Global Governance “As It Was, Is and Ought to Be”

Abstract This essay reflects on the past, present, and potential future of global governance, its historical practices and principles, the interests it has served, and who/what it has included/excluded or marginalized. It initially explores ontological, conceptual, and normative issues, and how these have been historically connected to the dynamics of world orders, patterns of global governance, and global capitalism. It reflects on developments from the eleventh century up to World War II and critically appraises presently dominant principles and practices of global governance—in order to highlight key questions concerning the future. The essay asks whether current practices are in contradiction to the material and human interests and indeed the very survival of humankind and the integrity of the planet, its biosphere, and its life-forms. It concludes by identifying some forms of political agency that might help reshape governance towards more equitable, socially just and sustainable planetary governance.