Why is it inaccurate to describe the U.N. as a ‘world government’?

PART A: IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE (10 marks)
Identify and explain the significance of any FIVE of the following terms. Each answer should be
approximately 4 – 6 sentences in length and is worth 2 marks. To help you find the most useful
course content, I have indicated the relevant module for each term.
In your response, be sure to (a) define the term using specific details drawn from readings,
learning materials and live sessions, and (b) explain its relevance or importance for
understanding the phenomenon of globalization. Where appropriate, provide an empirical
example to clarify your ideas.
1. Liberal Internationalism (Module 8)
2. The Responsibility to Protect (Module 9)
3. Non-Governmental Organizations (Module 10)
4. Political Violence (Modules 9 and 10)
5. The Greenhouse Effect (Module 11)
6. 2015 Paris Agreement (Module 12)
7. Pandemic (Module 13)
8. UN Millennium Development Goals (Module 13)
PART B: SHORT ANSWERS (10 marks)
Using specific details drawn from readings, online learning materials, and live sessions, answer
any TWO of the following questions. Each answer should be approximately 12 – 14 sentences
in length and is worth 5 marks.
While you will not specifically be graded on writing style and grammar, you are expected to use
proper sentence and paragraph format (i.e. no listing or point-form). Be sure to read carefully
and answer all parts of the question chosen for full marks.

Question #1: Politics and Globalization
The United Nations (U.N.) is one of the most powerful international political organizations in
the world today. This important intergovernmental institution (IGO) is both a result of and a
driving force behind processes of political globalization. With 193 voting members, the U.N.
plays a key role in addressing issues of international peace and security, sustainable
development, and managing global crises, like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
And yet, as we have discussed, the U.N. is not a fully functioning ‘world government.’
Why is it inaccurate to describe the U.N. as a ‘world government’? To answer this
question, identify and explain at least two distinct international principles, laws or structures that
constrain the power of the U.N. to act independently of individual states. Then, identify and describe one historical example that demonstrate the limitations of the U.N. to address global
challenges.
Given the limited ability of the U.N. to act independently of its member states, what role does
the U.N. play in international relations? Identify and explain at least two distinct ways in
which the U.N. contributes to its core goals of maintaining international peace and security.
Having reflected on the limitations and contributions of the U.N., in your view, overall, is the
U.N. beneficial for global well-being and stability? Why or why not? Explain your
assessment with specific reference to details and examples drawn from your readings and
learning modules.
Relevant Course Materials:
Module 8 – Politics and Globalization, Part 1
Module 9 – Politics and Globalization, Part 2
Module 10 – Politics and Globalization, Part 3
Readings:
 “International Relations and Foreign Policy” by MacLean & Wood
 “Chapter 4: The Political Dimension of Globalization” by Steger
 “A Brief History of the Responsibility to Protect.” [YouTube Video File.] Retrieved from

 Interview: Roméo Dallaire on Rwanda and R2P. [YouTube Video File]. Retrieved from

 Cronin, A.K. (2015). ISIS is not a terrorist group. Foreign Affairs. Mar

Question #2: Climate Change and Globalization
The climate crisis is currently the greatest existential threat facing humanity and the planet, as
we know it. According to the vast majority of climate scientists and ample, long-term scientific
research from around the globe, this crisis is anthropogenic – that is, it is a crisis created by
human activity on earth. As expressed by scientists, IGOs, NGOs, and activists around the
world, this is a global crisis that requires a global response.
What scientific evidence is there to support the conclusion that the climate crisis is
anthropogenic? Identify any two distinct human activities that contribute to climate change,
explain exactly how these activities impact our natural world, and discuss the consequences of
these impacts for our planet as a whole.
How has the international community responded to this global crisis, and with what
effects? Identify and discuss two distinct international agreements, policies or actions that have been taken at the global level in response to the climate crisis, and critically discuss their
impacts.
What gets in the way of effective global action to address this existential threat? Identify
two distinct obstacles that interfere with successful global coordination. In your view, how
might these obstacles and barriers be overcome?
Relevant Course Materials:
Module 11 – Globalization and Climate Change, Part 1
Module 12 – Globalization and Climate Change, Part 2
Readings:
 “Chapter 6: The Ecological Dimension of Globalization” by Steger
 “The global deal: climate change and the creation of a new era of progress and
prosperity” by Stern
 UN Sustainable Development Goals https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

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