Geopolitics Session 2

Overview

  • Geopolitics and Globalization

    • Globalization refers to closer economic, cultural, and political relations worldwide due to enhanced travel and communication.

    • It promotes planetary awareness regarding common issues (ecology, hunger, health, human rights).

    • Transnational mobilizations challenge traditional state borders and supremacy as states are no longer the sole actors in global relations.

Session 2: Globalization and the Diversification of Actors

  • Influence of Diverse Actors

    • States, while still significant, no longer have a monopoly on world politics.

    • New actors influencing global politics include:

      • Corporations

      • NGOs

      • Individuals

Types of Actors in International Relations

1. State Actors

  • Rational Individuals: Moravcsik states that rational individuals form the core of international politics.

  • Observations from Keohane and Nye:

    • Three types of actors: governmental, sub-state, and non-state.

    • Asymmetrical interdependence among these actors.

    • Less focus on military force in non-military domains.

2. Non-State Actors

  • Transnational Relationships:

    • Defined as relationships formed beyond national frameworks; less controlled by states (Badie & Smouts).

  • NGOs and Organizations:

    • Established for cooperation and conflict resolution.

    • Examples include: United Nations, World Health Organization.

The Role of International Organizations (IOs)

  • Function of IOs:

    • Created through treaties; address common goals, manage global challenges, and provide forums for cooperation.

  • Theoretical Perspectives:

    • Realism: IOs are state tools and reflect power dynamics.

    • Liberalism: IOs promote cooperation; crucial for mitigating conflict.

    • Constructivism: IOs shape norms and identities; they influence state behavior.

    • Marxism: IOs perpetuate economic inequalities between developed and developing nations.

Bretton Woods Institutions

  • Established in 1944 to rebuild the postwar economy and promote cooperation.

  • Comprised of the World Bank and the IMF, created to stabilize trade and provide financial assistance.

  • Their influence waned after the US dollar's suspension from the gold standard in 1971.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

  • Definition: Private entities independent of government funding.

  • Role in International Relations:

    • NGOs act to fill gaps where states and IOs fall short, often advocating for human rights and humanitarian issues.

    • Their growth (from 41 to 3,172 NGOs registered between 1994-2009) illustrates their increasing influence.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

  • Foundation and Mission:

    • Established by Henry Dunant in 1863 focusing on wartime humanitarian relief.

    • Promotes the protection of military and medical personnel in conflict zones.

Key Achievements

  • Recognized neutrality of medical services during warfare implemented in Geneva Conventions.

Amnesty International

  • Foundation: Created in 1961 to advocate for human rights.

  • Roles today include monitoring and reporting on humanitarian abuses globally.

The Role of Private Entities in International Relations

Overview

  • Multinational corporations and private military contractors challenge traditional state-centric views.

  • Power and Influence: Corporations can shape trade policies, labor, and environmental regulations through economic lobbying.

Entities and Theories

  • Financial Institutions: Significant influence on global economic governance (e.g., Goldman Sachs).

  • IR Frameworks:

    • Realism often downplays their role.

    • Liberalism acknowledges their importance for international cooperation.

Parastatal Actors**

  • Ranging from state-owned enterprises to public-private partnerships relevant to sectors like energy and defense.

  • These actors serve dual roles of economic functionality and state diplomacy.

Other Transnational Actors**

  • Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood can act independently in weak states, serving as socio-political forces.

Organized Crime**

  • Definition and Types:

    • Professional Crime and Syndicated Crime involve systematic illegal activities impacting state functions.

  • Example: Drug cartels in Colombia exhibit impacts on local economies and state functions.

Terrorism**

  • Definition: Use of violence for political objectives, with emphasis on creating fear (Wardlaw, 1982).

  • Challenges in defining terrorism arise due to its subjective nature, multiplicity of actors, and evolving tactics.

Trends in Terrorism**

  • Developments after 1990 indicate a shift towards internationalism, suicide terrorism, and increased media influence.

Responses to Terrorism**

  1. Policing, Intelligence, and Security Improvements.

  2. Understanding Underlying Motivations to engage communities positively.

  3. Military Action against identifiable threats.

Influence of Individuals in IR**

  • Individuals with wealth or influence can impact global policy (e.g., Elon Musk, celebrity advocates).

  • Their roles highlight a shift toward personal responsibility in global governance.