ABSTRACT
Whether global governance is regarded as legitimate or not depends on its effectiveness given the challenge of a particular set of historical circumstances. The specific character and degree of legitimacy reflects psycho-political perceptions, including status, interests, ambitions of political actors, and the worldview of commentator or analyst. In this chapter emphasis is placed on the challenges to global governance at historical tipping points in the 20th century. The author argues that global governance in the 21st century is under particular stress due to the necessity for global cooperation to meet major world order challenges while resurgent ultra-nationalism in several leading countries makes globally oriented approaches dedicated to the common good unattainable. This unattainability was vividly illustrated by failures of global cooperation during the Coronavirus pandemic. The resulting crisis of 21st century inter-governmental legitimacy creates pressures on and opportunities for global civil society. People, not political elites, are always the agents of non-incremental changes in governance.
