Legal Studies · Year 12 · Global Law and World Order · 4.º Período

Foundations of World Order

Students examine the concept of world order and the need for global cooperation to address international conflicts. They explore the historical development of international relations.

TL;DR:World order refers to the activities and relationships between the world's states, and other significant non-state actors, that occur within a legal, political, and economic framework. This topic examines the need for global cooperation to address issues like conflict, poverty, and environmental degradation. Students explore the historical development of international relations, from the Treaty of Westphalia to the post-Cold War era, and the role of international law in maintaining peace and security.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• HSC Option: World Order - The nature of world order
• QCE Unit 4: International law

About This Topic

World order refers to the activities and relationships between the world's states, and other significant non-state actors, that occur within a legal, political, and economic framework. This topic examines the need for global cooperation to address issues like conflict, poverty, and environmental degradation. Students explore the historical development of international relations, from the Treaty of Westphalia to the post-Cold War era, and the role of international law in maintaining peace and security.

A key focus is the concept of 'collective security' and the role of the United Nations in preventing the 'scourge of war'. Students also look at the importance of international instruments, such as treaties and declarations, in establishing norms of behaviour. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of international relations through simulations of diplomatic negotiations and treaty-making.

Key Questions

1. What is meant by the term 'world order'?
2. Why is global cooperation essential in the modern era?
3. How have historical conflicts shaped current international law?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

International law is just like domestic law.

What to Teach Instead

International law lacks a central enforcement authority (like a global police force). A 'comparison table' activity helps students see that international law relies more on consent and cooperation than domestic law does.

Common Misconception

The UN is a world government.

What to Teach Instead

The UN is an intergovernmental organisation made up of sovereign states; it cannot dictate laws to countries. Peer-teaching about the UN Charter helps clarify that the UN's power is limited by the sovereignty of its members.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Treaty Negotiation

Students represent different countries with conflicting interests (e.g., economic vs. environmental) and must negotiate the terms of a new international treaty on plastic pollution.

90 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

The History of World Order

Display key historical events (e.g., WWI, WWII, the fall of the Berlin Wall). Students move around to identify how each event led to a change in international law or the creation of a new global institution.

40 min·Individual

Think-Pair-Share

Is World Order Possible?

Students discuss whether a truly 'ordered' world is possible given the persistence of conflict. They brainstorm the biggest obstacles to global peace with a partner.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'balance of power'?

The balance of power is a situation in international relations where no single state is strong enough to dominate all others. Historically, this was seen as a way to prevent war, as any aggressor would face a coalition of other states.

What is the role of the UN General Assembly?

The General Assembly is the main deliberative and policymaking organ of the UN. Every member state has one vote. While its resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant weight as an expression of world opinion.

How does international law evolve?

International law evolves through the creation of new treaties, the development of 'customary international law' (consistent state practice), and the decisions of international courts and tribunals.

How can active learning help students understand world order?

Active learning helps students understand the 'realpolitik' of international relations. By simulating a crisis, students experience first-hand how national interests often trump global ideals, providing a much more nuanced understanding of why international law sometimes fails.