THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

GLOBAL INTERSTATE SYSTEM

What is Global Interstate System?

 It is the whole system of human interactions. The modern world-system is structured

politically as an interstate system – a system of competing and allying states. Political
Scientists commonly call this the International System, and it is the focus of the field of
International Relations. It was also referring to relationship between different union.
The regional alliances and world-wide organizations of the state.
 World- systems are defined by the existence of a division of labor. The modern world-
systems has a multi-state political structure (the interstate system) and therefore its
division of labor.
 The division of labor consists of three zones according to the prevalences of profitable
industries or activities: Core, Semi-periphery and Periphery
 Resources are redistributed from the underdeveloped (poor part of the world- the
periphery) to developed countries (Core)

Division of Labor
1. Core- high income nations in the world of economy. This is the manufacturing base of
the planet where resources funnel in to become the technology and wealth enjoyed by
the Western World today. They are dominant capitalist countries that exploit peripheral
countries for labor and raw materials.
2. Semi-peripheral-.are the middle-income countries, such as India and Brazil. These are
considered semi-periphery due to their closer ties to the global economic core.
Peripheral countries share characteristics of both core and peripheral countries.
3. Periphery- called as the low-income countries, whose natural resources or labor support
the wealthier countries, first as colonies and now by working for multinational
corporations under Neocolonialism. Peripheral countries are dependent on Core
countries for capital and have underdeveloped industry.

Global Governance in 21st Century

What is Global Governance?
 Global Governance is sometimes referred to as “world governance”. Global is a
movement towards political cooperation among transnational actors, aimed at
negotiating responses to problems that affect more than one state or region.
 Global governance may mean the process of designating laws, rules or regulations
intended for global scale.
 Global governance has become necessary due to the declining power of nation-states
and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Factors like the flow of criminal
elements, products, and events within nation-states that they are unable to control
 contribute to the need for global governance. Traditional interstate systems like alliances
have been insufficient, leading to the development of more comprehensive global
structures to address various issues.
 Levy and Sznaider, 2006 – the flow of criminal elements, as well as their products (drugs,
laundered money, those bought and sold in sex trafficking, etc.), is a strong factor in the
call for global governance.
 Nordstorm, 2004 – another set of issues that has led to calls for global governance
involves horrendous events within nation-states that the states themselves either
foment a carry out, or are unable to control.
 Bauman, 1998 – one could even go back to World War II and argue that the Holocaust
could have been prevented, or at least mitigated, had there been a viable form of global
governance to put pressure on Nazi Germany and ultimately, to intervene in a more
material way, perhaps militarily.

Effects of Globalization to Governments

One of the key aspects of state sovereignty is the government. State sovereignty refers to a
state's right to govern itself without interference from other countries. The government
plays a crucial role in exercising this authority on behalf of the state. Each state has the right
to determine its own path, and other nations should respect this unless there are
exceptional reasons for intervention. Recognizing sovereignty means acknowledging a state's
right to control its own borders. States are independent and accountable within their own
government systems.
Challenges to state sovereignty come in four main forms: traditional challenges, those from
national or identity movements, global economic issues, and global social movements.
These challenges can impact a state's ability to govern itself effectively.
1. Traditional Challenges
External Intervention: This means other countries getting involved in the business of
another country. For instance, Russia got involved in what was happening in Ukraine,
a country that used to be part of the Soviet Union. This kind of involvement can
affect how independent a country is.

Internal Political Challenges: Sometimes, a country faces challenges within its own
borders. Additionally, groups from nearby regions or organizations like the United
Nations might interfere. For example, the UN stepped in to help in Sudan due to a
long civil war. In Europe, it also got involved in Greece during a financial crisis.

2. Challenges from National/Identity Movements

People identify with their culture, and nations have cultural identities. A state, on the
other hand, is a defined area with specific borders. Sometimes, people with different
identities live in the same state. For example, Catalans live in Spain but also in
 France. Scottish nationalism challenges the idea of state sovereignty, as some Scots
want their own independent state.

Global movements, like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, are also identity movements. They're
organized around a strict version of Islam, challenging the traditional idea of state
boundaries.

3. Global Economic
Global economy demands the states to conform to the rules of free-market
capitalism. In the 1980s, a type of economics called neoliberalism became popular.
Neoliberalism is all about promoting free trade and removing obstacles to trade. It
asks countries to work together in the global market by allowing money to move
freely, privatizing services, and being careful with spending.

For example, organizations like the IMF and the World Bank push poorer countries to
make changes in their governments. There's also a focus on regional economic
development, encouraging more free trade and opening up markets. Big companies
from wealthy countries often build factories and hire people in poorer countries to
make products. This is all part of expanding global economic influence.

4. Global Social Movements

Sometimes, things called "social movements" might not seem dangerous, but they do
challenge a country's control. These movements happen when a lot of people come
together without much planning, often spreading across different countries. This
makes it hard for governments to control them.

For instance, there are movements for human rights that make people care about
specific rights. Governments can't ignore these rights. The environmental movement
is another example, focusing on public policies to protect the environment. An
interesting case is called "Blockadia," where local movements resist government
control, pushing back against efforts to favor big businesses in the name of making
money.

