‘The central challenge we face today is to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s people, instead of leaving billions of them behind in squalor’ (Annan 2000, p.6). This statement both emphasises the requirements of the globalisation process insistently and demon-strates the complexity referring to the lack in equity both between people and states. But who is responsible for justice these days in our ever changing world? This is one aspect to be considered in the course of this assignment. The purpose of this essay is to critically assess the main drivers of the globalisation process. Therefore, the term globalisation will be defined briefly and the main drivers will be stated. The author will then focus on one main driver and will explain shortly his choice. Within the main part the major governance institutions will be introduced shortly before the chosen driver will be evalu-ated critically. Finally the essay will end with a concise conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The term ‘Globalisation’
3. Main drivers of the globalisation process
4. International governance and its institutions
5. Critically assessment of international governance
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay provides a critical assessment of the primary drivers of the globalisation process, with a specific focus on the role and legitimacy of international governance institutions. It examines how these institutions regulate global interdependencies and whether they can effectively address the complex economic, social, and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
- Definitions and historical context of globalisation
- Analysis of the main drivers of globalisation, specifically focusing on international governance
- Critical evaluation of major global institutions like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank
- Debate regarding the legitimacy, democratic deficit, and reform needs of international bodies
- Challenges of balancing national sovereignty with the necessity of global regulation
Excerpt from the Book
5. Critically assessment of international governance
One of the key aspects referring to the debate of international governance is according to Johnson and Turner (2010, p.93) ‘democracy’. Hence, it is complained that there is a gap between citizens and the international institutions. This leads to the absence of appropriate democratic structures and the legitimacy through the public is systematically missing. According to Petersmann (2005) the WTO fulfills its mission inadequately, as the instruments rather achieve the requirements of the prosperous states than recognizing the needs of the poorer members. This contradicts democratic principles as well. However, it can be suggested that the setting of the WTO or other international institutions needs to be as powerful as possible, raised by a wide common legitimacy of the public (Griffin 2003). He enhances the aspect of legitimacy with claiming for an ‘institutional innovation that combines jurisdictional authority…with democratic decision-making’ (Griffin 2003, p.799) and also proposes a voting system for international institutions ‘weighted by the size of the country’s population’ (Griffin 2004, p.1083). Thus, it would have an effect of equality.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are considered contrary as well. Johnson and Turner (2010) point out those NGOs being generally in strong relationships with international institutions. These are often dependent on NGOs, as international institutions seem to be equipped deficiently. However, Esty (2002) suggests a deeper cooperation between international institutions such as the WTO and NGOs, in order to provide these both a better reputation and public comprehension.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the central challenge of ensuring globalisation acts as a positive force for all people and outlines the essay's focus on the drivers of globalisation and international governance.
2. The term ‘Globalisation’: The author defines globalisation as a complex, ongoing process of economic and social integration while noting the lack of a singular, universally accepted definition.
3. Main drivers of the globalisation process: This chapter identifies the five main drivers of globalisation, ultimately highlighting international governance and regulation as the essential framework for global processes.
4. International governance and its institutions: The author defines the concept of governance and maps key international institutions, such as the WTO, IMF, and World Bank, explaining their roles in global economic management.
5. Critically assessment of international governance: This section provides a detailed analysis of the democratic deficit, legitimacy concerns, and the positive impacts of international institutions, while considering potential reforms.
6. Conclusion: The author synthesises the findings, noting that while international governance is crucial, it faces significant challenges regarding institutional reform and the preservation of national sovereignty.
Keywords
Globalisation, International Governance, WTO, World Bank, IMF, Democracy, Legitimacy, Economic Paradigm, Global Integration, National Sovereignty, Regulation, Multilateral Agreements, Sustainability, Institutional Reform, World Federalism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper focuses on the process of globalisation, identifying its main drivers and conducting a critical assessment of the role, effectiveness, and legitimacy of international governance institutions.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the definition of globalisation, the influence of technology, the role of governance institutions, democratic legitimacy, and the tension between global regulation and national sovereignty.
What is the primary objective of this essay?
The primary objective is to evaluate which of the five identified drivers of globalisation is the most essential, with the author concluding that international governance acts as the fundamental framework for global interaction.
Which scientific methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a critical literature review and normative analysis, synthesizing perspectives from various researchers to evaluate the performance and structure of global governance systems.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of globalisation, an examination of five key drivers, an overview of major institutions like the WTO and IMF, and a critical debate regarding their democratic accountability and economic impact.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Globalisation, International Governance, WTO, IMF, World Bank, Legitimacy, Democracy, and National Sovereignty.
How does the author view the democratic deficit in international institutions?
The author highlights that many researchers identify a significant gap between citizens and international institutions, noting the absence of democratic structures and a perceived lack of public legitimacy.
What role do NGOs play according to the text?
The author notes that while NGOs often maintain strong relationships with international institutions, they are also essential partners in helping these institutions gain better public reputation and comprehension.
Does the author suggest a replacement for current institutions?
The author discusses the theoretical possibility of a world federalism or superior global governance, but remains skeptical due to the complexities of national sovereignty and the idealistic nature of such proposals.
- Citar trabajo
- Christian Bernhardt (Autor), 2012, Critically assess the main drivers of the globalization process, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/205251
