Global Governance ..into the Future | David Held | TEDxLUISS

Summary

David Held’s talk explores the evolution of democracy, from ancient Athens’ direct democracy to modern liberal representative systems, and the challenges of governing in an interconnected, globalized world. He highlights the need for innovative global governance to address existential threats like climate change and nuclear war, which transcend national borders. Emphasizing the role of cities as hubs of change, Held argues for a multi-layered, democratic approach that involves cities, nation-states, and global institutions. His vision calls for a new form of governance based on democratic values, inclusivity, and accountability, reflecting the interconnectedness of today’s world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The motto of Durham Castle, 'Non nobis solum' (Not for myself alone), reflects the importance of living for the collective good, especially in an age of consumerism and individualism.
• 😀 Direct democracy, as seen in ancient Athens, was a groundbreaking idea where citizens governed themselves, though it was limited in scope, applying only to men and excluding slaves and women.
• 😀 Plato criticized direct democracy, arguing that it could lead to tyranny of the majority and undermine expertise, highlighting the potential dangers of collective decision-making without expert guidance.
• 😀 In the 13th and 14th centuries, self-governing city-states like Siena, Florence, and Venice revived democratic governance, free from the domination of monarchies and the church.
• 😀 A fresco by Lorenzetti illustrates the benefits of good governance, showing flourishing cities and happy citizens, while poor governance results in crumbling buildings and failed crops.
• 😀 The rise of modern nation-states led to representative democracy, where citizens elect leaders, but this system faces challenges in dealing with global issues like climate change and nuclear risks.
• 😀 Global problems such as climate change and nuclear weapons do not respect national borders, and the existing international institutions are often ineffective in addressing these challenges.
• 😀 The world is now multipolar, with more global powers like China and India, which makes international negotiations more complex as there are more voices and interests at the table.
• 😀 Cities are increasingly central to global change, with more than half of the world's population living in urban areas, and mayors of large cities exerting influence in global issues like climate change through networks like C40.
• 😀 Wise leadership is crucial but difficult to achieve, as leaders are often constrained by national priorities and short-term political cycles, making it hard to address long-term global challenges.
• 😀 The future of governance may require a multi-layered system, where democratic authority operates at the local (city), national (state), and global levels, with all levels of governance working in concert to address existential global threats.

Q & A

What is the significance of the motto 'Non nobis solum' mentioned in the speech?

The motto 'Non nobis solum,' meaning 'Not for myself alone,' is used to challenge the idea of individualism and consumerism. It emphasizes the need for collective responsibility in governance and political relationships, highlighting the importance of living not just for ourselves, but for the communities and the planet we share.

How does David Held connect ancient Greek democracy to modern political systems?

Held reflects on the Athenian model of democracy, where citizens directly participated in governance. While acknowledging its limitations, such as the exclusion of women, slaves, and migrants, he argues that the fundamental idea of self-governance influenced later political thought, including Enlightenment thinkers like Immanuel Kant who emphasized civic duty and universal hospitality.

What criticisms did Plato have of direct democracy, and how did they influence political thought?

Plato criticized direct democracy, believing it could lead to the tyranny of the majority and undermine expertise. He used the metaphor of a boat, where the collective will of sailors disregards the knowledge of the captain and navigator, which could lead to disastrous outcomes. His critique influenced later political thought, especially in favor of representative systems over direct democracy.

How does Held view the evolution of democracy from city-states to modern nation-states?

Held discusses how democracy shifted from self-governing city-states in the 13th and 14th centuries to the modern nation-state system. While direct democracy thrived in smaller communities like Siena, the rise of larger nation-states in the 16th and 17th centuries brought about the need for representative democracy to govern vast territories.

What challenges does Held highlight regarding modern liberal democracy?

Held acknowledges that while liberal representative democracy has brought about significant political freedoms, it faces challenges such as short-term decision-making cycles, the dominance of national borders, and the difficulty in addressing global issues like climate change and nuclear security.

What global challenges does Held identify that transcend national borders?

Held identifies two major global challenges that transcend national borders: climate change and nuclear risk. He highlights how these existential threats cannot be addressed by individual nations alone and require global cooperation and governance mechanisms.

How does Held assess the role of international institutions like the United Nations in addressing global challenges?

Held acknowledges the significance of the United Nations in promoting global governance and preventing conflict after World War II. However, he points out that the changing multipolar world and increasing complexity of global issues make it difficult for existing institutions to resolve challenges like climate change and nuclear proliferation effectively.

What role do cities play in future global governance, according to Held?

Held argues that cities will be at the forefront of global governance, particularly in addressing issues like climate change. He mentions the influence of the C40, a network of mayors from the world's largest cities, in driving climate action. With more than 50% of the global population living in cities, Held believes that any significant change will need to involve urban centers.

What does Held suggest about the future of governance at the global level?

Held envisions a future where global governance is multi-layered and multi-level, combining democratic authority at the city, national, and international levels. While this may seem idealistic, he argues that the concept is not far-fetched, as international law and human rights have already shifted global authority from states to individuals.

What is Held's final message to the younger generation regarding the future of democracy?

Held urges the younger generation to take an active role in shaping the future of democracy. He calls on them to be the 'artists' who will paint a new picture of global governance, one that integrates cities, nation-states, and international institutions to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.