Global Governance - Contemporary World Lecture

Introduction

• Trivia: BTS and the United Nations
  • BTS appeared with South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the UN SDG Summit in NYC (Sept 2021)
  • BTS delivered a speech on COVID-19 vaccines and global youth
  • Presented "Permission to Dance" music video at UN HQ
• Relevance: BTS’s involvement underscores the role of influential figures in global governance

Main Discussion

Defining Global Governance

• Global Governance: Collective efforts to address worldwide problems beyond the capacity of individual states
  • Issues are borderless and require cooperation

Role of Nation States in Globalization

• Nation State Elements: Territorial integrity, Population, Sovereign Power
• Impact of Globalization:
  • Reduced barriers in commerce and communication
  • Sovereignty and independent policies challenged
  • Globalization changes nation states' interactions, especially in international commerce
• Economic Imbalances: Interactions between nation states and economic elites

Current Global Problems

• Transnational Problems: Poverty, environmental pollution, economic crises, organized crime, terrorism, pandemics, climate change
  • Require international cooperation
  • Complex decision-making at various levels (sub-national, national, global)

Non-State Actors

• Role: Significant in global governance
  • E.g., United Nations (UN)

United Nations (UN)

• Purpose and Functions:
  • Maintaining worldwide peace and security
  • Developing relations among nations
  • Fostering cooperation to solve international problems
  • Providing a forum for international dialogue
• Aims of the UN Charter:
  • Save generations from war
  • Affirm fundamental human rights
  • Maintain justice and respect for international law
  • Promote social progress and better life standards