State Sovereignty and Post-Covid Globalization

This text examines how globalization has reshaped global economic dynamics, emphasizing its role in weakening nation-states and fueling trade conflicts. It argues that globalization, driven by multinational corporations (MNCs), financial deregulation, and supranational organizations, has eroded state sovereignty by shifting power to global actors whose interests transcend national borders. The rise of trade conflicts—manifested in disputes over subsidies, dumping, market access barriers, and geopolitical tensions—is traced to the clash between liberalized trade policies and states’ efforts to protect domestic industries and social cohesion. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is analyzed as a key institution for resolving disputes, though its mechanisms face criticism for bias toward wealthy nations, procedural inefficiencies, and an inability to address systemic issues like currency manipulation or environmental degradation. Case studies (e.g., agricultural subsidies, US-Japan trade deficits) illustrate the complexities of modern trade wars. The text concludes with recommendations for reforming global governance, including strengthening the WTO’s authority, addressing power imbalances, integrating social and environmental standards, and enhancing developing nations’ capacity to negotiate. Ultimately, it underscores the paradox of globalization: while driving growth, it exacerbates inequalities and destabilizes traditional state-centric frameworks.

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