Economic Globalization and Global Governance

The increasing interdependence of national economies through investments, capital flows, trade, and labor mobility. It involves the growth of multinational corporations and trade liberalization.

The process of coordinating and managing relationships among states, international organizations, and non-state actors to address shared challenges.

A set of principles and institutions promoting free trade, open markets, and peaceful cooperation among nations. It emphasizes international law, human rights, and democracy.

A political entity with a defined territory, population, and government, capable of exercising sovereign authority within its borders.

The reduction or elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers to promote international trade. Example: removing import taxes on goods.

Investments made by companies in foreign countries to establish operations or acquire assets. Example: building factories in another country.

A network of companies involved in the production and distribution of goods, stretching across multiple countries. Example: the global supply chain for smartphones.

The exchange of goods, services, and ideas across national borders, often facilitated by economic globalization. It can include the spread of cultural products like music and fashion.

The systems through which global affairs are managed in the absence of a world government. It relies on cooperation between non-state actors like NGOs, international organizations like the UN and WTO, and regional organizations like the EU or ASEAN.

A set of principles and practices that promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and multilateral cooperation. The ILO helped shape the current globalized world.

The idea that states are constrained by international institutions and norms, rather than solely acting in their self-interests. It challenges the realist view of international relations.

A system of open international trade, where services, goods, and even people can flow freely. This approach aims to increase efficiency and prosperity.

A framework that combines international economic liberalization with domestic social protections. This ensures that benefits of globalization are distributed fairly and social welfare is maintained.

A shift in promoting democracy that emphasizes economic deals and relationships with authoritarian regimes. This is seen as a departure from traditional democratic values.

The weakening of the ILO due to factors like nationalist tendencies, protectionism, and increasing skepticism towards globalization. This leaves developing countries vulnerable to alternative orders.

The modern state is a key actor in international relations, characterized by a defined territory, bureaucratic administration, and a permanent population with rights and obligations.

Economic globalization can lead to increased inequality, cultural homogenization, and a loss of local industries. It's not all rosy.

Realist scholars argue that economic globalization strengthens state power. States use economic mechanisms to pursue their own interests, sometimes at the expense of global cooperation.

There are no legally binding enforcement mechanisms in global governance. This means that agreements like climate goals are not legally enforceable.

The US is increasingly unwilling to bear the cost of maintaining the ILO, leading to uncertainty about its future and the potential for alternative orders.

The decline of American hegemony, a key pillar of the ILO, is contributing to its weakening. This allows alternative orders from countries like Russia and China to emerge.

The ILO's promotion of human rights faces challenges in practice, as seen in the EU and US interventions in the Middle East. This raises questions about the effectiveness of promoting these norms through military force.

The US under Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a shift in US commitment to the ILO. This reflects a broader trend of skepticism towards globalization.

Realism is a dominant theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of power and self-interest in driving state actions. It views the international system as anarchic, with states primarily concerned with their own survival and security.

States are the primary actors in international relations, prioritizing their own interests above collective goals. They act strategically to maximize their power and influence.

International organizations, such as the United Nations or the World Trade Organization, are seen as tools for powerful states to maintain their dominance and advance their agendas.

Realists argue that states are more likely to cooperate when it benefits their own interests, particularly when they can achieve relative gains compared to other states.

The United Nations Security Council, with its permanent members holding veto power, exemplifies the realist perspective of power dynamics in international organizations.

Liberalism, while building on certain realist assumptions, emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and institutions in promoting peace and stability.

States are seen as capable of acting collectively through international organizations to address common challenges, such as environmental protection and trade liberalization.

Liberalism emphasizes democratic values, legitimacy, and shared norms among states, enabling them to work together towards absolute, collective gains.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) promotes trade liberalization and economic globalization by facilitating negotiations among states to reduce trade barriers.

Constructivism highlights the role of international organizations in shaping states' identities, interests, and the very nature of the international system.

Constructivism rejects the realist concept of anarchy and argues that the international system is a social construct, influenced by shared norms and ideas.

International organizations, through socialization processes and norm creation, play a crucial role in shaping states' identities and interests.

Unlike realism, constructivism recognizes the potential for states to develop shared norms and interests that transcend self-interest, facilitating cooperation.

The process of states adopting norms and practices from international organizations, potentially impacting their political decisions (e.g., trade policies, climate focus).

A shared sense of identity among member states fostered by an organization, leading to economic, political, and cultural integration (e.g., European Union).

International organizations promoting certain values impacting state behavior and shaping their policies towards democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

The rise of new global powers, like China, potentially revitalizing international organizations through active participation, even if their values differ from historical norms.

The adoption of liberal principles by emerging powers, demonstrating potential convergence of values, but often with a preference for state sovereignty and non-Western values.

The rise of new powers often challenging the constructivist ideal of cooperation through shared norms, as they may embrace different values, leading to potential competition.

