Understanding the Global Interstate System

Global Interstate System

• The global interstate system is an intricate network of countries interacting worldwide
• Nations engage in discussions, commerce, and sometimes disputes on a global scale, akin to neighbors

Defining Global Interstate Systems

• "Global" pertains to the entire world, involving multiple countries internationally and going beyond single countries or regions
• "Interstate" signifies "between states," with "states" referring to countries, it encompasses interactions, relations, and exchanges
• "System" denotes interconnected parts functioning as a whole, including rules, processes, and structures guiding operations and interactions

Defining State and Nation

• State is a political unit with sovereignty, governing itself without external interference
• State borders are recognized internationally, an essential aspect of sovereignty
• State governments create/enforce laws, sets policies, and manages public services
• State exists as a distinctive political community with its own rules and practices
• Four elements of a state: People, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty
• Nation refers to people with a shared identity, emphasizing social and cultural aspects over political boundaries
• Nation has a collective identity grounded on shared history and culture
• State is a political concept, whereas a nation is a cultural aspect
• Nation-state is a territory with a sovereign institution governing individuals sharing history, identity, and culture

Distinguishing Nation, State, and Country

• Nation is a group sharing a common identity based on culture, language, ethnicity, and history
• State is a political entity with defined territory, permanent population, a government, and the ability to engage with other states
• State sovereignty allows full control internally/externally without interference
• Country is often used interchangeably with "state", referring to physical territory and the controlling government

Proper Usage

• Use "Nation" to refer to a group of people with a shared identity, culture, history, or language
• Example of nation: "The Filipino nation celebrates its Independence Day on June 12."
• Use "State" when referring to a political entity with sovereignty, borders, and a government
• Example of state: "The state of the Philippines has its own constitution and government."
• Use "Country" for the geographic and political entity as a whole, interchangeable with "state"
• Example of country: "The Philippines is a country known for its beautiful islands and rich cultural heritage."

Institutions Governing International Relations

• Peace Treaties and Military Alliances: UN and NATO
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Global Economic Associations: WTO and NAFTA

United Nations Organization (UNO)

• The term "United Nations" was coined by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942
• It was founded on October 24, 1945, with 50 representatives
• The UN headquarters are in New York City, USA
• The UN was made for the reconstruction of the world after World War 2
• The core mission is maintaining international peace and security
• Peace and security are maintained with conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and creating conditions for sustainable peace, as of 2011

The General Assembly

• The General Assembly is the gathering of representatives of all UN members
• Speeches are given in an auditorium
• Member states can express views, reach consensus, and vote on issues

General Functions of the UN

• Economic Issues
• Environmental Issues
• Military Issues
• Human Protection

Other Programs of UN

• UNICEF's goal is to aid children, through fundraising to give emergency relief from famine, poverty, and diseases
• Sustainable Development Goals encompass a range of concerns for improving all aspects of life
• It serves as the UN’s post-2015 agenda, showcasing its vision for issues like climate change, disaster risk reduction, and gender equality
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) deals with environmental issues like pollution
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) mitigates climate change with climate agreements and giving assistance to countries to reduce emissions

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is the main judicial body of the UN
• It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter
• It is located in The Hague, Netherlands
• Main functions include settling legal disputes between countries according to international law
• The ICJ also provides advisory opinions on legal questions presented by UN organs
• The ICJ only deals with disputes between countries, not individuals

International Criminal Court (ICC)

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutes individuals for serious international offenses, such as genocide
• Established by the Rome Statute in 2002
• The ICC is located in The Hague, Netherlands
• The ICC prosecutes individuals, while the ICJ handles disputes between states
• The court's aim is to hold individuals accountable for international crimes, to deter such crimes

The Rome Statute

• The Rome Statute is the treaty establishing the ICC
• The statute was adopted on July 17, 1998, and enforced on July 1, 2002
• The Rome Statute allows the ICC to prosecute people for serious international crimes
• The International crime include genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression
• The Statute helps ensure that people who commit crimes can be held responsible under international law

UN – Security Council

• The UN Security Council decides actions when two or more countries war
• The UN Security Council has 15 member countries

Permanent Members of the UN Security Council

• Permanent members have veto power; China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States
• Veto power allows a country to stop a resolution, even if others agree
• All five permanent countries must agree for the UNSC to adopt a resolution
• Any permanent 'no' vote blocks resolution, regardless of other votes

Non-Permanent Members

• Non-Permanent Members are elected for two-year terms, are; Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia
• The General Assembly elects the non-permanent members, representing different regions

UN, NATO, and Criticisms

• The UN has faced criticisms for being weak, leading to the rise of NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

• NATO is a military alliance between the US, Canada, and 25 European countries
• Collective security is a foundation for the treaty and international organization
• It was created on April 4, 1949, as an alliance against Soviet expansion after World War II
• Founding members were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries
• Member countries combine militaries and mutually defend against attacks

Philippines and the UN Security Council

• Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to UN Security Council resolutions
• The statement was said at the 78th UN General Assembly on behalf of President Marcos
• The Philippines is campaigning for a non-permanent seat the UN Security Council

Past Terms on the UNSC

• The Philippines served as a non-permanent member of UNSC in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005
• Presidents during terms: Carlos P. Garcia (1957), Diosdado Macapagal (1963), Ferdinand Marcos (1980-1981), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2004-2005)
• The Philippines is not a permanent member of the UNSC, and campaigning for 2027-2028

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• NGOs do not tie to any country, so they freely operate worldwide
• NGOs provide emergency relief (food, water, medical supplies) after disasters or wars
• NGOs will remain neutral during a war

NGO Examples

• Red Cross focuses on helping those wounded during wars
• Doctors without Borders offers free emergency healthcare in disaster zones
• Oxfam fights famine and diseases
• Amnesty International advocates for human rights and political prisoners
• Save the Children supports children's health care and education

Intergovernmental Organizations

• ASEAN, European Union (EU) are both examples of Intergovernmental Organizations

ASEAN

• Established in 1967, there are 10 member states to the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• The members are: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam
• ASEAN aims to promote economic growth, and enhance peace, security, and stability
• ASEAN encourages collaboration on economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative matters
• ASEAN also exists to provides assistance in training and research facilities and collaborate in agriculture/industries and the expansion of trade
• The intention of ASEAN is to foster Southeast Asian studies/cultural heritage and provide a foundation for a prosperous community

EU

• The European Union (EU), an IGO with 27-state members, was established in November 1, 1993
• The goals are of the EU are economic integration
• The EU aims to provide peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe
• EU will also work towards political integration and implement common policies
• The EU will strive to improve living/working conditions by using programs, and encourage environmental protection
• The EU 27 Members exist as; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Political Philosophers

• Immanuel Kant thought countries should cooperate and make agreements for peace
• He proposed "liberal internationalism" with nations following international laws
• Liberal internationalism promotes countries working together for peace
• Guiseppe Mazzini thought nationalism and international cooperation can combine
• He believed countries should solve common problems while maintaining national identities
• Mazzini emphasized cooperation between nations for a better world
• US President Woodrow Wilson believed nations were guided by universal laws
• People should have self-determination, democratic governance, collective security, international law, with the League of Nations which he visioned