Lesson 6: Global Governance

Global Governance

The system of laws, norms, policies, and institutions that regulate global affairs in the absence of a world government.

Governance

The sum of institutions and processes that manage collective affairs, both public and private, at various levels.

Thakur & Weiss on Global Governance

Argue that despite no single global government, rules, norms, and institutions manage cross-border activities like trade, security, and mail delivery.

Commission on Global Governance (1995)

Defines governance as a continuing process accommodating conflicts and fostering cooperation through formal and informal institutions.

World Governance

Another term for global governance, involving multiple actors including international organizations, states, and corporations.

Consensus in Global Governance

An international process of decision-making that includes governments, international organizations, and corporations to create globally accepted rules and policies.

Institutions of Global Governance

Includes organizations like the United Nations (UN), International Criminal Court (ICC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO).

Biermann and Pattberg (2008) on Global Governance

Identify trends like new actors beyond national governments, emergence of new institutions, and increasing segmentation in governance.

Challenges in Global Governance

Includes decision-making disparities, inefficiency, lack of enforcement, legitimacy concerns, and the role of powerful states.

The Role of the United Nations (UN)

Founded in 1945, the UN maintains peace, promotes human rights, and coordinates international cooperation through its agencies and agreements.

UN Functions

Maintains global peace, develops friendly international relations, solves economic and social issues, promotes human rights, and coordinates multilateral actions.

Managing Knowledge in Global Governance

A core function of the UN, involving research, data gathering, and knowledge-sharing through reports and policy discussions.

Promulgating Recommendations

The UN and global governance bodies issue non-binding recommendations to influence national and international policies.

Institutionalizing Ideas

When norms and policies are formalized in institutions, ensuring long-term governance impact.

Challenges in 21st Century Global Governance

Includes rapid globalization, increased number of state and non-state actors, and rising global threats like terrorism and climate change.

Ramesh Thakur on Global Governance

Identifies six key governance challenges, including inefficiency, lack of legitimacy, and power imbalances in decision-making.

The G20

A major global economic forum representing the world's largest economies, aimed at economic cooperation and crisis management.

Montevideo Convention (1933)

Defines statehood under international law with four qualifications: permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity for foreign relations.

Relevance of the State Amid Globalization

Despite globalization, the state remains a central authority in governance, economy, and law enforcement.

Eric Hobsbawm on the State

Historian who highlights the changing role of the state due to external sovereignty influences and globalization.

The Weakening of the State

Globalization has challenged state power through economic integration, regional institutions like the EU, and transnational decision-making.

The End of the Nation-State?

Some scholars argue that globalization may lead to the decline of nation-state power, while others believe states will adapt or remain central in governance.

Eric Hobsbawm on Borders

Argues that technological advances in transport and communication have made territorial borders less relevant, increasing cross-border migration and dual-state involvement.

Globalization and the State

Hobsbawm suggests that the state's relevance may decrease in future globalization, but its role in redistribution and social policies remains crucial.

Redistribution Function of the State

Refers to the state's role in reallocating wealth and income through taxation, welfare, public services, and other economic policies.

Supranational Governance

The idea that large states or transnational entities (e.g., the EU) may play a bigger role in governance due to globalization.

Limits of Global Institutions

Hobsbawm notes that while global institutions exist, they currently lack the power to fully address international economic inequalities.

Nation-State vs. Globalization

Despite globalization, nation-states still play a major role in social development, cultural preservation, and economic management.

Realism vs. Liberalism in Global Governance

Realism views global governance as controlled by powerful states prioritizing self-interest and national security (e.g., the US ignoring ICC rulings). Liberalism sees global governance as a tool for cooperation, where institutions (e.g., UN, WTO) help states work together for mutual benefit.

Sovereignty vs. Human Rights

Sovereignty argues that states have the absolute right to govern themselves without external interference. Human rights interventionism supports global governance mechanisms like the UN or ICC intervening in cases of genocide, war crimes, or oppression (e.g., NATO’s intervention in Kosovo vs. inaction in Syria).

Legitimacy vs. Efficiency in Global Governance

Legitimacy means governance must be inclusive and representative (e.g., UN General Assembly includes all countries). Efficiency prioritizes quick decision-making, often at the cost of representation (e.g., the G7 making major economic decisions with limited membership).

Hard Law vs. Soft Law in Global Governance

Hard law refers to binding international treaties and institutions with enforcement power (e.g., WTO trade rules). Soft law consists of non-binding agreements and diplomatic resolutions (e.g., the Paris Agreement on climate change).

The UN vs. Regional Organizations

The UN operates at a global level, addressing security, development, and human rights but struggles with enforcement. Regional organizations (e.g., EU, ASEAN) are more focused and efficient in their areas but lack global reach.

G7/G20 vs. United Nations in Global Economic Governance

G7/G20 are informal groups of major economies that make fast economic decisions but exclude most of the world. The UN (via UNCTAD, IMF, World Bank) includes more countries but is slower and less decisive.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) vs. State Sovereignty

The ICC aims to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity but lacks enforcement because major powers (US, China, Russia) reject its authority. State sovereignty protects national legal systems from external interference, often allowing leaders to avoid accountability.

World Trade Organization (WTO) vs. Bilateral Trade Agreements

The WTO sets global trade rules, ensuring fairness and dispute resolution, but negotiations are slow. Bilateral trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU-Japan trade deal) are faster and tailored to specific partners but may exclude weaker economies.

Globalization vs. Nationalism

Globalization increases economic interdependence, weakens borders, and encourages international governance (e.g., EU integration). Nationalism pushes for state independence, border control, and economic protectionism (e.g., Brexit, America First policies).

Economic Governance: IMF vs. World Bank

The IMF stabilizes currencies and financial crises by providing emergency loans but enforces strict austerity measures. The World Bank focuses on long-term development projects like infrastructure and poverty reduction but is often criticized for favoring Western interests.

Paris Agreement vs. Kyoto Protocol (Climate Change Governance)

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) imposed legally binding emission cuts but only on developed nations. The Paris Agreement (2015) included all countries in voluntary commitments but lacks strong enforcement mechanisms.

First World vs. Third World Perspectives on Global Governance

First World (developed countries) often dominate global institutions like the IMF, WTO, and UN Security Council. Third World (developing countries) argue these institutions enforce unfair economic policies that favor the rich.

Formal vs. Informal Global Governance

Formal governance includes structured institutions like the UN and WTO, with official treaties and enforcement mechanisms. Informal governance involves networks of states, NGOs, and corporations making non-binding agreements (e.g., Davos World Economic Forum discussions).