Global Governance: Power, Cooperation, and Challenges in the 21st Century

Authors

  • Pichaya Witoonkitja Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science, Ramkhamheang University, Bangkok 10240, Thailand. Email: pchya.w@gmail.com

Keywords:

Global Governance, Power, Cooperation, Transnational Issues, Nation-State

Abstract

This article examines the concept of global governance, which plays a crucial role in addressing transnational issues through international cooperation and diverse actors. It explores the development, meaning, dynamics, and power dimensions of global governance, employing a framework of four types of power: compulsory, institutional, structural, and productive. While global governance offers advantages in tackling global challenges, fostering inter-state cooperation, and establishing universal standards, it concurrently faces significant limitations, including weak enforcement mechanisms, unequal participation among actors, and the influence of major powers, potentially contributing to systemic injustice.

The article concludes that global governance is a complex and ever-evolving system involving multiple actors in shaping global rules and regulations. Although it facilitates cross-border cooperation, national interests remain a significant barrier. Case examples, such as environmental issues and cross-border pandemics, underscore both the importance of global governance and the challenges of its implementation across different contexts. Finally, the article proposes recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of global governance mechanisms in the future, aiming for more sustainable and equitable responses to humanity's shared challenges.

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Published

2025-06-26

How to Cite

Witoonkitja, P. (2025). Global Governance: Power, Cooperation, and Challenges in the 21st Century. Political Science Critique, 12(23), 132–154. retrieved from https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PSC/article/view/279165

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Section

Academic Article