The Relevance of the State

The state is a distinctive political community with its own set of rules and practices that is
more or less separate from other communities.
Four Elements of State
 Permanent Population (People): Refers to people who live in a specific place for an
extended period, not those who move around. It is strengthened by the second
element of a state, a defined territory.
 Territory: Involves having clear boundaries that are effectively controlled by the
government, which is the third element of a state.
  Government: Regulates relations among its own people and with other states,
serving as a key element in the structure of a state.
-Constituent Government refers to a governing body or authority that represents and
serves the interests of a specific group or constituency within a larger political entity.
- Ministrant Government also known as a service-providing government, is focused
on directly providing services and utilities to the public, often involving activities such
as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
 Sovereignty: Represents the formal constitution of a state as a sovereign political
structure. This structure includes people, territory, and institutions, maintaining
autonomy from other states.
-External sovereignty refers to a nation's ability to govern itself and make
independent decisions without interference from external entities. It involves the
recognition of a country's authority by other nations.
-Internal sovereignty refers to a nation's authority and control over its domestic
affairs and territory. It involves the government's ability to enact and enforce laws
within its borders without interference from external forces.

Nation-State

It is important to differentiate the idea of nation and state. Nation refers to a people rather
than any kind of formal territorial boundaries or institutions. It is a collective identity
grounded on a notion of shared history and culture. State refers to the Philippine
government, the Philippine territory, and its internal and external sovereignty. This brings us
the concept of the nation-state. It is a territorially bounded sovereign institution that
governs individuals sharing a collective history, identity and culture.
1. Gilpin, 2001: Nation-states are still major players globally, suggesting they hold significant
influence.
2. Conley, 2002: Despite globalization, nation-states can retain some power.
3. Mann, 2007: Nation-states remain effective in the face of globalization, and rumors of
their decline are exaggerated.
4. Beland, 2008: The role of the state is enduring and increasing, especially in advanced
industrial societies.
5. Glassner, 2000: States not only respond to threats but may also exaggerate or create
dangers, making citizens feel more insecure.
6. Isikoff and Corn, 2006: The United States claimed Iraq could pose a serious threat by
using offshore ships to launch lethal materials into American cities, highlighting concerns
about national security.

INSTITUTION THAT GOVERNS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

There are several international organizations that governments of countries around the
World and individuals participate in. These include the United Nations, the International
Court of Justice, NAFTA, and NATO. There are also non-governmental organizations
promoting Social and economic growth.

Peace Treatise and Military Alliances: The UN and NATO

1. The United Nations is one of the leading political organizations in the world where
nation-states meet and deliberate. Generally, it functions in four areas: military Issues,
economic issues, environmental issues, and human protection.

 Military Issues – the Security Council tries to be the arbiter in ceasefires Between
two sides. They can pass sanction like block trade with another Country as a
punishment. The UN is not all about fights. It has a program called UNICEF or United
Nations Children’s Emergency Fund. Its primary goal is to Help children around the
world.
 Economic Issues – the main focus of the UN is the reduction of global Inequality. The
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cover a range of Concerns for the
improvement of all aspects of life.
 Environmental Issues – such as pollution and hazardous waste, are addressed
Through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
 Human Protection – UN promotes human rights through different organizations and
mechanisms. Since 1948, human rights have been brought into the realm
international law. This is reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The UN is being criticized as being weak and is unable to stop wars. Because of this, the next
institution that we are going to discuss continues to play a big role in foreign conflicts.

2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

North Atlantic Treaty Organization or North Atlantic Alliance, is an Intergovernmental
military alliance between 29 North American and European countries. This treaty and
international organization are based on the idea of Collective security. The countries in
this organization basically agreed to combine their militaries and announce to the world
that if a country messes with one of its members, the other countries will come to their
defense.

3. ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION(OIC)

The organization states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to
“safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting
International peace and harmony”

4. ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

Is a regional intergovernmental organization that promotes intergovernmental
cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and
sociocultural Integration among its members and other countries in Asia.

5. EUROPEAN UNION
 A political and economic union that aims to ensure the free movement of people, goods,
services and capital within the internal market enact legislation in justice and home
affairs and maintain common policies on trade agriculture, fisheries and regional
development.

6. 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). It is considered as a non-governmental
organization (NGO). NGOs are not ties to any country. 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. The big Red Cross worn
by NGOs is the identification that they are not soldiers. In addition to the Red Cross,
there are many NGOs dedicated to helping people Around the world. Doctors without
borders provides free emergency healthcare in Disaster areas; Oxfam fights famine
disease; Amnesty International speaks out for Human rights and political prisoners; and
Save the Children helps kids get health care and education.

Global Economic Associations: The WTO and NAFTA

7. World Trade Organization (WTO)

It is made up of 162 countries around the world and was created with the goal of
increasing free trade. Countries, therefore, can buy and sell goods from one another
without placing taxes on imports or tariffs. In addition, tariffs are used to protect
business and companies inside their country. Though good in nature, WTO is not
without criticism. In fact, a protest in Seattle at 1999 WTO Conference led to a major riot
as some said that WTO was more about helping large companies and corporations than
it was about helping people.

