Globalization and the Interstate System

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Globalization's effects on governments
• Understanding the Interstate System's structure and dynamics
• Differentiating internationalism from globalism
• Equipping students with 21st-century learning skills for a deeper understanding of the Global Interstate System

Introduction

• Contemporary global society sees increased flows of capital, goods, services, and people
• This is enabled by modernized transport, communication, and financial services
• Traditional state systems are limited in addressing these globalizing issues
• Internationalist thinkers say power and sovereignty in traditional state systems contradict the need for political and economic cooperation
• The global interstate system, or international highway system, is a network across countries and continents
• This extensive infrastructure enables movement of people, goods, and services, which promotes international trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development

Global Interstate System

• Global Interstate System is an institutional arrangement that transcends nation-state scope (Chase-Dunn, 1981)
• State: Centralized rule that subordinates other institutions, emerged in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries (Heywood 2011)
• Sovereignty remains central but evolves with new challenges
• Contemporary factors influence the perception and practice of sovereignty despite the traditional understanding
• Internationalism: Emphasizes diversity and multiculturalism
• Globalism focuses more on the economic exchange among countries

Global Governance

• Global governance coordinates international affairs through cooperation between actors like states, IGOs, NGOs, corporations, and stakeholders
• Global governance addresses global problems through collective action
• Global governance's relevance increases due to interconnected economies, spread of technology, and global challenges awareness

Global Interstate System Criteria

• Criteria to determine statehood can vary
• Key statehood elements include:
  • Defined Territory: Clearly defined territory with borders distinguishable and identifiable on a map
  • Permanent Population: Settled population within borders
  • Effective Government: Organized and functioning government capable of exercising control
  • Capacity to Enter into Relations with Other States: Capacity to conduct international relations
  • Independence: Freedom from external authority or undue influence
  • Intent and Willingness: Expressed intention to be recognized
  • Recognition by other states: Acknowledgment as a sovereign state by a significant number of other states

State and Sovereignty

• Internal sovereignty example: The U.S. government exercises sovereignty over its territory, can make/enforce laws, establish domestic policies, and manage internal affairs
• Enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which outlines federal and state powers
• External sovereignty example: India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947
• India has been recognized by the international community, can conduct foreign policy and engage in relations with other countries
• India's sovereignty is reflected in UN membership

The United Nations

• The UN is an international organization that facilitates cooperation in international law, security, economic development, etc.
• The UN is the primary organization for international cooperation, peace, and security, can authorize force against an aggressor
• Military security via peaceful dispute settlement or commanding allegiance of UN membership is the primary concern

United Nations Charter

• The UN Charter established five principal organs in 1945
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)'s objective: To advance dimensions of sustainable development, gateway for UN partnership
• The International Court of Justice is also known as Nation’s principal judicial organ
• Settles legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions
• The Security Council (SC) can make legally binding resolutions and is comprised of the strongest military states
• The council is a concrete manifestation of power dynamics
• The Security Council has 15 members including 5 states granted permanent seats by the UN Charter
  • China
  • France
  • Great Britain
  • Russia
  • United States
• The five members were all allies in the Second World War and are nuclear states
• The General Assembly (GA) is the only UN organ with universal representation, all 193 member states are represented
• GA decides on essentials with a simple majority, peace/security, budgetary matters, and new membership require a two-thirds majority
• Yearly, the General Assembly meets for the annual General Assembly Session and participates in a general debate with heads of state
• The body elects a General Assembly President and 21 Vice Presidents annually
• The Assembly can only make recommendation if the Security Council is discussing a dispute
• The Security Council remains the primary decisions-maker of the UN on all matters of international peace and security
• The "Uniting for Peace" Resolution of 1950 addresses divisive issues, the General Assembly ensures member action/bypass vetoes
• The resolution leads to the assembly usurping the Security Council's role

Effects of Globalization on Governments

• As the world becomes more interconnected, nation-states and governments shift
• National and local policies are based on local and international realities
• The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer phases out substances for ozone depletion
• Signed August 26, 1987 with 46 country signatories (US EPA, 2017)
• NASA's findings show ozone levels will return to 1980 levels by 2032 (Watts, 2018)
• International norms are domesticated due to success

Globalism vs. Internationalism:

• Globalism and internationalism have similarities and differences
• Globalism increases interconnectedness, interdependence, and integration across national boundaries
• Globalism promotes the free flow of goods, services, capital, and information
• Globalists support global institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF
• Globalists advocate for global governance mechanisms to regulate global issues
• Examples of globalism:
  • Free trade agreements: Reduction of trade barriers, includes NAFTA and CPTPP
  • Climate change: International cooperation; the Paris Agreement (2015) mitigated global warming
  • Human rights: Universal human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Amnesty International
• Internationalism is a nation-centric cooperation that emphasizes sovereignty and independence while encouraging diplomacy
• Internationalists focuses on relationships between nations to work together on specific interest or concern
• Examples of internationalism:
  • Diplomacy: Negotiations and agreements to resolve conflicts, such as peace treaties/negotiations
  • Humanitarian Aid: Aid during crises via organizations like International Red Cross/Crescent
  • Regional Cooperation: Cooperation within regions, like ASEAN and EU, promotes integration