Global civics
Encyclopedia
Global civics suggests to understand civics
in a global sense as a social contract
between the world citizen
s in the age of interdependence and interaction. The disseminators of the concept define it as the notion that we have certain rights and responsibilities towards each other by the mere fact of being human on Earth.
The advocates of the notion attempt to demonstrate that it is possible to imagine global civics. According to this attempt, in an increasingly interdependent world, the world citizen
s need a compass that would frame their mindsets, and create a shared consciousness and sense of global responsibility against some world issues such as environmental problems and nuclear proliferation.
, in a working paper published in March 2010. The concept builds upon the basic tenets behind global ethics, global justice
and world citizenship, inviting everyone to question their increasingly important role in a highly interdependent world. In early 2011, Altinay published Global Civics: Responsibilities and Rights in an Interdependent World, a book of articles on global civics put forth by academics and intellectuals all around the world.
Among the many methods adopted by the proponents of global civics to spread an understanding of the concept is Collective Answers, a nonprofit that helps discuss global civics issues through online forums, submissions, and various exhibits all around the globe. Collective Answers will begin displaying its submissions in a series of exhibitions starting in the fall of 2010.
Global civics, however, was also enshrined in the American Indian Commandments, to wit: "Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Remain close to the Great Spirit. Show great respect for your fellow beings.Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Do what you know to be right. Look after the well being of mind and body. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Be truthful and honest at all times. Take full responsibility for your actions."
assumes an effective state and enforcement. However, the opponent arguments claim, since there is no such thing as the world government
, the implementation is not feasible. Also, it has been suggested that superpowers of the world are selfish and dangerous nations, and that they should not feel constrained by international legitimacy and laws. Finally, the critics claim that any experience of pan-global solidarity among human beings cannot form the basis of constellation of rights and responsibilities as it is nascent at best and the experience of being a global citizen is a privilege restricted to international elites and a few activists.
Civics
Civics is the study of rights and duties of citizenship. In other words, it is the study of government with attention to the role of citizens ― as opposed to external factors ― in the operation and oversight of government....
in a global sense as a social contract
Social contract
The social contract is an intellectual device intended to explain the appropriate relationship between individuals and their governments. Social contract arguments assert that individuals unite into political societies by a process of mutual consent, agreeing to abide by common rules and accept...
between the world citizen
World citizen
World citizen has a variety of similar meanings, often referring to a person who disapproves of traditional geopolitical divisions derived from national citizenship....
s in the age of interdependence and interaction. The disseminators of the concept define it as the notion that we have certain rights and responsibilities towards each other by the mere fact of being human on Earth.
The advocates of the notion attempt to demonstrate that it is possible to imagine global civics. According to this attempt, in an increasingly interdependent world, the world citizen
World citizen
World citizen has a variety of similar meanings, often referring to a person who disapproves of traditional geopolitical divisions derived from national citizenship....
s need a compass that would frame their mindsets, and create a shared consciousness and sense of global responsibility against some world issues such as environmental problems and nuclear proliferation.
History of the Concept
The term global civics was first coined by Hakan Altinay, a nonresident senior fellow with the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings InstitutionBrookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C., in the United States. One of Washington's oldest think tanks, Brookings conducts research and education in the social sciences, primarily in economics, metropolitan policy, governance, foreign policy, and...
, in a working paper published in March 2010. The concept builds upon the basic tenets behind global ethics, global justice
Global justice
Global justice is an issue in political philosophy arising from the concern that the world at large is unjust.-Context:The broader philosophical context of the global justice debate, in both its contemporary and historical forms, is the issue of impartiality...
and world citizenship, inviting everyone to question their increasingly important role in a highly interdependent world. In early 2011, Altinay published Global Civics: Responsibilities and Rights in an Interdependent World, a book of articles on global civics put forth by academics and intellectuals all around the world.
Among the many methods adopted by the proponents of global civics to spread an understanding of the concept is Collective Answers, a nonprofit that helps discuss global civics issues through online forums, submissions, and various exhibits all around the globe. Collective Answers will begin displaying its submissions in a series of exhibitions starting in the fall of 2010.
Global civics, however, was also enshrined in the American Indian Commandments, to wit: "Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect. Remain close to the Great Spirit. Show great respect for your fellow beings.Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Do what you know to be right. Look after the well being of mind and body. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good. Be truthful and honest at all times. Take full responsibility for your actions."
Objections to the Concept
The opponents of global civics argue that even a modest level of responsibility towards all the people living in the world is so overwhelming and nearly impossible to achieve. Besides, these arguments posit that the civicsCivics
Civics is the study of rights and duties of citizenship. In other words, it is the study of government with attention to the role of citizens ― as opposed to external factors ― in the operation and oversight of government....
assumes an effective state and enforcement. However, the opponent arguments claim, since there is no such thing as the world government
World government
World government is the notion of a single common political authority for all of humanity. Its modern conception is rooted in European history, particularly in the philosophy of ancient Greece, in the political formation of the Roman Empire, and in the subsequent struggle between secular authority,...
, the implementation is not feasible. Also, it has been suggested that superpowers of the world are selfish and dangerous nations, and that they should not feel constrained by international legitimacy and laws. Finally, the critics claim that any experience of pan-global solidarity among human beings cannot form the basis of constellation of rights and responsibilities as it is nascent at best and the experience of being a global citizen is a privilege restricted to international elites and a few activists.