[Articles]
Volume 3
January 2000
Ethnonationalism and the Failed State
In her article "Ethnonationalism and the Failed State," Abby Stoddard explores the capacity of the civil state to act as a unifying force in the face of globalization's pressures. She observes that the phenomenon of failed or failing states can set in motion forces that cause shifts in individuals' political identification - membership in an ethnic or religious nation replaces membership in a civil state. Ms. Stoddard challenges the reader to consider the flexibility of political identity, usually disguised by the immutable claims of ethnicity and history.
Uniting Diversity
By comparing the federal systems of Canada and the Former Yugoslavia, Nadia Marsan explores how diverse national groups can be granted recognition and autonomy without threatening the federal project. In her paper "Uniting Diversity," she observes that the dialectic between unity and diversity can be successful provided the federal structure is balanced and reciprocal: an overly centralized federation or, conversely, a decentralized federal structure are both incapable of ensuring the survival of a federal state.
Whither Global Feminism?
Renee Martyna finds that the inequities of globalization - based on race, class, and nationality - have been replicated in the global feminist movement. This leads Ms. Martyna to ask "Whither Global Feminism?" - an assessment of the continuing viability of feminism as a global movement. She concludes that in order to survive, the global movement must initiate a self-critical transformation. If it can celebrate and harness the power of difference it can continue as a force for justice.
The Architecture of the Global Medina
While cultures increasingly appear to share commonalities, regional particularities also appear to be on the rise. Marc Munro considers this phenomenon by examining the architectural symbolism of the Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Twin Towers - the world's tallest buildings. Taking cues from Islamic art, the Petronas Towers are intended to proclaim the rebirth of traditional Malay culture. In "The Architecture of the Global Medina," Mr. Munro questions whether what was intended as a statement of regional renaissance is in fact the product of a world devoid of particularity.
In Defense of the NAFTA Investor-State Dispute Settlement Procedure
Regional trade agreements are one of the most significant and contentious parts of the integration underway in international affairs. Critics of the NAFTA argue that its investor-state dispute settlement has severely restricted the power of member-states. Eugene Lang weighs such criticisms in the context of the recent claim by Ethyl Corporation against Canada under the NAFTA. In his paper, "In Defense of the NAFTA Investor-State Dispute Settlement Procedure," Mr. Lang considers the extent to which the investor-state dispute settlement unduly constrains national sovereignty.
e-merge - ISSN 1488-240X
© 2004, e-merge: A Graduate Journal of International Affairs