Global Governance: Current Debate & Future Prospects - Research Paper

Introduction

Both present and future generations require international governance for survival. The current trend of globalization and challenges makes this system seem ineffective and fragile. Many debates have arisen with people trying to predict the future of global governance, depending on current economics and dynamics. There are two main differing groups. One prospect of a better standard of living due to less demanding work with long-lasting solutions to chronic diseases and global pollution. The other group argues that shortly people will face enormous problems in employment, climate change and conflict caused by the new threat of intelligent types of machinery moving beyond human control. The international governance is at a point of no return due to its demand. Nevertheless, for the future survival of the system, it will have to take a different shape.

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The future has so much in store for international governance (Coen and Pegram, 2015). For the system to work effectively in the future, it will require a new shape. Some of the things that will shape this system include personal empowerment. In the past half-century, people from emerging and already developed states have acquired more information power due to the advancement of technology. Currently, the system can easily mobilize citizens as many understand the essentiality and effect of global security in their lives. Organizational complexity will also shape international governance since the growth of individual empowerment influences the growth of resources and authority.

Is the Current Un Structure Sufficient to Meet Its Goals?

The current United Nations structure cannot meet the goals of future international governance. United Nations was first established in 1945 as an organization of maintaining peace and security. However, over the years, the organization has expanded its services to offer solutions for problems related to refugees' dilemmas, healthcare, criminal justice, and the environment (Adams, 2015). The organization structure is divided into five branches, first being the United Nations General Assembly which is accountable for the organization's decision-making. The other components include the Security Council, the international court of justice, economic and social council and lastly, the secretariat (Weiss, 2018).

Most of the states worldwide are experiencing globalization, which tends to emphasize interdependence. The governance mechanisms of the current United Nations are not functioning well and fit for the future. The structure in the existing organization has not integrated equipment and skills that will help manage the growing interdependence and economic integration among countries. On the other hand, the United Nations governance structure has several characters facing severe unevenness in terms of scope, results, and access. The organization still has the powers to ensure developing countries abide by its governance, but they have limited influence in shaping them to do the same in the future. Moreover, the unstable nature of globalization indicates that essential areas of mutual interest are yet to be covered.

To achieve significant international cooperation, the United Nations must first attain effective global governance. The aim of having an international organization is to promote shared values and mutual interests while reducing the weaknesses created by interdependence. These include solving global problems related to humanitarian character, economic, cultural, and social. Also, the organization has a legal obligation of encouraging respect for human rights and freedom regardless of religion, sex, race, or language. However, different states are bringing up different definitions and understanding of human rights. Soon, the current organizational structure will fail to safeguard human rights.

How Does It Need to Evolve to Continue to Be Effective in a Changing World?

United Nations needs to reform because it has successfully succeeded in maintaining peace and order worldwide for the past decades. However, at some point, it has failed to accomplish organizations set objectives (Thakur, 2016). Hence, to be effective in a changing world, especially in the twenty-first century, the institutions require reformation and evolution. Some of the reforms that need to be made include developing a sturdier, reliable, cohesive, and effective system. Also, the organization requires to create a more integrated and focused system on delivery on the ground that gives more transparent accountability in both external and internal contributions of international needs.

Besides, the United Nations needs to update its structure. Some of the specific reforms that need to be put into consideration are decentralizing its management. Most of the countries are emerging, while others enhance their skills through the advancement of technology. The already developed countries do not require more attention, like developing countries. Thus, it is high time for the organization to give leaders from emerging states a chance. Also, the institution should shift in donor funding towards more flexible and predictable resources. More infectious diseases are emerging today, which might worsen in the future. So, the organization should invest in advanced machines and researchers to combat them when they arise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, humans require international governance for survival. The future has so much in the store for global power, both positive and negative. From the current trend of economic, climate change, and globalization, the organization should expect more in the future. The present organization structure seems fragile and ineffective in achieving future goals. However, people can barely survive without it. Thus, the organization needs to restructure its system through reforms such as decentralizing the management and having clear financial accountability.

References

Adams S (2015) Failure to Protect: Syria and the UN Security Council. Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect, http://www.globalr2p.org/media/files/syriapaper_final.pdf, accessed 15 October 2015.

Coen D and Pegram T (2015) Wanted: A third generation of global governance research. Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institutions; 28 (4): 417-420.

Thakur, R. (Ed.). (2016). Past imperfect, future UNcertain: the United Nations at fifty. Springer.

Weiss, T. G. (2018). The United Nations and changing world politics. Routledge.