According to liberal theory, a growing list of transnational policy issues and problems have created an international system based on interdependence and have given birth to a network of actors engaged in global governance to fill the “sovereignty gap.” Examine the types of issues and problems that have given rise to this system, as well as the impacts of these phenomena at each of the levels of analysis: individual, domestic, and systemic. How have these transnational policy issues mobilized different actors to enter the foreign policy-making process?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers for the types of issues and problems will vary, but they should mention issues that do not respect national boundaries (such as climate change). At the individual level, responses may mention a growing awareness among individuals of global issues/problems or an increased incentive for individual policy makers to be aware of certain issues. At the state level, responses may include cooperation or coordination between different agencies and nongovernmental organizations. At the systemic level, the growth of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-state groups highlight problems that individual states cannot resolve on their own, as well as provide a venue for states to address issues that transcend borders. Answers on the mobilization of different actors may include references to the rise of non-state groups, the growing influence of cities and counties on the foreign policy process to address issues that the state cannot resolve itself, and the increasing role of IGOs—particularly the United Nations and WTO.