Transcript Beyond Sovereignty

Global Problems, Global Solutions
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The fast, interdependent spread of open society,
open economy, and open technology
infrastructure.
Globalization is a decentered process that occurs at
an unprecedented speed; it is dynamic and fluid.
Today’s speed, impact, scope, depth, and costs of
globalization are unparalleled
Globalization is not the exclusive cause of
transsovereign problems but facilitates their
spread.
Transsovereign problems constitute the negative
aspect of globalization.
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Proponents: globalization makes the world
smaller and brings people closer together.
More globalization is answer to global
problems such as poverty, crime, North-South
gap etc.
Opponents (Skeptics): globalization is
neoimperialism, driven by a few dominant
states and major corporations.
Cusimano-Love: Globalization has both
positive and negative consequences; we must
harness the positive consequences
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Transsovereign relations are a hindrance and
potential ally in managing global problems.
Globalization challenges state sovereignty and its
capacity to deal with transsovereign challenges.
Consequently, transsovereign problems attain a
wider reach and impact at an unparalleled pace.
Most challenges today arise from weak rather than
strong states.
Transsovereign problems often weaken state
authority further, prompting a loss of sovereignty
and in some cases “failed states.”
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How to curtail problems without closing of markets
Unilateralism does not work; collaboration among
states and non-state actors needed
Different actors have different interests, capabilities
and constituencies
Problems often located in economic and social arenas
of state in which gov’t has minimal control
Intermestic politics—boundary between domestic and
foreign policies is blurred
Contracting out traditional state functions to private
and multilateral organizations may further weaken
sovereignty
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Failed states intensify the transsovereign
problems of global terrorism, organized crime,
refugee flows, disease, poverty, nuclear
trafficking, and WMD.
Failed states are a magnet for NGOs and IGOs
which attempt to alleviate the situation; this
further weakens state sovereignty.
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External and internal forces challenge the
sovereignty of the state
External challenges: forces of globalization
Internal challenges: crisis of authority;
intrastate conflict, subnational movements,
crisis of economic development
population growth
limited resources
economic degradation etc.
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Sovereignty is dead; sovereignty is a nostalgic
fiction (Kenichi Ohmae)
State is “retreating” as its rationale and
functions change (Susan Strange; Rosenau,
Rosecrance)
Sovereignty continues to prevail; the state
remains the most effective and powerful actor
in international relations (Krasner)
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HOW CAN TRANSSOVEREIGN PROBLEMS BE
EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSED WITHIN A SYSTEM
THAT CONTINUES TO ASSUME THE
CENTRALITY OF THE “STATE-AS-ACTOR”?
DEMOCRATIZATION AND CAPITALISM ARE
THE BEST GUARANTEES FOR PEACE AND
PROSPERITY AROUND THE WORLD. HOW
CAN THEIR EXPANSION BE SAFEGUARDED
WITHOUT FURTHER DEEPENING AND
WIDENING TRANSSOVEREIGN PROBLEMS
ALREADY IN EXISTENCE?
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Centered on the centrality of the state as predominant
actor
Dilemma is tied directly to anarchy in the international
system
In order to survive in the anarchical system, a state
resorts to the build-up of its military in order to
enhance its chance of survival
A state’s action to protect its own safety (security) is
perceived as a threat to the security of other states
Result: arms race; state may end up less rather than
more secure
Challenge: how to keep strong, potentially imperial
states at bay without making them stronger?
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Globalization + Weak States +transsovereign
problems=New Security Dilemma
Spread of globalization is a formula for global peace
and prosperity, assuming that the negative
repercussion of globalization, i.e. the intensification of
transsovereign problems can be eliminated or at least
minimized.
Challenge: how to protect against transsovereign
problems and “weak” states with a response that
prohibits weak states from getting weaker and
intensifies transsovereign threats?
New Security Dilemma warrants new solutions;
solutions not centered on the exclusivity of the state-asactor; centrality of military response may not be
effective in dealing with most transsovereign problems
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The contemporary world of international relations is
witnessing a transformation. Unprecedented challenges of
transsovereign problems cannot be addressed by resorting
to the traditional means of military force.
The reality of globalization and the involuntary
consequences of transsovereign problems transforms the
nature and structure of the sovereign state as actor in
international relations. Sovereignty is definitely changing!
The new security dilemma underscores the inclusion of
nonmilitary responses to maintain “order” and “peace”
globally. We need to build new coalitions with the private
sector as well as focus on reorganizing traditional defense
systems and military forces to respond to non-state threats.
Global problems require global solutions not state solutions.