Building Supra-National Communities

a colorful paper chain of linked stick figures

On Communitarian and Global Sources of Legitimacy

Although the concept of legitimacy is widely invoked in social science literature, political disclosure, and common parlance, key empirical and normative questions about legitimacy are often left far from answered, especially "Legitimated by whom?" and "Legitimated by what criteria?"

Somali Pirates: An Expansive Interpretation of Human Rights

Sometimes a complex issue can be captured in a few very simple words: “Prosecuting suspected pirates detained in international waters has proved difficult.” And according to Douglas Burnett, an expert in maritime law, pirates are treated with a “catch and release philosophy that’s usually reserved for trout.”

From Design to Dynamic Structuralism

Lord Hannay's inspiring and heartfelt presentation provides a stellar example of a design approach to international relations. It is noble, essential, and woefully inadequate. Most of the presentation is dedicated to outlining that which we want or need, or at least to those purposes favored by those who share Lord Hannay's values, this author included.

EU: Closing the Community Deficit

The main challenge currently facing the EU is a community deficit: the low valuation the majority of its citizens accord the evolving collectivity. The EU is challenged by the mismatch between its increasing supranational decision-making and the strong loyalties of its citizens to their respective nations states.

Beyond Transnational Governance

References to world government have long been treated as utopian notions held by a few visionaries. This much-dismissed vision is re-examined here in light of the fact that self-determination based on national governments, to the extent that it existed a generation ago, is increasingly curtailed by transnational developments.

Maps & Directions