MGT270 Principles Of Public Sector Management 2015

Mgt270 Principles Of Public Sector Management22015 University Of Mana

The world of the second half of the twentieth century was a fairly simple one. On a political plane, it was characterized by a bipolar world, dominated by the United States and the Soviet Union, representing capitalism and communism, respectively. Economically, global development was divided into three distinct “worlds”: the first world consisted of Western industrialized democracies; the second world encompassed communist centrally planned economies led by the Soviet Union; and the third world comprised poorer countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

At the dawn of the twenty-first century, however, the international landscape has grown markedly complex. The bipolar rivalry has been replaced by a unipolar world dominated by the United States; yet, this superpower faces challenges in managing regional conflicts and insurgencies, exemplified by conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Moreover, the traditional notion of fixed national borders is waning, as ethno-religious forces push for the creation of smaller, sovereign entities, often leading to fragmentation and conflict within states. Economically, while the US continues to have the largest gross domestic product (GDP), economic influence and power are increasingly distributed across various regions. Europe's European Union (EU) represents a significant economic bloc, while oil-producing nations have amassed wealth due to petroleum shortages. Additionally, emerging powers like India and China are experiencing rapid growth, significantly impacting global markets, resource consumption, and contributing to shortages and inflation worldwide.

Analysis of Interdependence and Ethnic/Religious Forces in the Current Global Environment

Slann’s discussion in chapters 9, 12, and 13 underscores two compelling traits of the modern world: increasing interdependence in the global economy and the strengthening of ethnic and religious forces. These traits are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, shaping the contemporary international landscape in profound ways.

Empirical evidence affirms Slann’s assertion regarding growing interdependence. The expansion of international trade, global supply chains, and financial markets exemplifies how economies are now intricately linked. For instance, the 2008 global financial crisis highlighted how shocks in one region—particularly in the United States—ripple through interconnected markets worldwide, triggering recessions and economic downturns in nations far removed from the original epicenter. Furthermore, the proliferation of multinational corporations and international institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) exemplifies the deepening integration of national economies, which in turn fosters mutual dependence (Kose, Prasad, Rogoff, & Wei, 2009). The rise of digital technology and the internet has further enhanced this interconnectedness, enabling rapid information exchange and economic transactions across borders (Friedman, 2005).

At the same time, ethnic and religious forces have gained unprecedented strength. Conflicts driven by ethno-religious identities—such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the insurgencies in Iraq and Syria, and ethnic tensions in the Balkans—demonstrate how these forces can threaten regional and global stability. The movement towards self-determination and autonomy among various ethnic groups is fueled by historical grievances, cultural identities, and religious fundamentalism. For example, in Nigeria, ethno-religious violence has persisted for decades, reflecting deep-seated divisions (Onuoha, 2012). Similarly, the rise of religious extremism, exemplified by groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, has fostered global insecurity and ideological conflicts that transcend traditional nation-state boundaries.

These two traits—interdependence and ethnic/religious strength—are not mutually exclusive but often mutually reinforcing. Economic interconnectedness can both exacerbate and mitigate these forces. On one hand, globalization can deepen economic disparities, marginalizing specific ethnic or religious groups and fueling resentment and extremism. On the other hand, economic cooperation and integration can also promote dialogue, understanding, and peace-building efforts, reducing tensions over time (Oatley, 2019). The interdependence makes conflict riskier and more costly, which can incentivize diplomatic solutions; however, ethnic and religious conflicts often persist despite economic integration because of their deep-rooted identities and grievances.

In conclusion, the evidence indicates that the contemporary global landscape is shaped by an intricate interplay of increasing economic interdependence and the rising power of ethnic and religious identities. While these traits can reinforce each other—either promoting stability through economic ties or exacerbating conflict through identity-based tensions—they also present unique challenges to policymakers seeking stability and peace in an interconnected world. Understanding this dynamic is vital for developing effective strategies in public sector management and international relations.

References

• Friedman, T. L. (2005). The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Kose, M. A., Prasad, E., Rogoff, K. S., & Wei, S. J. (2009). Financial globalization: Goal or obstacle for development? The Review of Economics and Statistics, 91(2), 166–174.
• Oatley, T. (2019). International Political Economy (6th ed.). Routledge.
• Onuoha, F. C. (2012). Religious extremism, sectarian violence, and Nigeria’s security challenge. Institute for Security Studies, ISS Paper 245.