Global Governance Structures

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Examination of the structures and frameworks that are used to manage global governance, including international laws, conventions, treaties, and agreements.

International Law: The set of rules and principles that regulate the relations between states and other international actors.
United Nations System: The umbrella organization that coordinates the activities of UN-affiliated agencies and bodies, fostering cooperation among countries on a range of issues.
International Organizations: Non-state, intergovernmental entities that aim to promote cross-border cooperation and address global challenges.
NGOs and Civil Society: Private, non-profit organizations or networks that operate at international or local levels and pursue environmental, social, or governance-related goals.
Global Economic Governance: The set of norms, rules, and institutions that regulate international trade, finance, and investment, including the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
Global Health Governance: The system of actors and mechanisms that address transnational health challenges, such as epidemics, pandemics, or health inequalities, through cooperation and coordination.
Human Security and Human Rights: A concept that emphasizes the protection and promotion of individual and community well-being, as well as fundamental freedoms and dignity, against threats or violations by state or non-state actors.
Climate Change and Environment: The set of policies, agreements, and institutions that aim to mitigate and adapt to global environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or pollution.
Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping: The set of strategies, mechanisms, and institutions that seek to prevent, manage, or resolve violent conflicts and promote peace and stability in the international realm.
Regional and Sub-regional Governance: The system of multilateral mechanisms, organizations, and agreements that address specific regional or sub-regional issues, such as security, economic integration, or cultural cooperation.
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs): These organizations are established through treaties or agreements between multiple governments. They are typically composed of member states and have a specific regulatory or policy-making function.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): These organizations are made up of private individuals or groups with common goals or interests. They engage in activities including advocacy, research, and aid provision.
Regional Organizations: These organizations are formed by a group of countries that share a common geography. They are typically established to promote economic, political, or security cooperation among member states.
Transnational Corporations (TNCs): These are large corporations that operate in multiple countries, often with more economic power than some states.
Multinational Corporations (MNCs): These are companies that have operations in a number of different countries, but they are typically smaller than TNCs.
International Courts and Tribunals: These institutions are set up to adjudicate disputes between states or individuals from different countries. Examples include the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
United Nations (UN) System: The UN is the world’s largest intergovernmental organization, made up of 193 member states. It has a range of functions including peacekeeping, security, human rights, and development.
Private Governance: Private governance refers to systems of governance organized by market actors, such as standards organizations or industry associations.
Global Civil Society: Global civil society consists of non-state actors such as NGOs, social movements, and individuals who engage with global issues.
State-led Governance: State-led governance refers to governance systems that are driven primarily by the actions and policies of states. These can take the form of international treaty negotiations, intergovernmental summits, or bilateral trade agreements.
"Global governance refers to institutions that coordinate the behavior of transnational actors, facilitate cooperation, resolve disputes, and alleviate collective action problems."
"Global governance began in the mid-19th century."
"It became particularly prominent in the aftermath of World War I, and more so after the end of World War II."
"Since World War II, the number of international organizations has increased substantially."
"A variety of types of actors – not just states – exercise power."
"The number of actors involved in governance relationships has increased substantially."
"Various terms have been used for the dynamics of global governance, such as complex interdependence, international regimes, multilevel governance, global constitutionalism, and ordered anarchy."
"Global governance broadly entails making, monitoring, and enforcing rules."
"Institutions ... facilitate cooperation, resolve disputes, and alleviate collective action problems."
"Governance is thus broader than government."
"Global governance began in the mid-19th century."
"It became particularly prominent in the aftermath of World War I."
"A variety of types of actors ... exercise power."
"The number of international organizations has increased substantially."
"The number of actors ... involved in governance relationships has also increased substantially."
"Various terms have been used for the dynamics of global governance, such as complex interdependence, international regimes, multilevel governance, global constitutionalism, and ordered anarchy."
"Institutions that coordinate the behavior of transnational actors, facilitate cooperation, resolve disputes, and alleviate collective action problems."
"Institutions ... facilitate cooperation, resolve disputes, and alleviate collective action problems."
"Governance is thus broader than government."
"The number of international organizations has increased substantially."