What do you think are the notable achievements in global governance and global cooperation, and why? Please be specific.
1) Security and Peace:
Global governance and cooperation among states have contributed to world peace in a way that would not be possible individually. International alliance systems and security structures were formed to prevent wars and to provide collective global security. One of the most notable achievements of global cooperation is that we have not experienced major wars such as World War I or II for a long time. Moreover, we have been successful in preventing possible nuclear wars, during and after the Cold War. Proliferation, deployment and test of weapons of mass destruction like nuclear, biological and chemical weapons are limited thanks to multilateral non-proliferation treaties concluded through global cooperation. Although more countries have nuclear weapons at the moment, international society has prevented the use of weapons of mass destruction during past conflicts.
2) Rise of Liberal Democracies:
The rise of economically liberal democracies after the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and elsewhere is another notable achievement of global cooperation. Today, the percentage of democratic states is much higher and democratic governments are more ready to act collectively in a global political environment.
3) International Trade, Technology and Integration:
The system of global international trade with new players and new technologies has shown significant development over the last few decades. Economic cooperation has enhanced economic welfare with the development of better and faster transportation and telecommunication technologies. Today, information has become abundant and more accessible, even to the people living in the remote rural areas of the world. Availability of information through new communication technologies gives rise to comparable institutions across liberal economies and makes achievement of global governance and cooperation easy.
4) Collective Relief Efforts:
The relief efforts, aid delivery services and assistance of countries and international organizations in emergency situations such as natural disasters and humanitarian crises are one of the areas that countries act collectively. Financial and physical resources are transferred through countries or organized international relief systems at such times of distress. Also, such international and non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross, the Red Crescent and Médecins Sans Frontieres which procure new techniques and cure in medical sciences for the poor and the disadvantaged lead to an increase in expected human life and the average life standard.
Name three major breakthroughs in global governance arrangements that you would like to see achieved in the next 5-10 years, and explain why.
Role of international organizations in the international system is an issue very much open to debate. Although the success of such organizations can be listed as a notable achievement in global governance, it is evident that they lack efficiency and effectiveness. This creates a situation in which organizations are unable to fulfill their reasons of establishment or deliver what is needed in terms of human rights, development or conflict resolution. If we are to advance as a global community, inter-governmental decisions, as well as international organizations’ decisions, ought to be more binding. Apart from the sanction power of organizations, the level of representativeness should also be modified to achieve more effectiveness and legitimacy. More efficient, effective and accountable international organizations would contribute directly to breakthroughs in the following areas:
1) Energy Management:
Energy management is a vital area which requires utmost attention not only due to its role in sustainable development, but also in resolving global warming and environmental problems. The spread of alternative energy resources like solar, wind, biomass will create a better world to live in; however, it is not the only dimension of energy management. Energy demand management should also be considered to prevent further dependence on power plants. On the other hand, it should be noted that the stance of governments is a determinant of such an arrangement. Therefore, taking the responsibility of energy management should become a norm in international arena.
2) Cyber World Management:
Another area in which a breakthrough is desired in 5-10 years is cyber world management. It is a two-fold process: The first aspect of it is related to cyber-security; the second one is universal rules and regulations that would facilitate access to information for all, which has become a prerequisite for the creation of a global community. However, while implementing those arrangements, privacy and confidentiality of users should also be balanced.
3) Transnational Crimes:
Transnational crimes are also among the areas that require an immediate global attention. Human trafficking is an example to such crimes that should be dealt with in the next 5-10 years. Human trafficking, as modern slavery, may be in the form of sexual exploitation or forced labor. Whether they are the countries of origin, transition or destination, it is a challenge for all countries in the world. Although there are some international protocols on the issue, it is evident that they are inadequate in terminating this human suffering. Dealing with this issue is very problematic due to the impossibility of tracing and detecting the people or organizations that are behind this disgrace to humanity. Yet, putting an end to it is a global responsibility, which is only possible through devoted global effort.
What are the key obstacles to the development of global governance, global cooperation and solidarity, and explain why?
The current predominant formation of the world as nation states, leadership deficiencies of political figures and negative opinions of people towards those who are different can be considered as the key obstacles to the development of global cooperation in general.
1) Nation States:
Today, the idea of nation states and self governance is taken for granted and regarded as indispensable by many authorities. Questioning this paradigm may be beyond the focus of this work; however, it may be necessary for prediction of possible future scenarios. Although the world has not witnessed major multi-national wars in the last 70 years, managing intergovernmental bodies has become an arduous task due to conflicting country priorities. One of the determinants of these national conflicts is the diversity among countries in terms of the volume of land, people, money and technology. Due to this diversity, countries focus on domestic preferences instead of following a global agenda.
2) Leadership Deficiencies:
Second, the leaders of countries usually focus on short term consequences for political reasons. The dynamics of elections and the ability to drive and convince people to get the majority of the votes create an urge in leaders for populist declarations. Global issues which require compromise from all parties may be neglected since domestic preferences are given more emphasis by the majority of the public.
3) Prejudice:
Negative opinions of the crowds towards those who are “different” can be listed as the third obstacle for global cooperation. Rising Islamophobia after the events of 9/11 and the Norwegian attack in July 2011 are clear examples how people are conditioned to dislike individuals from a different religion and ethnicity. Presence of a common antagonist enables leaders to benefit from these cultural, religious or ethnic differences to unite subpopulations utilizing the power of mass media. Despite the advances in communication technologies, inter-personal differences can still be the cause of intolerance to foreigners and pave the way to the election of prejudiced political leaders.
These interconnected obstacles can be solved through an either top-down or a bottom-up process. As a top-down approach, the entire system can be redesigned by enhancing the interdependence of the nation states with more translucent borders which will enable the election of more capable and visionary leaders. Another option is a bottom-up redesign starting from ordinary individuals with the help of enhanced communication. Then, tolerant individuals could be expected to elect better leaders who would struggle to form stronger inter-governmental bodies with more emphasis on world issues.
Workshop Participants:
Gizem Akçaylan
Sinem Baykalöz
Adrian Aycan Corum
Meneviş Cılızoğlu
Eren Çamlıkaya
Dilara Çelik
Zeynep Mürvet Çetin
Hayrettin Günç
Alican Kabaş
Çağlar Kaya
Ozan Kublay
Ayşe Söğütlügil
Lale Tekişalp