The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?

(a) Factors hindering collective actions are:-

(1) Parochial thinking which puts oneself above humanity. Many countries want to be opportunistic and think only in short term gain rather than long term benefit to humanity.

(2) Competition among countries to become best in the world.

(3) Measurement indicators for development

Example → Calculation of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and linking high GDP with higher development.

(4) Our perception of success

Most of the people including ruling people think success means only on material gains

(5) Hunger for power, resources among people and countries.

(6) Lack of co-operation among like minded countries → This is due to lack of leadership → This is because of lack of good education & socialization process → boils down to environment at family level.

(b) International community should come together and find solutions to the problems we face as:-

(1) The problems are common and cannot be solved by one country alone.

(2) Every country is party to the problem- Eg - climate change is happening because of emissions coming out from every country.

So it is more obligation on each & every country to solve this problem.

(3) Any major problem cannot be solved alone. Humanity has come a long way from -

[Evolution from apes to Homo sapiens]

↓

[From Hunter Gatherers to Agriculture to modern economy]

This is possible only because our ancestors collaborated within their groups, respected nature

(4)

• we should learn from history itself → how collaborations led to peace & stability [after setting up of United nation] & vice versa.

(c) Principles guiding such international Co-operation :-

(1) Differential Responsibility → Developed country has more resources & responsibility to undue climate change.

(2) Collaborative & cooperative Decision making

(3) Involving all stakeholders & taking decisions based on consensus.

(4) Knowledge sharing → between academicians, politicians, NGOs etc

(5) Vashudher Kutumbhkam → whole world is one big family should be the guiding Mantra.