Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the concept of contemporary global governance, defined by the interconnectedness of nations. It uses the analogy of a round table where representatives from each country discuss global matters. Governance is established at an international level to provide a basis for international interaction, even when individual states assert their sovereignty, as exemplified by the Philippine President Duterte's stance on the International Criminal Court.
Global governance refers to the various intersecting processes that create world order. Its primary purpose, like national governments, is to implement peace and order on an international scale. It encompasses institutions, policies, norms, procedures, and initiatives through which states and their citizens aim to bring predictability, stability, and order to their responses to transitional changes.
The video highlights territorial disputes, specifically mentioning the conflict between the Philippines and China over disputed territories. This serves as an example of the challenges global governance faces when powerful nations disregard international rulings despite being part of global organizations.
Sources of global governance include treaties, international organizations (IOs) like the UN, and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). International organizations, primarily made up of member states, exercise power by inventing and applying categories (e.g., for refugees) and spreading ideas to establish global standards, such as those set by the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Nations is presented as the most prominent international organization. Founded on October 24, 1945, after World War II, its creation was largely driven by the United States. The term 'United Nations' was coined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. It currently has 193 member states, with Antonio Guterres serving as its Secretary-General.
The UN consists of six main organs: the General Assembly (the main deliberating and policy-making body), the Security Council (the most powerful organ with 15 member states, including five permanent ones: USA, France, Russia, UK, and China), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for coordination on social and environmental issues, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice (which has been controversial for the Philippines regarding human rights investigations), and the Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General.