World PoliticsComplexity and Competing Processes

Cooperation and conflict epitomize the complex and often contradictory nature of political interactions.

Conflict and Cooperation

Cooperation

Refers to political actors proactively working together It’s inherently active

Requires communication and interaction to achieve mutually agreeable outcomes.

Cooperation (cont.)

Can operate within existing structures Like the UN.

Can lead to the creation of new structures Like the Kyoto

Protocol.

Cooperation (cont.)

Can be multilateral or bilateral.

Can exist without government involvement Like

nongovernmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace.

Conflict

Takes many forms Ranging from the

withdrawal of diplomatic relations to full-blown warfare.

Usually garners far more attention than cooperation.

Conflict (cont.)

Conflict can involve a full range of actors Governments Subnational actors NGOs.

Conflict can also be internal (within a country’s borders) and involve IOs Governments NGOs Subnational groups Multinational corporations

(MNCs), and Individuals

Ex. Sudan.

Conflict (cont.)

Conflict and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Often the same global

actors cooperate on some issues and

Conflict over others Ex. the relationship

between China and Taiwan.

Complex cooperative and conflictual relations can be either: Bilateral

Ex. China and Taiwan

or Multilateral Ex. the six-party

talks concerning North Korea’s nuclear program.

Globalization Versus Fragmentation

Globalization

Drives the world economically, socially, and politically toward greater integration and interdependence.

Some argue that globalization is marginalizing nation-states. As international regimes, regional and

subregional trading blocs, NGOs, and MNCs promote and take advantage of relaxed

constraints on the movement of goods, capital, and labor, states necessarily cede some of their authority to

them.

Globalization (cont.)

Pulls regions, subregions, states, and even subnational actors back to focus on their own specific and unique interests and concerns.

Fragmentation

Fragmentation is driven by local, domestic, regional social, environmental, political, and economic considerations. Thus, it impedes globalization by forcing

government attention back to constituents, interest groups, and local imperatives.

Fragmentation (cont.)

Globalization and fragmentation are not new Global thinking goes back

500 years and even before with: The spread of religion The emergence of

international law The Enlightenment The development of

capitalism.

Progress in globalization has often led directly to fragmentation Imperialism led to World War I which led

to World Wars II.

Despite fragmentation, globalization proceeded apace as: The number of NGOs burgeoned The United Nations took on a more proactive

role The Internet linked people like never before The global economy continued to grow and The flows of people, goods, and capital across

borders increased.

The media is also crossing national boundaries like never before.

Terrorists have been able to move around the world with greater ease.

International reaction to global crises has increased.

The demonstration of the cultural impact of globalization is seen in the exchange of consumer goods.

Cultural Impact of Globalization

However, the world has not become homogenized. Language, country

identification, and traditional foods and heritage remain cultural signifiers.

Many countries have deliberately sought the benefits of globalization

Others have rejected it aggressively and retreated to nationalism Ex.Iran.

Anarchy v. Order

Anarchy v. Order

States must function and interact without enforceable legal norms or even a universal code of ethics. There is no international

police force or global system of justice International politics are

anarchic and the basic global tensions stem from this.

North Korea example Conflict and cooperation, Globalization and

fragmentation. International community

has stake in the outcome of the crisis over North Korea’s nuclear program. War would have costly

global ramifications.

A much larger marketplace for: Jobs, Goods, and Services Access to different cultures

Food, Music, Art, Literature, and Lifestyles Faster, more reliable means of communication.

Benefits of Globalization

Conclusion Cooperation and conflict, and globalization

and fragmentation, are defining features of international relations

Downside of Globalization

Tensions created by migration

Fears of growing cultural homogeneity

The flow of products including illegal narcotics and nuclear technologies.