Introduction: Why Should You Care?
Imagine waking up one day to discover that a sudden international legislation has made your favourite social media program inoperable. Imagine discovering that the price of your usual morning tea has doubled as a result of a global trade war. Although these scenarios may appear unrealistic at first, they provide a clear example of how global governance directly affects our day-to-day lives, influencing everything from the applications we use to the costs of everyday products.
In order to handle common problems, such as trade disputes, pandemics, and climate change, nations rely on intricate systems, laws, and organisations known as global governance. It is crucial for India, a nation with a thriving youth population and a fast-expanding international footprint, to understand these systems. Whether you choose to work as a climate activist, software entrepreneur, or diplomat, global governance will surely have a significant impact on how your life turns out.
The article will explore the complex idea of global governance, show how India has shaped international law, draw attention to the system’s inherent injustices, and provide suggestions for how you might get actively involved.
What Is Global Governance?
One way to understand global governance is as a “rulebook” that describes how nations engage with one another. International organisations, treaties, agreements, and unwritten conventions are some of its essential components.
International Organisations
United Nations (UN): This essential organisation upholds worldwide social and economic growth, advances human rights, and preserves international peace and security. Its many agencies handle a range of topics, from cultural (UNESCO) to human rights (UNHRC).
WHO, or the World Health Organisation: The WHO is essential in organising international health responses, providing guidelines, and guaranteeing vaccine distribution equality during health emergencies like the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Organisation for World Trade (WTO): In order to guarantee that commerce proceeds as easily, reliably, and freely as possible, the WTO oversees international trade regulations.
Treaties and Agreements
Paris Climate Agreement: This historic agreement united countries dedicated to addressing climate change. Countries committed to working towards a 1.5 degree Celsius temperature increase and limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius.
Treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation (NPT): This pact encourages collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and disarmament with the goal of halting the spread of nuclear weapons.
Unwritten Norms
Global governance includes unspoken standards in addition to official treaties and organisations, such as upholding human rights, p reventing cyberattacks against other countries, following the rules of diplomatic etiquette
The Issue?
Global governance mechanisms are clearly needed, but there is still a basic problem: these regulations were mostly created by strong states in the years following World War II. Therefore, although countries like Nigeria, Brazil, and India are becoming increasingly important on the global scene, they still do not have a fair voice in many important decision-making processes.
India’s Journey in Global Governance
Phase 1: The Freedom Fighter (1947–1990s)
Following its independence, India chose to remain neutral throughout the Cold War by adopting a non-alignment posture. Rather, the nation served as the leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), an alliance of nations that promotes justice and equality in international affairs.
Key Contributions:
- INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING: As a sign of its dedication to preserving world peace, India sent troops to many UN peacekeeping operations throughout the world.
- ANTI-COLONIALISM: By promoting liberation movements and highlighting the rights of oppressed nations, the nation vigorously opposed colonialism in both Africa and Asia.
- NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT: To establish itself as a responsible state, India promoted worldwide nuclear disarmament in addition to its own nuclear weapons development.
Phase 2: The Rising Power (1990s–Today)
India’s place in the world has changed dramatically since 1991 as a result of economic reforms, which have made it a major actor.
Key Milestones:
- G20 Membership: By joining this group, India may collaborate with top economies to address crises and influence global economic policy.
- BRICS Founding Membership: In an effort to challenge the power of western financial institutions, India has formed partnerships with Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.
- WTO Advocacy: India has emerged as a strong voice in the WTO, particularly on matters pertaining to its farmers, such market access and subsidies.
India’s Superpowers in Global Governance
- Vaccine Diplomacy: As part of the “Vaccine Maitri” campaign, India sent vaccinations to more than 100 nations during the COVID-19 epidemic, demonstrating its dedication to global health. Compared to wealthy countries that stockpiled vaccination supply, this action was an obvious contrast.
- Digital Leadership: India is at the forefront of global technology thanks to its innovations in the digital sphere. This leadership is demonstrated by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which handled 40% of all digital transactions worldwide in 2022. The largest digital identifying system in the world has also been created by the Aadhaar program.
- Climate Justice: Through programs like the International Solar Allianc, which brings together more than 120 nations to support solar energy, India has taken the lead in promoting climate justice. Additionally, India’s pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 supports its assertion that rich countries need to help poor nations make the transition to a green economy.
Why the System Is Unfair
- The “VIP Club” Issue at the UN: Five countries—the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—have permanent seats and the ability to veto decisions in the UN Security Council. Even though India makes up 18% of the world’s population, it is not represented in this important decision-making body.
- Financial Inequality: There are significant injustices in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) system. For example, India, a country of approximately 1.4 billion individuals, has fewer votes in the IMF than Belgium, which has only 11 million people. It is concerning that the 54 nations that make up Africa have less voting power than France alone, which maintains structural injustices.
- Climate Hypocrisy: After more than 150 years of environmental pollution, wealthy countries suddenly advise against rapid development in nations like India, arguing that it would be detrimental to the world. However, they have not fulfilled their promise to contribute about $100 billion annually to climate action in developing countries.
How India Is Fighting Back
- Appealing for UN Reforms: India is outspoken in its support of more permanent seats on the UN Security Council, which would include both itself and representatives from Latin America and Africa.
- Developing Alternatives: The BRICS New Development Bank was established as a calculated step to offset the World Bank’s sway. In order to promote more financial sovereignty and reduce its reliance on the US currency, India is also making progress in establishing rupee trade deals.
- Protests for Climate Justice: India has a clear position: “If you polluted first, you must pay more.” In global debates over climate financing, where India demands accountability from wealthier countries, this message strikes a powerful chord.
- Digital Independence: By encouraging domestic apps and upholding data localisation regulations, India is attempting to strengthen its digital sovereignty. As part of this effort, international cyber laws are being promoted to guarantee that the digital environment is safe and fair for all countries.
What Can YOU Do?
Stay Informed:
- To stay up to date on world events and trends, follow credible foreign news sources like the BBC, The Hindu, and Al Jazeera.
- Take part in your school’s Model UN clubs to learn about global government in a real-world context.
Think Critically:
- Question who actually gains from global agreements and regulations; challenge popular narratives. Who has the authority to make rules?
- To foster critical thinking and knowledge, have conversations with peers about important topics like global health policies, climate finance, or AI ethics.
Take Action:
- Make lifestyle choices that will lessen your carbon footprint, such as taking public transit, eating less meat, or shopping at local markets.
- Make wise decisions by endorsing moral companies that place a high value on fair trade and sustainable operations.
Dream Big:
- You could want to work in fields like digital governance, climate technology, or international relations where your knowledge and abilities can help create a more just society.
Conclusion: Your World, Your Rules
Global governance has a significant impact on your experience and circumstances in this connected world; it is not only the domain of distant diplomats and bureaucrats. India is aggressively fighting against an unjust global governance structure, but your generation’s enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication will be needed for true change. The future is available to you, and you have the ability to shape it. Accept your part in building a more equitable and welcoming world community.
Also Read:
Rights of undertrial prisoners in India
How To Send A Legal Notice In India
