Transcript Sociology 2: International Sociology

Global Polity


A global system of governance charged
with protecting global public interests
Consists of…
– International treaties
– Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
– International nongovernmental organizations
(INGOs)
Global Public Interests
(1) To defend public goods – peace and
security for all
(2) To advance public interests – social and
economic development for all
Global Polity

arises with the growing recognition of
world-level public interests, over and
above the interests of nation-states
(the global polity’s core constituents)
and/or individuals (its secondary
constituents)
Not Just Any Global Polity


(1) It is stateless (and therefore
powerless: it has no independent control
over the legitimate use of violence)
Operates on the basis of authority
(expertise) rather than power (force)
Not Just Any Global Polity


(2) It is a democracy
Decision-making based on majority rule
expressed in votes
Not Just Any Global Polity


(3) Its voting members are nation-states
(political units consisting of autonomous
states made up of peoples sharing a
common culture, history, and/or
language)
Does not intervene in the internal affairs
of sovereign nation-states
Membership in the UN

“Membership in the UN is open to all
other peace-loving states which accept
the obligations contained in the
present Charter and, in the judgment
of the Organization, are able and
willing to carry out these obligations.”
Stateless Democracy in Action -- Members
of the International Whaling Commission
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Rep
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Russia
San Marino
Slovak Rep
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
UK
Antigua
Belize
Costa Rica
Dominica
Grenada
Guatemala
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
St. Kitts
St. Lucia
St. Vincent
USA
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Ecuador
Peru
Uruguay
Suriname
Benin
Cameroon
Côte d’Ivoire
Gabon
Gambia
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Kenya
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Senegal
S Africa
Togo
Australia
Kiribati
Marshall Isl
Nauru
New Zealand
Palau
Solomon Isl
Tuvalu
Cambodia
China
India
Israel
Japan
S Korea
Laos
Mongolia
Oman
Slovak
Republic
Mali
Mongolia
Don’t
Forget
Individuals
Global
INGOs
1875-1973
(Boli & Thomas
1997)
What’s New? Differences in Degree…
Treaty of Westphalia 1648 between the Holy Roman
Emperor & the King of France and their Allies.
In the name of the most holy and individual
Trinity: Be it known to all, and every one whom
it may concern, or to whom in any manner it
may belong, That for many Years past, Discords
and Civil Divisions being stir'd up in the Roman
Empire, which increas'd to such a degree, that
not only all Germany, but also the neighbouring
Kingdoms, and France particularly, have been
involv'd in the Disorders of a long and cruel
War….

…from whence ensu'd great Effusion of
Christian Blood, and the Desolation of
several Provinces. It has at last
happen'd, by the effect of Divine
Goodness, seconded by the Endeavours
of the most Serene Republick of Venice,
who in this sad time, when all
Christendom is imbroil'd, has not ceas'd
to contribute its Counsels for the publick
Welfare and Tranquillity; so that on the
side, and the other, they have form'd
Thoughts of an universal Peace.