Unit 4
A World of Cooperation

Overview

The global order is premised on an assumption of cooperation and interdependence among states. Lesson 9 explores how cooperation and interdependence are evident in examples such as the global assembly line and the rapid changes in telecommunications that facilitate exchanges of information and money. Lesson 9 also discusses the costs and benefits of interdependence, and addresses the question of whether interdependence really assumes that states are equal partners.

Two examples of interdependence and cooperation are discussed in Lessons 10 and 11. Lesson 10 explores how international organizations, such as the United Nations (and before it, the League of Nations) and the International Court of Justice, help to promote cooperation. Lesson 10 also considers the disadvantages of interdependence.

Lesson 11 examines how trade is a vehicle for cooperation between states. It explores the liberal theory of trade as evident in the post-World War II trading system. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor, GATT, are examined in detail.

Lesson 9
Cooperation and Interdependence in an Era of Globalization

Learning Objectives

When you have completed Lesson 9, you should be able to achieve the following learning objectives.

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of interdependence in the global order.
2. Provide at least two examples of international cooperation and interdependence.
3. Identify and assess the major features of globalization.
4. Discuss the who’s who, main concerns, and strategies of the anti-globalization movement.

Lesson 10
International Organizations and International Law

Learning Objectives

When you have completed Lesson 10, you should be able to achieve the following learning objectives.

1. Discuss the similarities and differences among several historical and current examples of international organizations.
2. Explain how and why international organizations, especially the United Nations, work to promote cooperation.
3. Explain how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) tries to implement cooperative agreements.
4. Illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of international organizations using the three theoretical frameworks of liberalism, realism, and critical theory.
5. Discuss reasons for and ramifications of the current crisis in the United Nations.
6. Identify and evaluate suggestions for reforms to the United Nations in the future.
7. Explain why the International Criminal Court (ICC) is needed.

Lesson 11
International Trade

Learning Objectives

When you have completed Lesson 11, you should be able to achieve the following learning objectives.

1. Explain the differences between the liberal and economic nationalist theories of trade using concrete examples.
2. Identify two key institutions of the post-World War II trading system, and discuss their significance.
3. Illustrate the importance of trade to the global political economy.
4. Identify several effects of trade on the international system.
5. Explain the importance of the “Battle in Seattle” in the struggle against globalization.
6. Discuss the essential differences between economic liberalism and mercantilism.