TCW 1

Global Governance

  • No single world government; global governance still exists.

  • Explains cooperation without a world government.

Definition of Global Governance

  • Formal and informal arrangements for order and action beyond states.

  • Involves coordination among state and non-state actors.

Actors in Global Governance

  • Main actors:

    • International Governmental Organizations (IGOs)

    • International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs)

  • Formed by states through treaties.

  • Examples: UN, WTO, World Bank, IMF, ASEAN.

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)

  • Private organizations formed to address global issues.

  • Examples: Greenpeace, WWF, Amnesty International.

Goals of Global Governance

  • Provide global public goods:

    • Peace and security

    • Justice and conflict mediation

    • Functioning global markets

    • Unified standards for trade and industry

The United Nations

  • Primary venue for global governance (founded in 1945).

  • Aims to prevent global conflicts and foster cooperation.

  • Current membership: 193 states.

Purpose of the United Nations

  • Promote peace and security

  • Encourage friendly relations

  • Foster international cooperation

  • Serve as a global action harmonizer

UN Charter

  • Constitution of the UN (includes Preamble, 19 Chapters, 111 Articles).

  • Defines purposes and principles of the UN.

Principles of the UN (Article 2)

  1. Equality among member states.

  2. Honest fulfillment of obligations.

  3. Peaceful settlement of disputes.

  4. Non-use of force in relations.

  5. Assist UN actions.

  6. Non-member compliance.

  7. Non-interference in internal matters.

UN Organs

  • Six principal organs established in 1945.

Principal Organs of the UN

  1. General Assembly

    • Highest deliberative body, one vote per state.

    • Approves budget, important decisions require 2/3 majority.

  2. Security Council

    • Responsible for peace and security (15 members: 5 permanent, 10 non-permanent).

    • Permanent members have veto power.

  3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

    • 54 members, promotes economic and social development.

    • Coordinates with NGOs.

  4. Trusteeship Council

    • Supervised trust territories; largely inactive now.

  5. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

    • Settles disputes between states, provides advisory opinions.

  6. Secretariat

    • Administrative arm, implements policies, headed by the Secretary-General.