GLOBE4029 ¨C Global Governance for Sustainable Development

Course content

This course offers a critical introduction to the theory and practice of global governance, with a focus on issue areas central to sustainable development. It examines how norms, institutions, and actor networks¡ªstate and non-state¡ªseek to address global challenges in the absence of a central authority.

At the same time, the course situates these efforts within a deepening crisis of multilateralism. The withdrawal of major powers from international organizations, violations of global norms, and funding cuts have undermined trust and effectiveness in global governance. Rising geopolitical tensions and shifting power dynamics further complicate cooperation.

Students will explore key theoretical perspectives on global governance and their roots in competing visions of world order. The course contextualizes the emergence of global governance in the post-Cold War era and interrogates its evolution in light of contemporary struggles for influence and legitimacy.

We analyze the roles of states, intergovernmental organizations, corporations, NGOs, and influential individuals, and assess their interactions in shaping governance outcomes. Empirical case studies from health, biodiversity, energy, climate change, finance, and food production illustrate both the promise and fragility of global governance in today¡¯s contested international landscape.

Learning outcome

At the end of this course, students:

• have advanced knowledge about different theories of global governance and how they are embedded in different historical moments and political projects.
• thoroughly understand the main actors and institutions of importance to global governance for sustainable development. Understand the obstacles to and premises for the reaching of solutions to pressing global problems of climate change, energy, health, natural resource management, economic redistribution and poverty reduction and democratization.

Admission to the course

You may apply to be a guest student at SUM.?Please follow?these instructions.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

• A bachelors degree.

Recommended previous knowledge

• Specialization equivalent to at least 80 ECTS within subjects from the humanities or social sciences, sustainable development, or equivalent relevant subjects.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

A bachelors degree.

Recommended previous knowledge

Specialization equivalent to at least 80 ECTS within subjects from the humanities or social sciences, sustainable development, or equivalent relevant subjects.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with SUM4029 ¨C Global Governance for Sustainable Development.

Teaching

Attendance in lectures and seminars is mandatory, and active participation in class is both expected and encouraged. You must have an attendance of 80% to be eligible to take the exam.

Examination

4-hour written exam.?Assessment guide.

Examination support material

Students may use a language translation dictionary at this exam.

• Language translation dictionaries may be used in examinations. A language translation dictionary is defined as a dictionary that simply gives equivalent words or phrases in two languages, without further explanatory text or description.
• You may bring a maximum of two dictionaries.
• Electronic dictionaries are not to be used in examinations.

• Dictionaries must be unmarked and free of notations.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• How to use AI as a student
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.