Global Civil Society

Since the forces of globalization remain a relatively new concept to the modern day individual, it is only natural for the legislation of globalization to be found in an ongoing process of development and adaptation to the current features of the modern day society. The legislative approach to trade masters, human rights and the environment has suffered numerous modifications throughout the past years, but the general trend has been that of ensuring that the multinational corporations comply with the regulations of each country where they conduct business. In terms of human rights and the environment, the trend has been that of ensuring their protection. The best evidence in this sense is given by the raising living standards across the globe due to the creation of more jobs or by the better protection of the environment through the free circulation of green technologies.

Relative to the effects that international law's approach to trade, human rights and the environment has had upon the creation and strengthening of a global civil society, the answer is simple and sees that the impact has been a positive one. What must however be noted is that globalization has sadly enough also had some negative impacts. Probably the most relevant example in this sense has been the emergence of a war on terrorism in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Such actions are indeed linked to international law, which did stir up controversy but did not prevent the emergence of the war. "Terror can be regarded as a direct attack on global civil society, a way of creating fear and insecurity that are the opposite of civil society" (Kaldor, 2003). The final impact is that of major disruption in the consolidation of a strong global civil society.

Reference:

Kaldor, M., 2003, the Idea of Global Civil Society, International Affairs, Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 583-593