Globalization, International Order and Human Rights

Abstract

With the advent of globalization, it is obvious that neither state from the North (developed 
countries) nor from the South (developing countries) can escape the rampaging tide of globalization. The tide of globalization through competition has stormed the global world and swept away uncooperative countries. This has, therefore, reconfigured and reshaped the state in both the activities and powers by transferring powers and activities hitherto held by the state to other actors. The consequence of this is that the phenomenon of globalization has created two different occupants in the same voyage - the strengthened states of the North and the weakened states of the South. The states of the North have strengthened their institutions to absorb the defects of globalization such as polarization of wealth and poverty, increasing terrorism, increasing citizenship gap and inequalities. While the states of the South are at the receiving end of the spectrum. The consequence of this is that these facets of globalization have implications for international order as countries of the North that benefit from globalization would want to maintain the status quo while those in the South who are at the disadvantaged position seek change. The corollary of this is that the maintenance of international order, which is tilted towards the North, has led to the infringement of the rights of the people and nations whose lives have been battered by the defects of globalization. Therefore, maintaining the status quo of international order would negate the right to development in the South.