THE CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Introduction:

The contemporary world is a rapidly changing and complex place, marked by technological
advancement, globalization, environmental challenges, geopolitical tensions, and social and
economic inequality. In this report, we will explore some of the key issues shaping our world
today and their implications for individuals, societies, and nations. We will examine trends in
politics, economics, culture, and technology and their impact on international relations,
governance, and human well-being. By understanding the challenges and opportunities of the
contemporary world, we can better prepare ourselves for the future and work towards a more
sustainable, equitable, and peaceful global community.

(The contemporary world refers to the current time period characterized by its present-day
circumstances and events, as opposed to the past or future. It encompasses the major political,
social, economic, technological, environmental, and cultural trends and challenges of our time,
including globalization, climate change, political instability, technological advancements, social
inequality, and cultural diversity. The contemporary world is constantly evolving and changing,
and understanding its complexities and challenges is crucial for creating a sustainable, equitable,
and peaceful global community.)

The contemporary world is a term that refers to the current state of affairs in the global
society and culture.
"The contemporary world" is a term used to describe the present time, including the
current social, economic, political, and cultural conditions of the world. It encompasses
the existing global society and all its interconnected systems and structures.

The term "contemporary" suggests that it refers to a period that is both current and
relevant to the present time. It implies that the contemporary world is constantly changing
and evolving, with new technologies, ideas, and cultural norms emerging all the time.

Some of the defining characteristics of the contemporary world include globalization,

digitalization, cultural diversity, and the rapid pace of change. The contemporary world is
also marked by complex challenges, such as climate change, social inequality, and
geopolitical conflicts.

In summary, the contemporary world is a term that captures the complexities and diversity of the
current global society and culture, and acknowledges that it is constantly evolving and changing
over time.
It is shaped by the phenomenon of globalization, which is the increased interaction and
integration of people, states, and markets across the world.
The contemporary world is undeniably shaped by the phenomenon of globalization,
which has brought about significant changes in the way people, states, and markets
interact with each other.

Globalization has been enabled by advances in transportation, communication, and

information technology, which have made it easier and faster to connect people and
markets across the world. As a result, we see a much higher degree of interdependence
between different countries and regions, as well as increased cultural exchange and
diversity.

The effects of globalization can be seen in various aspects of contemporary society,

including the economy, politics, culture, and the environment. For example, global trade
has increased dramatically, with the growth of multinational corporations and the
development of global supply chains. Meanwhile, global governance has become
increasingly important, as countries seek to collaborate on issues such as climate change,
human rights, and global health.

However, globalization has also brought about significant challenges and inequalities, such as
increased economic inequality between different countries and social groups, and the loss of
local cultures and traditions in the face of global homogenization. These issues continue to shape
the contemporary world and are the subject of ongoing debate and discussion.

Studying the contemporary world can help us to become more aware, critical, and responsible
global citizens, who can contribute to the development and peace of the world.

Studying the contemporary world can help us develop a deeper understanding of the
global society and the challenges and opportunities it presents. By studying the
contemporary world, we can become more aware of the complexities and
interconnectedness of global issues, as well as the diversity of cultures and perspectives.

Moreover, studying the contemporary world can also help us become more critical
thinkers, who are able to analyze and evaluate information, and to recognize and
challenge biases and stereotypes. This critical awareness can be particularly important
when it comes to issues such as media literacy and the spread of disinformation.

Finally, studying the contemporary world can also help us become more responsible
global citizens, who are aware of our impact on the world and who actively seek to make
a positive difference. This may involve taking actions such as engaging in sustainable
practices, advocating for human rights, or working to build bridges between different
cultures and communities.
Overall, studying the contemporary world can play an important role in helping us become more
informed, critical, and responsible global citizens, who are better equipped to contribute to the
development and peace of the world.

GOVERNANCE
Governance refers to the laws, policies, and institutions that shape relationships between
different groups of people, organizations, and states. Global governance specifically
involves coordination between these groups on a global scale, with the aim of providing
public goods such as peace, security, functioning markets, and unified standards for trade
and industry. One important goal of global governance is to manage catastrophic risks,
which means reducing the likelihood and impact of events that could cause significant
harm to people and the planet.

International Actors of Global Governance

1. States
It is generally a group of people inhabiting a specific territory and living
according to a common legal and political authority; a body politic or nation (it
includes government)

In Political Science:
a. State (Polity) - an organized political community, living under a
government
b. Sovereign State – it is classically defined as a state with a defined territory
on which it exercises internal and external sovereignty, a permanent
population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with
other sovereign states.

