I.

Introduction

 The contemporary world is a complex, ever-changing global landscape characterized by

rapid technological advancements, increased globalization, and social challenges. It is
one that is constantly being shaped and reshaped by the forces of international
institutions, globalism and globalization, informationalism, and global citizenship.

 In this rapidly evolving context, people are increasingly interconnected and

interdependent, with the ability to communicate and transact across borders in real-time.
Social media and digital technologies are transforming the way people engage with one
another, while global networks of trade and finance have created new opportunities for
economic growth and development. The contemporary world is full of complex and
interconnected issues that require global cooperation, creative solutions, and a
commitment to justice and sustainability.

 This paper examines the functions of international institutions, their relevance in the
world economy and politics, and the ramifications of their existence. It also highlights the
relationship and distinctiveness of globalization and globalism, their impact on the world
economy, and their potential to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable economic
system.
 This paper examines the role of informationalism in the contemporary world, its
implications on social networks and communication technologies, and its impact on
global citizenship. It also examines the potential benefits of global citizenship, such as
peace, acceptance of diversity, and enhanced sustainability.

 This paper examines the concepts of institutions that govern international relations,
globalism and globalization, informationalism, and global citizenship. It identifies the
issues and challenges faced by each topic, and provides a detailed discussion,
recommended strategies, and solutions to address them. It emphasizes the importance
of addressing these challenges to ensure that these forces can effectively function for
the betterment of society.
II. Discussion of the Topic
Institutions That Govern International Relations

 International institutions are an essential component of modern international relations.

They are the focal point of global policymaking initiatives. These are intergovernmental
organizations (IGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and global
economic associations. These organizations have a global membership, scope, or
presence. Through these institutions, countries also have the opportunity to engage in
meaningful dialogue and build relationships that are beneficial for all involved.

International institutions are essential for preserving international order and stability,
helping countries promote their own economic and social development, and providing a
platform for countries to resolve international disputes and cooperate on common
issues. Through these institutions, countries have the opportunity to engage in
meaningful dialogue and build relationships that are beneficial for all involved.

Peace Treaties and Military Alliances: The UN and NATO

 Peace treaties are agreements between two or more states that formally end a war or
conflict and often contain provisions for future peaceful relations. Military alliances are
agreements between two or more states to cooperate militarily in the event of
aggression by another state or group of states. They are intended to deter aggression
and provide collective security.

Peace treaties and military alliances are formed in order to resolve conflicts between
nations, ensure peace between them, and promote cooperation and mutual security.
Both of them can provide a framework for cooperation and help to prevent the further
escalation of conflicts.

 The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that establishes and upholds

international order and encourages international collaboration. There were 50 members
when it was first established; Poland signed on October 15, 1945. A total of 51 members
in 1945. But now, there are 193 member nations and 2 observer states in it. On October
24, 1945, it replaced the unsuccessful League of Nations and was founded to avert
future world wars (Research Guides: UN Membership: Founding Members, 2023).

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to maintain international peace and
security, develop friendly relations, and promote human rights. It acts as a forum for
dialogue and discussion between nations, providing a platform for international
cooperation in areas such as disarmament, human rights, refugees, and the
environment. It also provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and has helped to end
wars, prevent conflicts, and protect human rights.
  UN’s six organs:
General Assembly
Security Council
Economic and Social Council
Secretariat
International Court of Justice
Trusteeship Council

the General Assembly, which is the policymaking, main deliberative, and representative
organ; the Security Council, which decides certain policies for peace and security; the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which promotes international social and
economic cooperation and development; the Secretariat, which provides facilities,
information, and studies needed by the UN; the International Court of Justice, which is
the primary judicial organ; and the UN Trusteeship Council, which oversees the
administration of trust territories.

 Generally, the United Nations functions in four areas: military issues, economic issues,
environmental issues, and human protection. Its goals are to keep the world safe and
secure; to foster friendly relations among nations based on mutual respect for peoples'
equal rights and self-determination; to collaborate to solve global economic, social,
cultural, and humanitarian challenges, as well as to promote human rights and basic
freedoms; and to serve as a focal point for nations' efforts to achieve these common
goals.