The modern state's challenge in upholding its participation in international organizations due to increased national insecurities and citizen concerns, particularly related to trade.

A political backlash against globalization stemming from cultural fears and economic hardship, often fueled by state inaction.

A ‘top-down’ approach by mainstream political parties implementing policies based on expert opinions, often neglecting voter concerns, contributing to political polarization.

The emergence of new political parties offering ‘bottom-up’ responses addressing voter concerns disregarded by mainstream parties, often utilizing the discontent caused by globalization.

Right-wing parties exploiting the perceived consequences of globalization to gain votes from those who feel economically or culturally marginalized.

The need for political parties to adapt their strategies in response to globalization and its impact on national politics and international organizations.

The emergence of populist and nationalist parties challenging traditional center-left and center-right parties, often advocating for stricter immigration controls and opposition to EU policies.

Migration and economic crises can transform established party systems, creating opportunities for new radical alternatives to emerge and gain political influence.

The trend of welfare state retrenchment in some countries as states struggle to balance social spending with the demands of global competitiveness.

States adapting their welfare systems to the changing realities of globalization while maintaining social protection, as seen in Nordic countries like Denmark.

A theory suggesting states increase social protection and welfare spending to compensate citizens for risks posed by globalization, reflecting an embedded liberalism perspective.

A theory arguing that global competition forces states to reduce welfare spending, social protection, and taxes to remain competitive, reflecting a neoliberal perspective.

The decline of the International Liberal Order (ILO) is fueled by the shift in global power away from the United States, creating geopolitical tensions.

The climate crisis highlights the weaknesses of existing international institutions, as they struggle with enforcement power and competing national interests.

Addressing the climate crisis demands new approaches that combine national and international strengths, such as flexible frameworks, regional cooperation, and increased roles for non-state actors.

The former leadership of the United States in the ILO is fading, leaving a vacuum that other countries, like Russia and China, are trying to fill.

The climate crisis emphasizes the need for a more effective global governance system that can balance national sovereignty with strong enforcement mechanisms.

The increasing interconnectedness of states through trade, investment, and cultural exchange, leading to interdependence and globalization.

The modern state's response to globalization, where they prioritize their own interests and focus on economic independence, often through protectionist policies.

The idea that successful integration in one area leads to further integration in other areas, often seen as a driving force for greater cooperation and integration.

Challenges to neo-functionalist approaches, where national interests, crises, and public opinion lead to less cooperation and greater emphasis on national action.

The ability of modern states to implement policies and regulations to address environmental challenges, leverage domestic resources, and enforce standards.

The ability of states to influence other states' actions through setting an example or by creating pressure to adopt similar policies, like climate action.

A global agreement aimed at addressing climate change, reflecting cooperation between states and private sectors to achieve climate goals.

The increasing influence of international organizations and agreements on state sovereignty, limiting their ability to act independently.

The tension between national sovereignty and global governance, where decisions made by international organizations can override national laws, as seen in the EU.

The trend of states moving away from interconnectedness and globalization towards more protectionist policies, focusing on domestic production and national interests.

The ability of the modern state to control its resources, protect its citizens, and protect itself from geopolitical rivals, as a response to globalization.

The modern state's efforts to prevent job losses and protect workers from outsourcing through increased government intervention.

The modern state's investment in green infrastructure and climate action, as they recognize the limitations of the free market in driving sustainability.

International organizations provide a framework for collective action, enabling states to share knowledge, resources, and cooperate on climate issues despite national differences.

State sovereignty concerns limit international organizations' effectiveness, leading to prioritization of national concerns over funding climate initiatives in other countries.

States prioritize national interests (like economic growth) over global commitments, leading to resistance against binding climate agreements.

The anarchic nature of the international system limits international organizations' enforcement power, resulting in gaps between promises and actions on climate commitments.

Emerging powers, global conflicts, and rising sovereignty concerns hinder global governance, impacting the focus on addressing the climate crisis.

A shift in global power dynamics from US dominance to a new, unknown order challenges international cooperation and requires a balance between national and international action.

A necessary approach to successfully address climate change through a balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation, requiring global leadership and citizen engagement.

The potential implications of a changing global order, including the rise of new forms of cooperation and a greater role for non-state actors in tackling climate change.

Regional cooperation networks and sub-national actors (like cities and states) can play a significant role in leading climate initiatives.

Global leaders must prioritize international cooperation on climate change, recognizing the urgency and the scientific evidence supporting the need for immediate action.

Citizens must embrace lifestyle changes prioritizing environmental sustainability over consumerism, reducing reliance on fossil fuels to address the climate crisis.

The potential for humanity to prevent the worst consequences of climate change depends on achieving a balance between national interests and global cooperation.

While international organizations address climate concerns, saving the planet may not be the top priority of the most powerful states in contemporary international politics.