Draṣṭā // Course

The Supranational Complex, A Critical Introduction

Explore the intricate world of global governance through this course, as it examines the aims, operations, and influence of the UN and multilateral agencies on India and the non-Western world. Engage with critical documents and reports to understand their extensive impact and form insightful responses and commentaries.

26 Jul - 28 Jul 2024 Completed
About the Course Session Recordings Takeaways and Audience Know your Instructor

Overview

The nation-state has been the adopted mode of organization in most countries for the past few decades since the collapse of the feudal monarchial state and rise of states post advent of the Industrial Revolution. A nation-state allows a government to unite its citizens/subjects into a cohesive mold within a physical territory, upon which it exercises sovereignty. However, there are many entities, that seek to appropriate the sovereignty of independent nation-states and promote a supranational order.

The instruments of global governance are the agencies that are formed by the United Nations UN and the multilateral system. Their influence is vast and pervasive, and their actions upon countries, including India, are subject to little, if any, independent oversight.

Nonetheless, these agencies individually either set or substantially shape subject agendas. and collectively they, collaborate to form a supra-national government to which, increasingly over the last 30 years, sovereign governments report on a range of sectors (trade, environment, education, monetary and fiscal policy being some).

The effect of such systems on independent countries requires serious study, especially in post-colonized countries such as ours. Based on the 15 years of experience of the course instructor in the UN and other multilateral agencies, this course will deeply examine the supranational complex and its sub-themes. For each session, learners will be encouraged to form responses and commentary.

Intent

This course, ‘The Supranational Complex, A Critical Introduction’, is designed as an evidence-based inquiry into the systems and agencies that supply 'global governance'.

What does 'supranational' mean? It signifies an organization or union where member countries relinquish some sovereignty over internal matters to a collective body, whose decisions then become binding on all members.

The course is intended to familiarize the participant with the system and structure of what has been called 'global governance' in recent years. 

Structure

During the course sessions, we will explore several critical questions:
- What are the aims of these institutions?
- How do they operate?
- What do they represent?
- What are the implications for India and the non-Western world?

Spread over three days (2 sessions per day of 1 hour each), this course will cover six themes (check course content). The learners will be required to present their deliberations after the first- and second-day’s sessions, on the subsequent days respectively. Pre-reads for the sessions shall be shared beforehand.

Contents

Day 1

Multilateral systems and 'global governance' :

Their imprint on the modern nation-state.

Introduction :

An overview of multilaterals and their systems. Why do they need study.

Day 2

Close encounters with multilateral agencies :

My evidence from the field.

Mechanisms and Experiences of Field :

The apparatus of multilateral systems. How they work and why they work that way.

Day 3

Governance and Control :

The sovereign as facsimile: country administrations as image of the globe system.

Governance and Control :

Process and protocol, the currency of the multilateral system.

Session Recordings

Multilateral systems and 'global governance'

Day 1

Multilateral systems and 'global governance'

Introduction

Day 1

Introduction

Close encounters with multilateral agencies

Day 2

Close encounters with multilateral agencies

Mechanisms and Experiences of Field

Day 2

Mechanisms and Experiences of Field

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Key Takeaways

Awareness:

Become conversant with the institutions and mechanisms of global governance and their imprint on our national administration

Discernment:

Be able to distinguish between the promise of global governance and the implications of the track record of its agencies

Stratagem:

Be better equipped to navigate the terrain of national and international policy, and to develop Indigenous- defences against the overreach of the supranational complex

Who is this course for?

  • This course is ideal for: - Academics, researchers, and students in international relations and public policy seeking deeper insights into global governance. - Government officials and policymakers navigating and shaping policies influenced by international agencies. - NGO and civil society members advocating within the global governance framework. - Traditional knowledge bearers and practitioners safeguarding heritage against supranational influences. - Corporate and business leaders understanding international trade and regulation impacts. - Journalists and media professionals reporting on global governance dynamics. - Interested citizens eager to comprehend the nuances and implications of global governance on national sovereignty.

Know your Instructor

Rahul Goswami

Rahul Goswami

Rahul Goswami is a distinguished expert with over 20 years of professional experience in roles involving direct and project-based collaboration with UN agencies. Over the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself to documenting, researching, and promoting the safeguarding of traditional knowledge systems across India and Asia.

As a UNESCO expert on intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region, Rahul ji has, since 2011, trained and advised government officials, researchers, traditional knowledge bearers, and practitioners. His focus has been on methods to identify, document, and safeguard traditional knowledge systems and intangible cultural heritage.

In addition, he serves as an adviser to India's Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, providing insights on the role of agroecology in the sustainable use of natural resources and the application of local knowledge in the Himalayan and hill regions. He previously worked with the Ministry of Agriculture on revitalizing the agricultural extension system through participatory methods.

Rahul ji's extensive experience and expertise make him an invaluable facilitator for this course, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights into the intricate world of global governance and traditional knowledge systems.

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