Over the years, the United Nations has naturally faced numerous problems and challenges
given the scope of its responsibilities. It has aided in the resolution of several crises, typically
through the activities of the Security Council. The Security Council has five permanent
members. These are the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia. In
addition to the five existing members, ten more nations join the permanent members for two-
year periods, bringing the total number of nations to fifteen.
To deal with military issues, the UN has a variety of roles in this field. These roles often
include the following:
1. providing a platform for international diplomacy and mediation to try and resolve conflicts
without the need for military action
2. monitoring compliance with international laws and conventions related to the use of
military force
3. supporting peacekeeping operations and other forms of conflict resolution
4. investigating and reporting on violations of international law and human rights
5. providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflict
6. establishing international sanctions against states that violate international law
7. developing international standards related to the use of military force

The UN is committed to resolving disputes between countries through peaceful means and is
opposed to the use of military force in resolving international disputes. The permanent five have
a veto power, and therefore their interests are supreme when decisions are made on what
actions the UN will take and how well resourced such action will be (United Nations, 2011).
When the Council receives a complaint concerning a threat to peace, it initially suggests that the
parties seek an agreement through peaceful methods. The Council itself examines and
mediates in some circumstances. To bolster its peacekeeping operations, the UN has
implemented a variety of policies and mechanisms. Take note that the institution is not a world
government. It functions due to the voluntary cooperation of states. If one state refuses to
cooperate, there is always the tendency that the influence of the UN will be compromised. For
instance, problems cannot be identified or addressed immediately if rapporteurs sent by the UN
are not welcomed by the countries concerned. Despite a variety of actions concentrating on
peacekeeping with notable successful operations, the UN continues to encounter concerns and
challenges that have hampered the efficiency, effectiveness, and success of its peacekeeping
operations.

The United Nations isn't just about fighting. It also has a program known as UNICEF, which
stands for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
UNICEF is designed to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of all children around the world.
It works to provide health care, clean water, nutrition, education, and protection to children in
need. UNICEF also works to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their
basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are organizations founded by private
individuals that are independent from states, oriented towards the rule of law, pursue public
rather than private goals, and possess minimal organizational structure (Hobe, n.d.).
They are non-profit organizations that are independent of government and driven by an aim to
benefit society in a certain manner. They are generally funded by donations, grants, and
voluntary contributions from various individuals and organizations. Non-governmental
organizations are usually formed to support a particular cause or to provide a service to the
public. They typically operate in the areas of human rights, the environment, healthcare,
education, culture, and development.
Red Cross, now known as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is the
world's largest humanitarian movement, with approximately 97 million volunteers.
The Red Cross was initiated by Henri Dunant, a Swiss philanthropist who helped injured
soldiers at the Battle of Solferino in 1859 and persuaded political leaders to do more to protect
war victims. The movement now works to protect and assist victims of war, promote
international humanitarian law, and strive for a more humane and dignified life for all. In
addition, it has become advantageous for the Red Cross to be an NGO because they remain
neutral and would assist injured soldiers from both sides of the war. Since they are neutral,
governments are more likely to enter their countries to help.
Aside from International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, numerous international
NGOs exist to support the society and help people across the globe.
Doctors Without Borders is a French non-profit organization that offers free healthcare to
anyone in need, including those who have suffered from natural catastrophes and political
violence. The group received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
In order to aid in providing food for hungry children in a war-torn Greece, Oxfam was
established in Oxford, England, in 1942.
Amnesty International is a global movement dedicated to the protection of human rights. It is
independent of all governments and is agnostic to political parties, ideologies, and religious
differences.
The movement works to free women and men who have been arrested because of their
convictions, the color of their skin, their ethnic origin, or their faith, as long as they have not
used force or incited others to use force.

Overall, non-governmental organizations represent and support the interests of civil society and
make pluralistic global governance possible. They act as a bridge between those people in
need, the government, and other organizations that can provide assistance to them. Thus,
NGOs represent society in the international system in the era of globalization.

Global Economic Associations: The World Trade Organization (WTO) and North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Global economic associations are organizations that seek to promote international

economic cooperation and stability.
These organizations provide a forum for governments to discuss economic policies, establish
common objectives, and coordinate their efforts to achieve these objects. The ultimate goal is to
create a more prosperous and equitable global economy.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global economic association created to facilitate the
liberalization of international trade. According to the official website of the WTO (n.d.), it is the
only international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
The WTO was established on January 1, 1995, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT).
The GATT system evolved over 47 years to become a de facto global trade organization that
eventually involved approximately 130 countries. GATT was the only major agreement
governing international trade until the creation of the WTO.
The WTO's primary purpose is to promote the free flow of goods and services between
participating nations, allowing them to engage in mutually beneficial trade.
It does this by establishing a system of rules and regulations that govern the global
trading system. These rules include provisions regarding tariffs, subsidies, trade-related
intellectual property rights, non-tariff measures such as technical standards, and dispute
settlement. The WTO also administers a number of trade agreements, such as the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
The WTO's ultimate goal is to create a more efficient and fair global trading system.
By promoting trade openness, the WTO reduces poverty and improves participating countries'
economic growth and development. Trade openness achieved through the WTO can spur
economic growth in developing countries by helping them to improve the efficiency of resource
allocation, exploit comparative advantages, and foster growth among the most globally
competitive sectors and domestic firms.
In conclusion, the World Trade Organization has played a vital role in facilitating
globalization, liberalizing trade, and providing a platform for resolving global trade disputes. As
the global economy continues to evolve, the WTO will need to adapt to the changing dynamics
of international trade and continue its effort to promote free and open markets.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trilateral agreement that has been in
effect since 1994 between Canada, Mexico, and the United States (What Is the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?, 2021).
While the World Trade Organization is a global economic organization, NAFTA is only
applicable to the North American region. NAFTA is responsible for resolving trade disputes as
well as negotiating new areas of cooperation between industries and governments in a timely
and impartial manner.
Its primary goal is to remove trade and investment barriers between the three countries.
The agreement creates a free trade zone between the three countries, eliminating tariffs on
most goods traded between them, and encourages foreign investment. It also includes
provisions to protect intellectual property, labor rights, and environmental standards.
The agreement also sought to protect intellectual property, establish dispute resolution
mechanisms, and implement labor and environmental safeguards through side agreements.
Overall, NAFTA has had a positive impact on the global economy. It has contributed to
increased trade and investment between Canada, Mexico, and the United States, while also
providing a framework for resolving disputes and protecting intellectual property rights.

