GLOBAL

GOVERNANCE
This chapter presents the political dimension of globalization as a primary component
in studying contemporary world. This includes examining the nature if global
governance and how these nations and states work in globally competitive
environment. It will answer questions on who are responsible to issues at the
international level? Are national governments responsible and accountable to the
problems arising at a global scale? Is there such thing as global governance and
governments?
 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
• This term refers to domestic institutions and
governments on how large-scale problems and public
policy issues are being solved at a global level. It
involves a range of actors including states, national
and regional bodies that have the willingness and
commitment to confront a specific problem (WHO,
2015). It involves management, authority, cooperation,
and mechanisms that are aimed to attain certain goals.
• This international process is bounded by consensus
and agreements where members are expected to
perform based on the guidelines and policies.
• The downside of global governance is establishing its
sovereignty and accountability to all decision framed and
actions implemented. States may not conform and
deviate from the norms set by international institutions
like UN and WTO especially if it will compromise its
economic and political interest.
GLOBAL GOVERNMENTS
AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
• The term global government is a response on the
actions of various stakeholders on finding out pressing
global problems like climate change and issues on peace
and security.
• The world has NO global government and global
authority. There are political and economic bodies
operating worldwide but no single organization
possesses a global authority in enforcing and compelling
others to follow.
• What the world has is the idea of global governance.
THREE EXISTING GAPS AND ISSUES IN GLOBAL
GOVERNANCE

1. Jurisdicti on Gap

2. Incenti ve Gap

3. Parti cipati on Gap

 1. JURISDICTION GAP
• The lack of global governance in
taking actions to problems affecting
key sectors arises from the absence
of authority. This involves the need
to create power and jurisdiction to
governments and international
organizations that have the
commitment in confronting issues
like unemployment, human rights,
peace, and crimes.
2. INCENTIVE GAP

• Global governance is formed with

the participation of countries that
have the interest to deal problem
affecting their sovereignty. It is an
issue between the rich and poor
countries of the world because of
uneven distribution of authority and
control over decisions and policies.
3. PARTICIPATION
GAP

• Member-states sometimes
disagree on issues that are
harmful to their interests.
They do not involve in
decisions that are crucial
to the economic and
political welfare of their
sovereignty.
 POLITICAL SYSTEMS
• Political System means the system, or the
form of practice employed by the state. The
kind of political system used by a country has
implications to the success of its economy and
the overall governance.
 DEMOCRACY
• Democratic institutions and governance focus on
the role individuals in political decision making.
• the practice of direct participation in modern
societies involves representation, where individuals
periodically elect someone who has the ability to
represent them in the government.
• in a representative democracy, competitive
elections occur where candidates freely compete
for votes through conduct of fair and honest
election.
• elected officials are accountable for their actions in
the government and operation of the state.
• constitutional laws are provided to safeguard the
welfare and interest of the people.
TOTALITARIANISM

• is built on the idea that society and citizens

have no right and freedom of expression.
• totalitarian countries do not recognize the
conduct of fair and honest election, the
presence of media, and civil liberties.
• decision making of the states is exclusive only
on a single political party if not a ruler who has
full control in the political, economic, and social
affairs if its government.
• freedom of the people is the primary
consideration.
• government values choices and
preferences of its people at a very
personal level.
• it is built in two elements: individual
freedom and expression are important in
the sense that individuals just like state
have sovereignty; and the pursuit of
economic interest among individuals.
COLLECTIVISM
• the state, as the primary
economic manager views
collective action as the best
strategy in establishing the
welfare and interest of the
nation.
POLITICAL LAYERS AND GEOPOLITICS
• States in contemporary world are hungry for power. Power is the ultimate goal to contain and
control other states and nations that do not enjoy much power are considered as powerless states
in international arena. Realists define power as capabilities of a country or state like population of
its people, resources, territory, economic, and military strengths (Chomsky, 2006; Nau, 2008).In a
typical discourse, power is described as the ability of a person, group, or institution to affect the
behavior of others against their will.
• Geopolitics, analysis of the geographic influences on power relationships in international relations.
• In international relations, geopolitics is defined as a focus and concentration of a country's location,
environment, and geography as the basis of its national interests (Nau, 2008). United States and
China have ideal geography because of its vast land and territory, Israel on the other hand, has
struggles when it comes to defending the territory because it is surrounded by Islam majority
countries. India enjoys its huge territory but have some challenges when it comes to territorial
security and military relationships with neighboring countries Pakistan and China.
• REFERENCE: Russia – Ukraine conflict / crisis Explained | Everything in detail | Geopolitics - YouTube
UNILATERALISM
- a policy of taking unilateral action (as in international affairs) regardless of outside support or
reciprocity.

• The economic growth experienced by China and other emerging economies in the world are
dependent on the American market. On the political angle, American military power is
considered as the most highly valued military force in the world with billions of dollars
annually spent by the government. Its military presence in some countries in Asia and Pacific,
Middle East and Africa, Europe and South America is a remarkable manifestation of its
control in global defense operation. However, the global stability of power enjoyed by the
Americans can only be sustained if it will employ the liberal values of freedom, democracy,
and human rights (Balaam, and Veseth, 2008).
MULTILATERALISM

- the principle of participation by three or more parties, especially by the governments of different countries.

• 1. Bipolar - it happens if there are only two great powers dominating the distribution of power. The Cold War
era is fitting example of bipolarity, the global power was highly contested between US and USSR(1947-1990).
• 2. Tri-polar or tri-polarity - exists if there are only three states dominating the distribution if global order.
United States, Japan, and Europe were considered as potential powers during the Second World War. They
controlled some areas under the respective military instruments and interests. In the area global economic
power, Japan, China, and United States are the most favored nations identified by scholars as the three leading
economic giants of modern time.
• 3. Multipolar or multi-polarity – Distribution of power in which more than two nation-states have nearly equal
amounts of military, cultural, and economic influence. A situation when more states are involved in the
distribution of global power. This condition is described as an alignment of the powerful and emerging powers
in the world. The current situation of the globe could be described as Multipolar because of state actors joining
the prestige of superpowers. Europe, China, Japan, Russia, United States, and major alliances are key players in
the distribution of power.
ISOLATIONISM

• a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other

groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.
• QUIZ NEXT WEEK TUESDAY FOR TTH sched/ WEDNESDAY FOR WF sched
• COVERAGE: IINTRO TO GLOBALIZATION ,GLOBAL ECONOMY, ASSIGNED READING 1,2 ,3