THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

ACTIVITIES AND
WORKSHEETS

SUBMITTED BY:
DEL SOCORRO, SWEET FATIMA CHANTAL C.
BEED-1

SUBMITTED TO:
MR. ANASTACIO MOLATO JR.
LESSON 3:
Activity I: Have a research and make an assessment of how the Philippines’ international relation
and internationalization with other countries affects the sovereignty of the nation.
- Let’s have former President Rodrigo Duterte as an example. Since the Philippines elected
President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, the country’s foreign policy seems to have become more
uncertain. President Duterte’s mercurial personality and antagonistic tirades against the country’s
traditional Western allies, including the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), and his
statements of building closer ties with China and Russia, had changed the political and diplomatic
tone of the Philippines overall. Certainly, the political relationship between the Philippines and
the West has been changed by Duterte’s strong remarks against the US and EU. Has this change
spilled over to the economy? The paper presents an international political economy framework in
examining the impact of Duterte’s foreign policy pivot to the country’s foreign economic
relations, focusing on trade and investment. The paper argues that Duterte’s foreign policy shift is
mainly shaped by Duterte’s “politics of survival”. Not firmly anchored in any idea, norms, or
interest that can clearly benefit the country, Duterte is unable to provide coherent guidance and
leadership on the foreign policy pivot, particularly on the economy. Duterte’s lack of guidance
provided the technocrats with the policy space to continue the policies from the previous
administration and not to divert radically from previous economic policies. The stability of the
economic institutions provided a refuge in the period of uncertainty. As a result, the foreign
economic relations of the Philippines has not radically shifted. The trade and investment situation
of the Philippines remained stable, and economic relations with traditional partners are
maintained.

WORKSHEET #3:

1. What remnants of the Westphalian system can still be felt at this day and age? In what sense
has the world gone beyond the Westphalian system?
- The Westphalian system, which was established in 1648 through the Treaty of Westphalia, was a
system of nation-states that recognized each other's sovereignty and territorial boundaries. It also
established the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. This system is
still in place today, as the vast majority of states in the world are recognized as sovereign entities
with their own governments, laws, and borders. However, the world has also gone beyond the
Westphalian system in several ways. One of the main ways is through the development of
international organizations and institutions such as the United Nations, which have created a more
interconnected and interdependent global system. Additionally, the rise of non-state actors such as
transnational corporations and non-governmental organizations have also challenged the
traditional Westphalian system. Additionally, the concept of human rights and the responsibility
to protect populations has also expanded beyond the Westphalian system's emphasis on state
sovereignty.

2. What are the differences between liberal and socialist internationalism? What are their
strengths and weaknesses?
- Liberal weakness- hypocrisy, no real world application of their political policies and only exists
to impose a way of life on people who largely disagree.
- Socialism weakness- takes power from the people and gives too much power to government, in a
perfect world where humans where not given to temptation and agree. It would be successful but
history has proven that power corrupts.
- The strengths of both liberalism and socialism only apply to those that are wealthy and in power.
They are both just romantic lies steeped in Marxists propaganda. Liberals just make up some
hypocritical lies that they will be just fine with less.
3. Do you think internationalization erodes the sovereignty of states?
- For me no, a state does not lose its sovereignty by being a member of a world body or a signatory
to various conventions. Each state still has its own governing bodies, policies, and rules.
 Internationalization is a set of standards which can be applied and helps assist in harmonizing
laws and procedures for the benefit of international trade, assistance, economic growth of a
country.

LESSON 4:
ACTIVITY 1: Cite some measures or solutions that can be considered applicable in order to achieve or
maintain adherence to global norms and foster international order by all nations.
- United Nations (UN) system the Rule of Law, is fundamental to international peace and security
and political stability; to achieve economic and social progress and development; and to protect
people’s rights and fundamental freedoms. It is foundational to people’s access to public services,
curbing corruption, restraining the abuse of power, and to establishing the social contract between
people and the state.

WORKSHEET #4:

1. What are the challenges faced by the United Nations in maintaining global security?
- Threats to Peace and Security, threats from poverty, disease, and environmental breakdown (the
threats to human security identified in the Millennium Development Goals) threats from conflict
between states. threats from violence and massive human rights violations within states. threats
from terrorism.

2. Discuss briefly the functions of the five active organs of the United Nations.
- The Main Organs of the United Nations.
a.) The General Assembly
b.) The Security Council
c.) The Economic and Social Council
d.) The Secretariat
e.) The International Court of Justice

3. What makes the United Nations ineffectual when it comes to military conflict / military
interventions?
- When a dispute leads to fighting, the Council's first concern is to end it as soon as possible. On
many occasions, the Council has issued ceasefire directives, which have helped to prevent major
hostilities. It also deploys UN peacekeeping operations to reduce tensions in troubled areas, keep
opposing forces apart, and create conditions for sustainable peace after settlements have been
reached. The Council may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade
embargoes) or collective military action.

4. What is global governance?

- aims to promote global governance as a means of addressing the world's most pressing
challenges, such as climate change, nuclear war, and pandemics. The ultimate goal is to create a
safer and more sustainable world, where global risks are managed effectively, and all people live
in dignity. To achieve this vision, a fundamental transformation of the global governance system
is required, which is possible through collective action and collaboration.