States are one of the most important actors in global governance, as they play a key role in
creating and enforcing laws, policies, and norms that shape relationships between countries
and other actors in the international system.
 Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness between countries in
areas such as economics, politics, and culture. This has led to people consuming products
from foreign countries, rather than just locally-grown foods. Sovereignty, which refers to
a country's ability to govern itself and make decisions without outside interference, is an
important link between globalization and the nation-state. Despite the increased
interconnectedness, states remain relevant in the era of globalization. When states open
their economies to the world, it creates a broader marketplace that benefits producers and
provides more buying options for individuals and organizations alike.

Globalization is when countries become more connected in areas like trade, politics, and culture.
People now consume products from foreign countries instead of just local ones. Sovereignty is a key
concept that allows countries to govern themselves without outside interference. Even with
globalization, countries still play an important role by opening their economies to the world, which
creates more opportunities for producers and consumers, leading to economic growth and
development.

International organizations like ASEAN play a crucial role in global governance. They
act as intermediary bodies that coordinate policies among their member countries in
specific geographic regions. Other organizations, such as NATO or China's Belt and
Road Initiative, may be led by a single country and focus on strategic or economic
initiatives. Still others, like APEC or ANZUS, focus on coordinating defense or
economic integration more broadly.

1. International organizations (like ASEAN)

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

works through various mechanisms, such as summits, ministerial meetings, sectoral
bodies, committees, and dialogue partners, to address common issues and challenges.

established a community based on three pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-

cultural, with a vision of a rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered region.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - ASEAN is a regional

intergovernmental organization made up of ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,
and Vietnam. Its goals include promoting economic cooperation, social progress, and
regional peace and stability.

EU (European Union) - The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member

countries in Europe. Its goals include promoting economic and political cooperation
among its members, ensuring peace and security, and protecting the rights and interests
of its citizens.
 Other Organizations
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) - NATO is a military alliance made up of 30
North American and European countries. Its goals include collective defense and
ensuring the security of its members.

China's Belt and Road Initiative - The Belt and Road Initiative is a large-scale
development strategy aimed at improving economic cooperation and connectivity
between China and countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. It includes infrastructure
projects such as highways, railways, and ports.

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) - APEC is a forum made up of 21 Pacific

Rim countries that promotes economic cooperation and free trade in the region.

ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty) - ANZUS is a military
alliance between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, aimed at promoting
regional security and cooperation.

Civil Society
Globalization presents significant challenges to global governance, making it more
difficult to govern now than 20 years ago. Governments need to involve non-
governmental sectors, such as civil society organizations (CSOs), to make informed
decisions and implement them. CSOs have evolved from being observers and critics of
governments to active participants in various governance mechanisms. They promote
global public goods, including human rights protection, gender equality, climate change
adaptation and mitigation, disarmament, and international cooperation and
development. While there is a broad acceptance of the necessity to engage civil society in
governance and decision-making, there is not yet enough acknowledgement of the need
for capacity-building and reform of global governance mechanisms.

NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. These are usually non-profit organizations
that operate independently from governments and are typically funded by donations or grants.
NGOs work on a variety of issues, such as human rights, environmental protection, and social
welfare. They often work at the grassroots level, meaning they work directly with local
communities to address issues affecting them. Examples of well-known NGOs include
Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders.

CBO stands for Community-Based Organization. These are typically smaller groups that operate at
the local level, often within a specific community or region. CBOs are usually composed of
community members who work together to address specific issues or needs within their community.
They often have a narrower focus than NGOs, such as providing services or advocacy for a specific
group of people, like senior citizens. CBOs often work in partnership with NGOs and other
organizations to achieve their goals.
Market (global corporations)

A global company or multinational corporation (MNC) operates in multiple countries to

generate revenue by tapping into various markets. Technological advancements have
made it easier for MNCs to pursue international operations to achieve higher revenue and
lower costs. Through economies of scale and scope, MNCs can mass-produce goods and
expand horizontally into new markets. These expansions can lead to increased revenues
and margins, but also carry inherent risks.

The United Nations

is an international organization created after World War II
is an intergovernmental organization aiming to maintain international peace and security,
develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a
center for harmonizing the actions of nations. It is the world's largest and most familiar
international organization. The UN is headquartered on international territory in New
York City and has other main offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague.

