Aim of the Project
This project examined the interactions among the major global powers on critical international economic and security issues, with special interest in the implications of the US-China relationship on global governance. With the support of Chinese and US partners, it developed policy recommendations from comprehensive research on shifting global economic power, strategic bilateral relations, and institutional reform ahead of the 2010 G20 Toronto Summit.
Background
As a number of large emerging (or arguably emergent) countries become increasingly engaged global actors, the rationale for widening the core membership of global institutions is strengthened. Of specific interest to this project are: the role of the G20 in international economic and security cooperation; the reform of the international financial institutions; and, the various regional or bilateral schemes for enhanced cooperation. As the global economy continues to reshape itself, this is a critical time for accelerated global governance to appreciate the recent but significant shift in global economic power, where the major emerging economies (or BRICSAM) have become potent sources of authority and legitimacy in the world system.
By examining the range and intensity of relations among the industrialized powers of the 20th century and the rising powers of the 21st century, this project made recommendations on reformed global governance that appreciates the needs and interests of the key players on pressing issues. Among the themes under examination, include;
- Global Governance Reform
- Responses to the Global Economic Crisis
- Energy Security and Climate Change
- International Security Challenges (Traditional and Non-Traditional)
An important element of this project was to present research on the character and behaviour of major powers in the international system, identifying where cooperation is possible and conflict can be avoided. Lessons were drawn from operation of the Heiligendamm–L’Aquila Process (HAP), both on its substantive agenda and the dialogue promoted between G8 and G5 countries.
Main Activities
An extension of the ‘Economic Diplomacy’ stream of CIGI's BRICSAM research project, this project was undertaken in partnership with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) and the Stanley Foundation. Two research workshops were convened, first in Beijing (November 2009) and in Toronto (June 2010), to examine these critical issues, and produce a reports on national perspectives in advance of the 2010 G20 Summit in Toronto.
Leadership and the Global Governance Agenda
10-11 November 2009, Beijing China
Leadership and the Global Governance Agenda: Three Voices
10-12 June 2010, Toronto, Canada
Ahead of the G20 Toronto Summit, a special report on Chinese, American and Canadian perspectives on global governance was released. The report offers a detailed briefing of thes substantive agenda anticipated for the Toronto Summit, outlining areas of possible cooperation among the traditional and rising powers.
Special Report: Leadership and the Global Governance Agenda: Three Voices (June 2010)
Articles by David Shorr, Wang Zaibang, and Alan Alexandroff
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