Dousing Sovereignty Wildfires: Project Syndicate

The world is more connected and informed on global events than ever before, and possibly more competitive over limited resources. Conflicts over sovereignty – the right for nations to do as they please, disregarding the interests of the world at large – could become more common. A quarrel between the presidents of France and Brazil over reflects a larger battle over national sovereignty: Emmanuel Macron criticized Brail for loosening environmental regulations that contributed to fires destroying large sections of the Amazon rainforest. Bolsonaro contends that the Amazon is an internal matter for Brazil. France may block a trade deal between the European Union and the wider Latin American trade bloc of Mercosur. So many problems require global action and discipline, yet the world is divided on global governance, explains Jean Pisani-Ferry. Many policy makers anticipated that “Binding global agreements, or international law, would be implemented and enforced with the help of strong international institutions.” Instead, many leaders embrace the short-term benefits of economic nationalism and delay tackling global challenges like climate change. Pisani-Ferry encourages a search for new mechanisms to manage collective action besides treaties. Possibilities include regional groupings and cross-border urban and other special-interest initiatives along with trade deals and sanctions. – YaleGlobal