International Society and Global Governance

International society denotes the shared norms, rules and institutions that bind sovereign states into a cooperative framework despite an overarching condition of anarchy. Rooted in the English School of international relations, it recognises that states, as primary actors, construct order through diplomacy, international law and mutual recognition of sovereignty. Global governance extends this concept by incorporating non-state actors—international organisations, multinational corporations, non-governmental organisations and transnational networks—into decision-making processes on global challenges. Together, these concepts illuminate how power is exercised and constrained at multiple levels: from formal treaties and United Nations bodies to informal coalitions addressing climate change, cyber security and pandemics. Over recent decades, scholars have noted a shift from state-centric governance towards polycentric and networked arrangements, reflecting the need for agile responses to cross-border risks and the diffusion of authority beyond capitals. Contemporary debates explore hierarchies within global society, the interplay between normative ideals such as human rights and strategic interests, and the resilience of international institutions amid geopolitical competition. Practical applications range from the coordination of vaccine distribution and climate finance to the codification of emerging norms on digital sovereignty. This evolving landscape underscores the central task of balancing order, justice and effectiveness in a world of growing interdependence and contested leadership.

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International Society and Global Governance publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in international society and global governance across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

International society: A community of states bound by common rules, norms and institutions that foster order and cooperation despite anarchy.

Global governance: The framework of formal and informal mechanisms, actors and processes through which global affairs are managed across borders.

Primary institutions: Core practices and norms—such as sovereignty, diplomacy and international law—that sustain the basic structure of international society.

Secondary institutions: Formal organisations and arrangements—such as international courts, specialised agencies and coalitions—that implement and enforce shared norms.

Raison de l’humanité: The foundational humanitarian logic that motivates collective action to protect human life and dignity within international society.

References

1. Humanitarian logics in the evolution of international society. International Politics (2023).
2. Conceptualizing responsibility in world politics. International Theory (2023).
3. Intelligence in international society: An English school perspective on the ‘five eyes’. Global Policy (2024).