State Transformation: Globalization, Technology, and Supranationalism
The State and Globalization
Factors influencing the transformation of the traditional State:
- Globalization of the economy: Capital flows across borders.
- Widespread use of new information technologies: Networks circulate information in real-time.
Globalization has created a global system that integrates states. States have reached agreements and supranational organizations have been created, assuming a portion of state sovereignty. States agree to implement decisions within their territory.
The European Union
The European Union is a supranational institution that has assumed a large part of the sovereignty of its member states.
Local and Regional Areas
Local or regional areas have well-developed economies and distinct cultural and social identities.
Types of Regions:
- Stateless (e.g., Quebec)
- Consolidated and highly differentiated regions (e.g., Bavaria)
- Global cities (e.g., New York, Tokyo, and London): Centers of global economic activities and decisions.
Subsidiarity
The principle where the institution closest to the citizenry makes certain decisions.
The Role of the State Today
- States coordinate regions and cities, distribute wealth and responsibilities, and ensure compliance with laws and equal rights for all citizens.
- The State guarantees the creation and maintenance of basic infrastructure connecting different parts of the country and with other countries.
- States coordinate the fight against global terrorism.
Relations Between States
To achieve a joint state, initiatives include:
- Signing treaties, conventions, and international declarations of rights, through which states commit to actions or avoid actions.
- Creating supranational organizations where states delegate some functions.
Supranational Organizations
After WWII, supranational organizations emerged to solve problems generated by increased relations. There are worldwide organizations (UN, WTO) and regional or continental organizations (EU, Arab League).
The United Nations
The United Nations is the largest and most important supranational organization, created in 1945 by 51 states.
UN Goals:
- Maintain peace and security.
- Develop friendly relations among nations.
- Cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems.
- Develop and stimulate respect for human rights.
Organizations Dependent on the UN:
- UNICEF: Created to protect children and youth.
- UNESCO: Works to achieve peace and social welfare through culture.
NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
Organizations independent of states and political parties, relying on contributions and funds collected by thousands of people.
NGOs as International Networks
They have become powerful specialized organizations:
- Engaged in promoting humanitarian actions (Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders).
- Promote human rights and denounce violations (Amnesty International).
- Protect nature and report environmental destruction (Greenpeace).