World Government: Good or Bad Idea?

Members of the republican party have sponsored a bill to withdraw from the United Nations. I think this is a terrible idea for many reasons.

The United Nations doesn’t threaten US sovereignty. Additionally, the US enjoys a permanent spot in the security council with veto powers. If anything, the UN is compromised by giving too many concessions and powers to member states, especially the US. As a body, the UN exercises very limited authorities.

The United Nations is probably not an ideal international union for addressing global issues, but to withdraw without working on a better alternative would be a sign of bad faith. I am more optimistic about the UN than emerging international trade deals, which I feel misplace priorities, compromise sovereignty, and continue a troubling trend of inappropriate IP expansions.

Regardless, I am going to ask: Would global government be a good idea? Do we want global institutions that create standards and rules for member states? Could such institutions help protect our interests as citizens while still respecting diverse cultures and values?

It is interesting to look at politics in the United States. The federal government has played an invaluable role in protecting the interests of minority groups, who would otherwise be mistreated by local governments(take a look at the recent movie “Loving” about interracial marriage and families). Federal government can create important and appropriate standards for communities, government, and business. It also allows us to organize to work together on shared objectives.

Could we see any of these benefits on a global scale through global institutions?

I am not going to make any blanket condemnations of initiatives for global governance, but it is certainly a very delicate task, with many potential political conflicts.

Perhaps the best approach, is to empower citizens to create spontaneous accounting communities that transcend traditional political boundaries. We can work on shared objectives and create change through learning, practice and hard work.

Such communities could develop into global communities and institutions. Any measures to claim or exercise authorities should be approached cautiously. We should demonstrate the value and efficacy of such social orders before undertaking the challenges of governance and representation.

There is stuff that needs to be done. We need to organize ourselves to do these important things. But more importantly, we need to understand how to foster processes and relationships, that allow us to vigilantly care for the earth and humanity.

Good will and cooperation is a good place to start but it’s not enough — we need specific technical knowledge and sustainable social commitments.