DDRO 25A92 - Governing the Global Commons

Why is it so difficult for the international community to agree on the governance of shared global domains? Why do efforts to address climate change constantly fall short? And why do Global Commons provide States with an opportunity to exploit finite resources, but impose few obligations to clean up the mess? The answers to some of those questions lie in the international frameworks established since WWII to govern « Global Commons » including Antarctica, Outer Space, the Deep Sea Bed, the High Seas, and the atmosphere, which provide freedom of access and use to all States, but few mechanisms for precaution and sustainability. These global commons are protected from claims of national sovereignty, and generally prohibit use of nuclear weapons in these spaces, serving a critical role in disarmament. This course examines contemporary issues in these 5 Global Commons at the intersection of international law, science, mining, telecommunications, security and defence. Students will learn how to navigate and apply the treaties governing each of the domains to contemporary issues while considering economic and political theory, such as Hardin's « Tragedy of the Commons », intergenerational equity and sustainability. By studying the governance of all 5 domains in the one semester, students gain high-level insight into what governance models work best and where regulatory gaps remain. Solutions are to be found in some domains that might be applied to others. Students have the opportunity to research one specific domain of their choosing for their written paper, and propose new regulation and policy in order to address international challenges. This equips students with the ability to advocate for change and support the global community in realising the benefits of shared international spaces. Students will develop an understanding of: - the geopolitical history of the Antarctic Treaty (1959), the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the Sea Bed Treaty (1971) aka the Sea Bed Arms Control Treaty, the High Seas Treaty (2023) aka The Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) - the international framework governing activities in each of these 5 Global Commons - the application of ethics and theory to the governance of Global Commons - the application of principles in the relevant treaties to real-life case studies - the political forces shaping EU and international policy in these domains - the risk to global peace and security from arms races and over exploitation in these domains

Scott MILLWOOD

Séminaire

English

This undergraduate lecture course is designed for students with cross-discipline backgrounds in law, policy, European and international affairs. While there are no pre-requisites, understanding of the basic foundations of international law is highly beneficial.

Spring 2024-2025

Written paper (50% or 10 points on 20-point scale) Students write a paper relating to a contemporary issue in one of the Global Commons studied during the semester. It should demonstrate the ability to apply key concepts in the treaties governing those spaces to real recent events, and the ability to recommend governance changes to address those challenges. 2000 – 2500 words. Due Week 12. Mid-semester examination (20% or 4 points) 20 question multiple choice in-class exam in week 7 of which 10 questions relate to a case study. 60min. Final examination (30% or 6 points) 40 - 50 question multiple choice in-class exam in week 12 relating to case studies and key aspects of governance of the 5 Global Commons studied during the course. 90 minutes. Attendance is mandatory. Only medically-excused absences are allowed. Participation: students are expected to actively participate in class and should anticipate questions from the lecturer. This necessarily requires the completion of readings prior to class.