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0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in GE 5: Contemporary World Module No.4

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 4

THE GLOBAL INTERSTATE SYSTEM

MODULE OVERVIEW

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 is 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 amid globalization. It will also tackle the different
institutions that govern international relations in order to facilitate connections among nationstates.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson you 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.

MODULE CONTENT

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 particular 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

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Study Guide in GE 5: Contemporary World Module No.4

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. In order 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.

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Study Guide in GE 5: Contemporary World Module No.4

• European Union (EU)

An IGO with 28- state members was 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 1

Instruction: 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

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