8. 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.

WHAT IS THE INSTITUTION THAT GOVERN INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONS?

1. International court of Justice (1945)

 Sometimes called World Court
 World highest international court
 One of the principal organs of United Nations
  ICJ is the successor of The Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) ICJ settles
disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues
referred to it by the UN

2.United Nation of Security Council (1945)

 One of the principal organs of United Nation it powers include the establishment of
peacekeeping operations and international sanctions as well as the authorization of
military actions through resolutions consist of 15 members.

PERMANENT 5 Member
 Russia
 France
 United Kingdom
 Chine
 United States

NON – PERMANENT
The 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly (with end
of term year):
 Algeria (2025)
 Ecuador (2024)
 Guyana (2025)
 Japan (2024)
 Malta (2024)
 Mozambique (2024)
 Republic of Korea (2025)
 Sierra Leone (2025)
 Slovenia (2025)
 Switzerland (2024)

3. International Monetary Fund (1945)

 Consist of 189 countries the International Monetary fund (IMF) is an international
organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., consisting of 189 countries working
to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate
international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth,
and reduce poverty around the world while periodically depending on the World
Bank for its resources.
 “Management of balance of payments difficulties and international financial crises
“Central role Low-income countries can borrow with 0% interest

INTERNATIONALISM AND GLOBALISM

INTERNATIONALISM
 It is one in which countries decide to cooperate with one another in political,
economic and cultural aspects for promotion of common good. However, each
country is bound to promote its own foreign policy that is beneficial to it.
  Is the desire for greater cooperation and unity among states and peoples through
heightened interaction between various and sovereign states during the Napoleonic
Years.
Goal: unite all countries and actively oppose nationalism and war.

1. Liberal Internationalism (Immanuel Kant in the 18th Century) Kant likened the
states in a global system like people living in a territory. There should be a
government to rule them to prevent lawlessness.
 Without a government, international system would be chaotic. Hence, states like
citizens of countries must give up some freedom and establish continuously
growing state consisting of various nations which will include the nations of the
world.

2. Socialist Internationalism (Karl Marx) Marx who rejected the concept of

nationalism within internationalism. He placed a premium on economic equality and
divided the world into classes.
 The capitalist class refers to the owners of businesses and means of production.
The proletariat class or the laborers did not own any means of production, but
worked for the capitalists.
 Together with Friedrich Engels, they believed that social revolution will
overthrow the state and thereby establish a nation for the proletariat.

3. Hegemonic Internationalism is the belief that the world is being integrated based
on unequal terms with the dominance of one nation or nation-state over others.
 Colonialism and imperialism are examples of this internationalism.
 There is hegemony when one nation or state has power over another by either a
social group or a country over others.
 The dominance may either be economic, political, or military.

4. Revolutionary Internationalism is the belief that conflicts within societies are

determined by international factors and alliances.
 The Revolutionary Internationalist Movement (RIM) is an international communist
organization founded in France in March 1984 by 17 various Maoist organizations around
the world.
 It sought to struggle for the formation of a Communist International of a new type,
based on Marxism, Leninism, and Maoism.

GLOBALISM
 Globalism is a network of connections that transcends distances of different
countries around the world.
 The increase or decrease in the degree of globalism is globalization, as the links
between countries are better understood in globalism while the speed on which they
become linked with one another is globalization.
 It attempts to understand all the inter-connections of the modern world — and to
highlight patterns that underlie (and explain) them.

1. Economic Globalism involves long-distance flows of goods, services and capital and
the information and perceptions that accompany market exchange. These flows, in
turn, organize other processes linked to them. Economic flows, markets and
organization just like multinational firms all go together.
 Economic globalism involves long-distance flows of goods, services and capital
and the information and perceptions that accompany market exchange.

2. Environmental Globalism refers to the long-distance transport of materials in the

atmosphere or oceans or of biological substances such as pathogens or genetic
materials that affect human health and well-being.
 The current COVID-19 pandemic which began in 2020 at Wuhan, China has been
alleged to be biologically engineered. It has spread infection in all countries
around the world and still prevails as of this date.

3. Military Globalism refers to long-distance networks in which force, and the threat
or promise of force, are deployed. A well-known example of military globalism is the
“balance of terror” between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold
War, a strategic interdependence that was both acute and well-recognized.

4. Social Globalism also includes cultural globalism and involves movements of ideas,
information, images, and of the people who carry ideas and information with them.
 Social globalism involves movements of ideas, information, images and of people,
who of course carry ideas and information with them.
 To exemplify this dimension, religion spread throughout the world due to
different modes and they have reached foreign lands, just like Christianity in the
Philippines, Islam in Indonesia, or Buddhism in Thailand.

“NOWADAYS ONE COUNTRY CANNOT GO IT ALONE.

THIS IS A GLOBAL VILLAGE.”- Sheikh Hasina