Global Citizenship
Global citizenship refers to the notion that we all share a common humanity and that we have a
responsibility to protect and promote the well-being of all people and the planet as a whole.
Global citizenship is about recognizing our shared responsibility and taking action to create
positive change both locally and globally.
Citizenship is the expression of a public identity. It is the recognition of an official position by a
government and the ability to enjoy the rights and privileges following from that position by an
individual.
The idea of "global citizenship" is that people have a duty to actively participate in and
contribute to the world around them, beyond their local communities and national boundaries.
Regardless of our location, we face a common destiny (at least in the mid-term or long term);
where the unfolding of an event in one part of the world affects lives in other parts. It is the
notion that as citizens of this planet, we all belong to a single, interconnected global community
and share a shared fate.
Recognizing and honoring cultural variety and distinctions, supporting social and environmental
justice, and actively contributing to local, national, and international change-making initiatives
are all aspects of global citizenship.
Being a global citizen entails having an accepting, open-minded, and sympathetic
attitude toward individuals from other cultures and backgrounds as well as a dedication to
advancing the welfare of all people around the world. It is about realizing that each of our
individual actions and choices may significantly affect the world in which we live and about
utilizing our privilege and resources to affect positive change.

Principles of Global Citizenship

1) Understanding Cultural Diversity
- Global citizens must recognize the significance of many viewpoints and ways of life while also
understanding and appreciating cultural variety. We may learn from each of our major cultural
belief systems as we look for answers to the problems the world faces today. Understanding
different cultures helps us realize that, in contrast to our individual tribal or national
performances, we can accomplish more as a group if we set aside our differences and
concentrate on our shared values and strengths.
2) Taking Action on Global Issues
- Global citizens have a duty to understand the major world issues that affect them personally.
Acting on global issues is a fundamental tenet of global citizenship because it recognizes the
interdependence of all nations and each individual's responsibility to improve humanity. Global
issues such as poverty, climate change, and violations of human rights transcend national
boundaries and necessitate a collective response.
3) Promoting Sustainability
- Global citizens should be committed to furthering sustainability, which includes making efforts
to reduce their carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy sources, and adopting
environmental protection regulations. Neglecting sustainability could result in the depletion of
natural resources.
4) Fostering Global Cooperation
- Global citizens should be mindful of the reality that many global issues require international
cooperation and should be motivated to engage with others in order to attain shared objectives.
This may be lending support to international organizations, taking part in international projects,
or working with individuals from other nations.
5) Respecting Human Rights
Citizens of the world should be dedicated to advancing human rights and treating everyone with
respect and decency. This includes promoting equal rights and opportunities, aiding
marginalized groups, and combating injustice and discrimination.
As individuals, it is our duty to understand how we fit into the larger community and to act in
ways that benefit both the world and its inhabitants. We may fight to make the world for
everyone more just, sustainable, and egalitarian by embracing the principles of global
citizenship.

Responsibilities of Global Citizenship

 The obligation to comprehend one's own position as well as others' opinions on

international issues.
 The responsibility to respect cultural diversity.
 The responsibility to establish connections with people from other nations and cultures.
 The responsibility to comprehend how nations and people around the world are related
and dependent on one another.
 The responsibility to comprehend world difficulties.
 The responsibility to promote increased international collaboration with other countries.
 The responsibility to promote the implementation of international conventions, treaties,
and accords pertaining to global issues.
 The responsibility to promote more effective global fairness and justice across all of the
world community's value domains.
Overall, the responsibilities of global citizenship include a dedication to establishing peace,
understanding, and cooperation among all citizens, as well as social, economic, and
environmental justice. Furthermore, citizens, the community, and the many organizations in
societies have a role to play in realizing the promises of globalization and finding solutions to the
issues facing the modern world.