ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an inquiry into current structures, norms and behaviour that together constitute the more overarching forms of global governance. When global governance is situated within its present world historical context, it becomes apparent that humanity as a whole is confronted by an unprecedented array of problems that are not being effectively addressed. This is partly due to deficiencies in global governance that derive from its long tradition of exclusively being shaped by the interests of the parts of the whole, whether states, geopolitical actors, religions, or civilisations. The chapter insists that sub-systemic approaches to global-scale problem-solving will not succeed given current realities unless supplemented by a systemic outlook that promotes high levels of global cooperation and political compromise that accords deference to the human or global interest and the global public good. In this spirit, world government, the United Nations, coalition building, and global statism are critically examined and evaluated.
