

2 realist criticisms

1. IGOs are only useful if they support a state’s national interest

2. IGOs have too much power; should not be able to compel states to do things (hence vetos)

🇺🇸 undermining 🇺🇳 (4 ways)

1. Denial of visas to delegates from countries they don’t like

2. Huge funding cuts to humanitarian agencies - US AID

3. Vetos any proposals re. SDGs, 🇮🇱

4. Efficacy of 🇺🇳 = dependent on how interested 🇺🇸 is in the international community