Reader's Response to "Runaway Globalization Without Governance" by Nayan Chanda

Reader’s Response to “Runaway Globalization Without Governance” by Nayan Chanda

In Chanda’s article, “Runaway Globalization Without Governance”, the key ideas presented by the author are effective in presenting the adverse impacts globalization may bring to the world if governance fails to catch up with the pace of globalization. Chanda explained the benefits the world has reaped from globalization and the seriousness in the lack of governance in a globalized world. The main ideas presented raised a few political issues brought about by globalization and generally, the issues were well-presented and organized.

When Chanda wrote about the greatest challenges to a globalized world, he mentioned “the lack of global governance had emerged as the single most daunting challenge to globalization”. This would be the shared sentiment of many world leaders as border and national security issues are prioritized over global coordination. Countries are unwilling to work with one another if there is a risk of compromising their sovereignty. This is natural to world leaders as they would have to protect their country’s interests. The threats brought about by a lack of global governance will never overpower the need for their country to remain independent.

This situation is well demonstrated by one of the most influential countries in the world, the United States of America, has withdrawn from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and is focusing on the development of new weaponry instead of setting a leading example to disarm. Despite the call for disarmament, Chandra observes that the world has moved in the “opposite direction”. This is largely due to the fact that the government sees the oppressing need to protect the countries from external threats as other nations continue the development of nuclear weapons. One would be at risk if they do not keep up with the pace to develop their military capabilities. 

The views by Chanda demonstrate the dilemma that world leaders face today. It is clear that world leaders have acknowledged the increasing need for the presence of global governance today. However, national security and sovereignty is their first priority. The article offers a balanced view to the present situation in the world and the difficulties to global governance. The author is highly recommended to researchers who wish to gain more exposure to the issues brought about by globalization due to his insights on the matter.