World constitution

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This article is about world constitution. For national constitutions, see List of national constitutions.
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A world constitution refers to a proposed framework or document aimed at establishing a system of

international cooperation, peace, and the resolution of global challenges.[1]

Overview

A world constitution serves as a blueprint for organizing and governing global affairs. It typically outlines the powers, functions, and responsibilities of global institutions and establishes mechanisms for decision-making, conflict resolution, and the protection of human rights. The aim is to create a framework that promotes unity, justice, and sustainability on a global scale.[1]

List of world constitutions

Efforts to formulate world constitutions have been present throughout history, often arising in response to global crises or conflicts. These initiatives have sought to address the limitations of the existing international order and propose more comprehensive systems of global governance.[2][3][4]

Prominent examples of world constitutions include:

Preliminary Draft of a World Constitution (University of Chicago, 1947)

The University of Chicago drafted a preliminary document, Preliminary Draft of a World Constitution, outlining a potential world constitution in 1948. Led by Robert Maynard Hutchins, the proposal aimed to stimulate discussions on global governance and provide a basis for further deliberations. The members of the Committee at the time of the publication of the Draft were Robert Hutchins, Elisabeth Mann Borgese, Mortimer J. Adler, Stringfellow Barr, Albert Léon Guérard, Harold Innis, Erich Kahler, Wilber G. Katz, Charles Howard McIlwain, Robert Redfield, and Rexford Tugwell.[5]

Constitution for the Federation of Earth (1960s onwards)

"Constitution for the Federation of Earth" redirects here. For national constitutions, see List of national constitutions.

Albert Einstein

Einstein, 1947 (aged 68)

United World Federalists as: "the group nearest to our aspirations".[15]

Einstein and other prominent figures sponsored the

world constituent assemblies in 1968, 1977, 1978-79, and 1991.[18] This effort was successful in creating a world constitution and a provisional world parliament.[19]

World constituent assemblies

In 1960s the most comprehensive effort was made to draft a world constitution.

World Constituent Assembly took place in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1977.[20] After extensive discussions and amendments, the draft constitution was unanimously adopted as the Constitution for the Federation of Earth (also known as "Earth Constitution"). It was further amended in the 3rd Constituent Assembly, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1978-79[24] and the 4th World Constituent Assembly, Troia, Portugal, in 1991.[4]

Provisional World Parliament

This Earth Constitution is a framework of a world federalist government.[4] A Provisional World Parliament (PWP), a transitional international legislative body, operates today under the framework of the Constitution for the Federation of Earth.[25] It convenes to work on global issues, gathering delegates from different countries.[26]

Key elements

World constitutions often encompass essential elements to ensure effective global governance:[1][27]

  • Global Legislative Body: A world constitution typically envisions a representative global parliament or assembly to address global issues, enact laws, and promote international cooperation.
  • Global Executive: The constitution may propose the establishment of a global executive body responsible for implementing policies, coordinating international initiatives, and managing global affairs.
  • Global Judiciary: The inclusion of a global judicial system aims to settle disputes between nations, interpret international laws, and ensure the adherence to global standards.
  • Protection of Human Rights: World constitutions commonly emphasize the protection of fundamental human rights on a global scale, ensuring their recognition and enforcement across nations.

Criticisms and challenges

Proposals for a world constitution face several challenges and criticisms, including:[1][27]

  • Sovereignty concerns: Critics argue that a world constitution may encroach on national sovereignty and limit the autonomy of individual nations.
  • Practical implementation: Establishing and implementing a global constitution on a meaningful scale presents significant practical challenges, including political, legal, and logistical complexities.
  • Diverse perspectives: Reconciling the diverse cultural, political, and legal perspectives of nations worldwide poses a considerable obstacle to the development of a universally accepted world constitution.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wynner, Edith; Lloyd, Georgia (1949). Searchlight on Peace Plans: Choose Your Road to World Government. E. P. Dutton.
  2. ^ Einstein, Albert; Nathan, Otto; Norden, Heinz (1968). Einstein on peace. Internet Archive. New York, Schocken Books. pp. 539, 670, 676.
  3. ^ "[Carta] 1950 oct. 12, Genève, [Suiza] [a] Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile [manuscrito] Gerry Kraus". BND: Archivo del Escritor. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  4. ^ a b c "Global Strategies & Solutions : Preparing earth constitution". The Encyclopedia of World Problems. Union of International Associations. Retrieved 2023-07-15 – via uia.org.
  5. ^ "Guide to the Committee to Frame a World Constitution Records 1945-1951". University of Chicago Library. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  6. doi:10.1080/00963402.1979.11458591. Retrieved 2023-08-24 – via Google Books
    .
  7. ^ "A policy for survival: A Statement by the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  8. ^ Einstein, Albert; Nathan, Otto; Norden, Heinz (1968). Einstein on peace. Internet Archive. New York, Schocken Books. pp. 440–443.
  9. ^ "LIFE - Hosted by Google". images.google.com. 1948. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  10. ^ "LIFE - Hosted by Google". images.google.com. 1948. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  11. ^ Einstein, Albert; Nathan, Otto; Norden, Heinz (1968). Einstein on peace. Internet Archive. New York, Schocken Books. p. 405.
  12. ^
    ISBN 978-0-06-013032-9
    .
  13. ^ Meares, L.M., August 9, 1947., retrieved 2023-08-24
  14. ^ Kirstein, William A., July 11, 1947., retrieved 2023-08-24
  15. ^ Einstein, Albert; Nathan, Otto; Norden, Heinz (1968). Einstein on peace. Internet Archive. New York, Schocken Books. p. 558.
  16. ^ Einstein, Albert; Nathan, Otto; Norden, Heinz (1968). Einstein on peace. Internet Archive. New York, Schocken Books. pp. 539, 670, 676.
  17. ^ "[Carta] 1950 oct. 12, Genève, [Suiza] [a] Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile [manuscrito] Gerry Kraus". BND: Archivo del Escritor. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  18. ^ "Global Strategies & Solutions : Preparing earth constitution". The Encyclopedia of World Problems. Union of International Associations. Retrieved 2023-07-15 – via uia.org.
  19. ^ "Global Strategies & Solutions : Preparing earth constitution". The Encyclopedia of World Problems. Union of International Associations. Retrieved 2023-07-15 – via uia.org.
  20. ^
    ISBN 978-1-933567-16-7
    .
  21. ^ "Letters from Thane Read asking Helen Keller to sign the World Constitution for world peace. 1961". Helen Keller Archive. American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved 2023-07-01 – via afb.org.
  22. ^ "Letter from World Constitution Coordinating Committee to Helen, enclosing current materials". Helen Keller Archive. American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved 2023-07-03 – via afb.org.
  23. ^ "Als Interlaken die heimliche Welthauptstadt war". Berner Zeitung (in German). 2018-08-29. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  24. ^ PANDIT, M. P. (1979). WORLD UNION (JANUARY-DECEMBER) 1979. WORLD UNION INTERNATIONAL, INDIA. p. 107.
  25. ^ "Provisional World Parliament". The Encyclopedia of World Problems. Union of International Associations. Retrieved 2023-07-18 – via uia.org.
  26. ISSN 0971-8257
    . Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  27. ^
    ISBN 978-0-931545-00-9
    .

External links
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