PPT for Global insterstate system

1. The Global
Interstate System
Understanding International Relations in the Contemporary
World

2. Global Interstate System
• The refers to the formal and informal network of sovereign states and international
institutions that govern the interactions between countries. It includes the rules,
agreements, diplomatic practices, and organizations that manage international relations,
maintain peace and security, and promote cooperation among nations.
• The emergence of international organizations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank, WTO)
that coordinate global action.
• They also highlight the system’s role in:
• Conflict resolution (through diplomacy and peacekeeping)
• Global economic regulation (through trade and finance institutions)
• Humanitarian responses (through agencies like UNHCR or WHO)

3. Historical Roots of the Global Interstate System: The
Treaty of Westphalia (1648)
• The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years’ War in
Europe—a long and devastating conflict involving many European powers,
mainly fought over religion and political control.
• Why Is It Important?
• It is considered the foundation of the modern global interstate system
because it introduced key principles that are still followed today in
international relations.

4. Key Principles Established by the Treaty:
1.✅ State Sovereignty
1. Each state had the right to govern itself without interference from other states.
2. It recognized the independence and equality of states, no matter how big or
powerful.
2. ️ Fixed Territorial Borders
1. States were recognized as having defined geographic boundaries.
2. It reinforced the idea of non-interference in other states' internal affairs.
3.️ Diplomatic Relations and Legal Equality
1. States could engage in diplomacy and sign treaties as equals.
2. Set the groundwork for international law and global cooperation.

5. The State and Sovereignty
• A state is a political organization
with a centralized government that
has the authority to govern a
specific geographic territory and
population. It is recognized both
internally (by its citizens) and
externally (by other states).
• Sovereignty is the full right and
power of a state to govern itself
without any outside interference.

6. The State and Sovereignty
• Key Elements of a State:
1. Population – A group of people living within
the state.
2. Territory – A clearly defined geographical area.
3. Government – An organized political authority
that makes and enforces laws.
4. Sovereignty – The supreme power to govern
itself without external interference.
5. Recognition – Acceptance by other states
(especially in international relations).
• Key Features of Sovereignty:
1. Independence – The state is free
from control by other countries.
2. Authority – The government has the
highest power within its borders.
3. Decision-making – Only the state
can decide on its laws, policies, and
how to deal with other countries.

7. Nation vs. State vs. Nation-State
•Nation: A group of people with shared identity (culture, language).
•State: A political organization with territory and government.
•Nation-State: A country where the nation and the state match (e.g., Japan).

8. International and Regional Organizations
1. United Nations (UN)
2. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
3. World Bank
4. World Trade Organization (WTO)
5. European Union (EU)
6. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
7. African Union (AU)
8. Organization of American States (OAS)

9. Organization Type Function Influence Purpose
UN International
Peace, development,
human rights
Global diplomacy,
peacekeeping
Promote peace and
resolve conflicts
IMF International Financial stability
Loans, economic
monitoring
Prevent economic
crisis
World Bank International
Development
funding
Reduces poverty,
funds projects
Promote growth and
development
WTO International Trade regulation
Prevents trade
disputes
Ensure smooth
global trade
EU Regional
Integration, common
policies
Common market,
Eurozone
European unity and
peace
ASEAN Regional Regional cooperation
Economic and
security partnerships
Stability and growth
in SE Asia
AU Regional
Unity, peace,
development
Supports democracy,
handles crises
Improve African
governance and
peace
OAS Regional
Democracy and
rights
Promotes dialogue
and support
Cooperation in the
Americas

10. Global Governance
• Global governance includes structures, processes, and rules that ensure accountability,
responsiveness, equity, transparency, and rule of law among international actors
• They describe the UN as a leading "global governance actor and site", underlining how it
facilitates global dialogue and coordination among sovereign states.
Key power functions of international organizations include:
1. Classification & norm diffusion: defining concepts (e.g. poverty, development) and
spreading behavioral norms.
2. Agenda-setting and policy framing: shaping how global issues are perceived and addressed
by states.
3. Legitimacy and governance quality: IOs’ influence hinges on their capacity to adapt, remain
fair, and exercise authority effectively.