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization created after World War II with the aim of
promoting peace and cooperation between countries around the world. Its primary purpose is to
maintain international peace and security and to foster friendly relations among nations.

The UN seeks to achieve this goal by providing a platform for member states to come together to
discuss and resolve conflicts peacefully, to promote economic and social development, and to
address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and the spread of disease.

The UN has a broad mandate and a wide range of functions, including the maintenance of
international peace and security, the promotion of human rights, the provision of humanitarian
assistance, and the coordination of international efforts to address global issues.

The UN is made up of 193 member states, which work together to achieve common goals. It has a
number of specialized agencies and programs, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The UN is headquartered in New York City, on international territory, and has other main offices in
Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague. The UN is funded through contributions from member
states and operates on a budget of several billion dollars per year.
Principal Organs of the United Nations
General Assembly (Deliberative Assembly of all UN Members)

 May resolve non-compulsory recommendations to states or suggestions to the

Security Council (UNSC);
 Decides on the admission of new members, following proposal by the UNSC;
 Adopts the budget;
 Elects the non-permanent members of the UNSC; all members of ECOSOC; the UN
Secretary General (following their proposal by the UNSC); and the fifteen judges of
the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Each country has one vote.

UN Secretariat (Adminisrative Organ of the UN)

 Supports the other UN bodies administratively (for example, in the organization of

conferences, the writing of reports and studies and the preparation of the budget);
 Its chairperson—the UN Secretary General—is elected by the General Assembly for
a five-year mandate and is the UN's foremost representative.

International Court of Justice (Universal Court for International Law )

 Decides disputes between states that recognize its jurisdiction;

 Issues legal opinions;
 Renders judgment by relative majority. Its fifteen judges are elected by the UN
General Assembly for nine-year terms.

UN Security Council (for international security issues)

 Responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security;

 May adopt compulsory resolutions;
 Has fifteen members: five permanent members with veto power and ten elected
members.

UN Economic and Social Council (for global economic and social affair)

 Responsible for co-operation between states as regards economic and social matters;
 Co-ordinates co-operation between the UN's numerous specialized agencies;
 Has 54 members, elected by the General Assembly to serve staggered three-year
mandates.
 UN Trusteeship Council (for administering trust territories)

 Was originally designed to manage colonial possessions that were former League of

Nations mandates;
 Has been inactive since 1994, when Palau, the last trust territory, attained
independence.

The Roles of United Nations

The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in international affairs by promoting peace and security,
fostering cooperation among member states, and supporting global development. As an
intergovernmental organization, the UN brings together countries from around the world to address
global issues and challenges. It has a range of functions, including the maintenance of international
peace and security, the promotion of human rights, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. To
strengthen its role, efforts must be made to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,
preserve the authority of the Security Council, and ensure equal participation of all member states in
international affairs. By working together through the UN, the global community can address global
challenges and promote a just and equitable international political and economic order.

Functions of the United Nations

1. To maintain international peace and security – Maintaining international peace

and security is one of the primary purposes of the United Nations (UN). The UN
seeks to prevent conflicts and resolve existing disputes between countries in a
peaceful manner through various means, such as diplomacy, mediation, and
peacekeeping operations.

2. To protect human rights – The UN works to promote and protect the fundamental
rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, nationality,
religion, or any other status. This includes rights such as the right to life, liberty,
and security of person, as well as the right to education, healthcare, and freedom
of expression. The UN also works to combat discrimination, oppression, and
violence against marginalized groups, and provides support and assistance to
victims of human rights abuses. By promoting and protecting human rights, the
UN aims to create a more just and equitable world for all people.

3. To deliver humanitarian aid – The UN provides emergency assistance to people

affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other humanitarian crises around the
world. This includes providing food, shelter, healthcare, and other basic
necessities to those in need. The UN also works to protect vulnerable groups, such
 as refugees and internally displaced persons, and supports efforts to rebuild
communities and promote long-term development.

4. To promote sustainable development – The UN works to ensure that economic growth, social
development, and environmental protection are balanced in a way that promotes long-term
sustainability. This includes initiatives to reduce poverty, increase access to education and
healthcare, promote gender equality, and address climate change and other environmental
challenges.

5. To uphold international law – The UN promotes adherence to international law

and works to develop and strengthen legal frameworks to address global
challenges and issues. This includes promoting respect for human rights,
preventing armed conflict, combating terrorism, and promoting disarmament and
non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.