UN Reform (Annan & Brundtland), Foroohar and Bremmer - GVPT 200 2nd midterm

Four propisitions for UN

1. Establishment of a New Category of Members

   • Introduce a new member category with longer terms than non-permanent members, focusing on a merit-based selection process to promote a more democratic structure.

2. Solemn Pledge on the Veto Power

   • Encourage P5 members to commit to using their veto power responsibly and to provide clear reasoning when exercised, while seeking consensus.

3. Listening to Affected Communities

   • The UNSC should engage with those impacted by its decisions, ensuring their perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

4. Improved Leadership Selection Process

   • Advocate for a transparent selection process for the UN Secretary-General, promoting diversity and independent candidates with a single nonrenewable term of seven years.

Foohar - main points

• Decline of Globalization: Since the late 20th century, the link between global trade and national interest has diminished. Politicians have increasingly focused on domestic implications of trade, particularly after crises that revealed vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

• Rising Nationalism: Political movements advocating for realignment of trade with national interests have gained traction, alongside a surge in populism, indicating a shift away from open global markets.

• Regionalization and Localization: The evolving economic landscape suggests a move towards localized economies. Countries are increasingly reassessing their dependency on global supply chains, leading to a rise in national policies and regional trade strategies.

• Importance of Place: Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have highlighted the significance of local contexts in economic planning. The future economy is likely to be more regionally focused, integrating local needs and resources in response to global influences.

Bremmer - main points

• Globalization is currently perceived as fragmenting rather than dead.

• Despite the fragmentation, interdependence remains a dominant force in international relations.

• Although a geopolitical recession is occurring, globalization has not entirely unraveled:

  • Economic data suggests that globalization is not reversing.

  • Cross-border investment and financial market returns remain highly correlated globally.

  • Merchandise trade is near all-time highs, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

• Partial decoupling is evident, primarily in the following contexts:

  • Total decoupling between advanced democracies and Russia following sanctions and economic measures.

  • Despite reduced ties, Russia remains involved in the global economy through oil and other trades with countries like China and India.

  • Geopolitical competition between the US and China leading to decoupling in national security sectors.

• The US and China remain interdependent, despite tensions:

  • Continued demand for each other's goods in trade.

  • 2021 US-China trade figures: bilateral trade at 657extbillion657extbillion, increasing from 557extbillion557extbillion in 2019.

  • The West’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing highlights economic interrelation despite pressures to decouple

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