11. What is the G7?
The G7 is a forum for major to discuss and coordinate policies, address
global challenges, and promote international cooperation. Its members are
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United
States.
What is the G20?
The G20 is a global forum of 19 individual countries and the European
Union. Leaders from member countries meet annually to exchange ideas
and collaborate on solutions for global economic growth and stability.

12. Feature G7 (Group of Seven) G20 (Group of Twenty)
Members 7 advanced economies
19 countries + EU (developed
+ emerging)
Focus
Political & economic
leadership
Broad economic cooperation
& crisis response
Influence
High in finance, diplomacy,
security
High in inclusive
policymaking & coordination
Power Type Soft power, norm-setting
Agenda-setting, economic
coordination
Role in Global Interstate
System
Promotes Western-aligned
global order
Connects North and South,
supports global governance

13. ⚖️ International Law and the Role of the
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations
(UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in
April 1946.
• The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the six principal
organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (United States of
America).
• The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to
it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United
Nations organs and specialized agencies.
• The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the
United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is assisted by a Registry, its
administrative organ. Its official languages are English and French.

14. Important UN Treaties and Conventions
1. UN Charter (1945)
• Purpose: Founding document of the United Nations
• Importance: Establishes principles of international law, peacekeeping, and
cooperation among states
• All UN member states must follow it.
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) (Not a treaty, but
foundational)
• Purpose: Sets common standards for human rights globally
• Importance: Basis for many later human rights treaties and national laws
• Adopted by the UN General Assembly

15. Important UN Treaties and Conventions
3. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989)
• Purpose: Protects the rights of all children
• Importance: Most widely ratified human rights treaty in history
• Covers health, education, protection from harm, and participation in society
4. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966)
• Purpose: Protects rights like freedom of speech, religion, voting, and fair
trials
• Importance: Core human rights treaty; legally binding

16. Important UN Treaties and Conventions
5. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide (1948)
• Purpose: Defines genocide and makes it a crime under international law
• Importance: Created after World War II to prevent mass atrocities
6. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW) (1979)
• Purpose: Protects women’s rights and promotes gender equality
• Importance: Often called the "international bill of rights for women"

17. Important UN Treaties and Conventions
7. 🌍 Paris Agreement (2015) (Under the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change)
• Purpose: Fights climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Importance: A key treaty in global environmental cooperation
8. Montreal Protocol (1987)
• Full Name: Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
Adopted: September 16, 1987
Under: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

18. Conflict and Cooperation
• In international relations, conflict and cooperation are two
common outcomes of how states (countries) interact. These
outcomes are often shaped by differences or agreements related
to territory, resources, and ideas or beliefs (ideology).

19. ⚔️ Conflict
Conflict happens when countries disagree or compete, sometimes resulting in war, military
actions, or economic tension.
🔹 Common Causes of Conflict:
1.Borders (Territorial Disputes):
Countries may fight over land or unclear boundaries.
1. Example: The India–Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, a region both countries claim.
2.Resources:
Nations may compete over oil, water, or minerals.
1. Example: The South China Sea dispute involves multiple countries claiming ocean areas
believed to be rich in oil and fish.
3.Ideology (Beliefs and Systems of Government):
Conflicts may arise from different political or religious beliefs.
1. Example: The Cold War was not a direct war but a long period of political and military
tension between the United States (capitalist democracy) and the Soviet Union
(communist state).

20. 🤝 Cooperation
Cooperation happens when countries work together to solve problems or
promote peace and development.
🔹 Examples of Cooperation:
•Trade agreements like ASEAN or NAFTA, where countries lower trade
barriers.
•Climate action, such as the Paris Agreement, where nations commit to
reduce carbon emissions.
•Humanitarian aid, where countries help each other after disasters.