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12.2: Shifting Global Governance Models

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    291473
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    The frameworks that have governed international relations since the mid-20th century are increasingly inadequate. Traditional multilateralism, exemplified by institutions like the United Nations, struggles to address modern transnational challenges. Global issues such as climate change, pandemics, and digital security require collaborative approaches that transcend state-centric models.

    New governance models are emerging to address these gaps:

    • From Great Power Dominance to Multipolarity: The post-Cold War unipolar system is giving way to a more contested multipolar world. Middle powers and non-state actors play a larger role in shaping global agendas. A dynamic network of state and non-state actors—including NGOs, private corporations, and local governments—working collaboratively to solve global challenges.
    • Collaborative Sovereignty: Regional frameworks such as the European Union exemplify the benefits of pooling sovereignty to manage shared challenges like trade, migration, and environmental policy.
    • Mini-Lateralism: Smaller coalitions of like-minded states and actors tackle specific issues, such as regional security or climate resilience, with greater efficiency.

    While these approaches bring promise, they also highlight the tension between state sovereignty and collective action—a balance that will shape the future of global governance.


    12.2: Shifting Global Governance Models is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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