Subject Code: GE 7 Subject Title: The Contemporary World

I – MODULE TITLE: THE GLOBAL INTERSTATE SYSTEM

II – MODULE DESCRIPTION:

The world is composed of many states having different forms of government.

It has been one of the major subjects of scholars of political disciplines because it is
viewed as the institution that sets policies for the country. The study of international
relations are becoming more imperative since it is an attempt to explain behavior that
occurs across the boundaries of states, the broader relationships of which such,
behavior is a part, and the institutions (private, state, nongovernmental, and
intergovernmental) that oversee those interactions.

This lesson will begin with a short narration of some events that occurred 400 years ago
and the challenges that most governments face amidst globalizations. It will also tackle the
different institutions that govern international relations to facilitate connections among nation-
states.

III – EXPECTED OUTCOME/OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

1. Explain the effects of globalization on governments.
2. Identify the institutions that govern international relations.
3. Write a position paper on the Philippines’ territorial and economic relations with China.

IV. Definition of Terms:

1. Global interstate system – is a facet of contemporary political globalization that seeks to form
collaboration among nation-states through the establishment of intergovernmental organizations.
2. Globalism- emerge as an attitude that seeks to understand all the interconnections of the modern
world and to highlight patters that underlie them.

HELPFUL POINTS

The Interstate System

The origins of the present-day concept of Sovereignty can be traced back to the Treaty of
Westphalia, which was a set of agreements signed in 1648 to end the thirty years’ war between
the major continental powers of Europe. The Westphalian system provided stability for the nations
of Europe, until it faced its major challenge by Napoleon Bonaparte. The latter believed in
spreading the principles of the French Revolution - liberty, equality, and fraternity to the rest of
Europe. Despite the challenge of Napoleon to the Westphalian system and the eventual collapse
of the Concert of Europe after World War I, present-day international system has traces of this
history.
Effects of Globalization to Governments
One of the key aspects of state sovereignty is the government. It is a group of people who
have the ultimate authority to act on behalf of a state. Each state has its own right to self-determination
and that other country should not intervene in the affairs of that state unless there
are extraordinary reasons to do so. Globalization has, in a way reshaped the role and functions
of nation-states as governing bodies in their territories.
• First, globalization is seen to impose a forced choice upon nation-states. Either they
conform to the neo-liberal ideas and free-market principles of deregulation,
privatization, and free trade or run the risk of being left behind in terms of development.
Of course, nation-states, in this contemporary age, are forced to submit themselves to
the demands of globally accepted free-market principles.
• Second is the establishment of economic and political integrations. One good example
is the European Union (EU) and the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
EU has a single currency and monetary system, parliament with legislative powers,
with common citizens’ rights to live, work, vote and run for office. The statehood of the
members is not dissolved, what has changed is only how the nation-states function, in
terms of economy and politics, as part of a whole.
• The third effect of globalization is the establishment of international laws and
principles. This is observable in the establishment of the UN that operates as a forum
for nation-states to air their differences and try to resolve them.
• The fourth effect is the rise of transnational activism (TNA). Such happens when
activist groups of nation-states connect with their counterparts in other states. For
example, an advocacy-based organization in the Philippines may connect itself with
and get support from other human rights groups in Europe to pressure the Philippine
government to realign its stance and actions in upholding human rights.

Institutions that Govern International Relations

There are several international organizations that governments of countries around the world and
individuals participate in. To facilitate connections among nation-states, intergovernmental
organizations (IGOs) were established. Their aim is to foster strong economic, political, cultural,
educational, and technical intergovernmental relationships. There are also nongovernmental
organizations promoting social and economic growth. Let us look at them one by one.

• Peace Treaties and Military Alliances: The UN and NATO

Global politics entails relationship of countries and different governments and nongovernmental
organizations, The United Nations (UN) is one of the leading political
organizations in the world where nation-states meet and deliberate. However, it remains as
an independent actor in global politics. Generally, it functions in four areas: military issues,
economic issues, environmental issues, and human protection. It is made up of close to 200
countries from around the world, 193 member states to be exact. (United Nations, 2011)

• Global Economic Associations: The WTO and NAFTA

The next group is an economic association-WTO which was created with the goal of
increasing free trade. Countries, therefore, can buy and sell goods from one another without
placing takes on imports or tariffs. In addition, tariffs are used to protect businesses and
companies inside their country. Another famous economic organization is NAFTA. This is an
economic treaty between the United States, Canada, and Mexico in which the three countries
trade freely without taxing each other. NAFTA is not without critics either. Some American
autoworkers protested against NAFTA as several car companies moved their factories to
Mexico in search for cheaper labor. NAFTA, like WTO, represents the challenge in America
of keeping manufacturing factories.

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Established in 1967, now has 10 member states. Its aims are to accelerate economic growth,
social progress and cultural development in the region; promote regional progression;
advance peace and sustainability; promote active and beneficial cooperation and mutual
assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, technical, cultural, administrative
and scientific fields.

• European Union (EU)

An IGO with 28- state members were established in 1993. Its goals are to promote peace, its
values, and well-being of its citizens; offer freedom, security, and justice without internal
borders; uphold sustainable development; combat social exclusion and discrimination;
promote scientific and technological progress; enhance economic; social and territorial
cohesion among member countries; respect cultural and linguistic diversity; and establish an
economic and monetary union.

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Another example of an international organization that was developed out of war is the Red
Cross (Red Crescent in Muslim countries). NGOs are not tied to any country. This allows them
to operate freely throughout the world. They provide emergency relief such as food, water,
and medical supplies for those whose homes or towns have been destroyed by disaster or
war. They also monitor the treatment of prisoner of wars and go to conflicts to make sure that
no war crimes are taking place. In fact, the Red Cross began as an organization to help those
who were wounded during wars.

ACTIVITY

Write a position paper on the Philippines’ territorial and economic relations with China. After
conducting extensive research on the topic, the position paper should be easy to write.
Remember: A good position paper must include:
• A brief introduction to the country and its history concerning the topic and committees;
• How the topic affects the country;
• The country's policies with respect to the issue and the country's justification for these
policies;
• Quotes from the country's leaders about the issue;
• Statistics to back up the country's position on the issue;
• Actions taken by the government with regard to the issue;
• Conventions and resolutions that the country has signed or ratified;
• UN actions that the country supported or opposed; and
• What the country believes should be done to address the issue.

REFERENCES

Aldama, P. (2018). The Contemporary World. Rex Book Store, Inc.

Brazalote, T., Leonardo, R. (2018) The Contemporary World. C & E Publishing, Inc., ©2019
Claudio, L., Abinales, P. (2018), The Contemporary World. C & E Publishing, Inc. Goldstein, J.L.,
Rivers
United Nations. (2011). Basic facts about the United Nations. New York, USA: United Nations
Department of Public Information. Retrieved from
http://munkiconference.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/4/2/15422056/basic-facts-about-theun.pdf on May 13,
2020

Prepared by:

JEAN R. BRIJUEGA
Instructor

Noted :

JELLY S. FLORES,MBA
BTVTED Program Head

Recommending Approval:

EMMA P. MORASA, EdD

Dean, College of Education

Approved:

NERRY P. MENDOZA, EdD

College Administrator