Core Proposal

Synthesis between Nationalism & Globalism: a Bilateral Governance System

This concept seeks to balance national sovereignty and international cooperation by institutionalizing bilateral relationships through specific governance bodies. The idea acknowledges that both unilateralism (pursuing national interests without regard for others) and multilateralism (centralized cooperation that often undermines sovereignty) fall short of creating a just and stable world order.

Instead, institutionalized bilateralism offers:

1. Respect for national sovereignty by allowing countries full control over their domestic affairs.
2. Targeted international cooperation through specialized bilateral governance bodies tailored to each relationship, with checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

Why Reject Unilateralism and Multilateralism?

1. Unilateralism:
• Promotes a "zero-sum" mentality that undermines global cooperation.
• Leads to geopolitical instability as nations act unpredictably based solely on self-interest.
• Fails to address global challenges like climate change and transnational crime.

1. Multilateralism:

• Too rigid and often dominated by large powers or coalitions of powerful states.
• Restricts national autonomy, leading to resistance from national elites and citizens.
• Marginalizes the interests of smaller or less influential nations.

The Bilateral Governance System

To harness the benefits of cooperation without sacrificing sovereignty, bilateral governance bodies are created for relevant relationships. These bodies institutionalize bilateralism, making diplomacy open, transparent, and accountable. They also respect the separation of powers and ensure balanced power dynamics:

1. Bilateral Parliament (Legislative Branch):

• Composition:
• A 50%/50% seat distribution between the two countries, regardless of size or economic power.
• Members are indirectly elected by national parliaments, strengthening legitimacy.

• Powers:
• Drafting principles and treaties focused on trade, human rights, and sustainability.
• Legislative proposals must be ratified by the national senates of both countries.

• Role:
• Acts as a platform for diplomacy and consensus-building on policy matters, conducted transparently rather than behind closed doors.

2. Bilateral Trade Chamber (Executive Branch):

• Responsibilities:
• Promoting bilateral trade and investment based on agreed-upon principles.
• Coordinating joint economic projects and trade strategies.
• Monitoring compliance with standards such as labor conditions and environmental regulations.

• Structure:
• A small, flexible organization with representatives from both countries.
• Led by a jointly appointed director accountable to the bilateral parliament.

3. Bilateral Court (Judicial Branch):

• Powers:
• Resolving disputes between states or between companies within the bilateral relationship.
• Ensuring compliance with treaties and trade agreements.

• Composition:
• An equal number of judges from both countries, with neutral judges added in case of conflicts.
• Compact and focused solely on core judicial functions to avoid bureaucratic excess.

Selective Application

Not all bilateral relationships warrant such institutions. Only relevant relationships are institutionalized, such as:

• Direct neighbors: For example, the Netherlands and Germany, due to geographical proximity and shared interests.
• Key trade partners: For example, China and the United States, due to mutual economic interdependence.
• Countries with cultural ties: For example, Portugal and Brazil, to leverage historical and cultural connections.

Advantages of Institutionalized Bilateralism

1. National elites:
• Are reassured as domestic sovereignty remains fully intact.
• Retain control over which bilateral relationships are institutionalized.

1. Global elites:

• Are satisfied by the establishment of coordinating bilateral governance bodies that promote economic cooperation and stability.

1. Power balance:

• The 50%/50% model prevents dominance of large countries over smaller ones.
• Checks and balances between the parliament, trade chamber, and court ensure fairness.

1. Flexibility:

• Bilateral governance bodies are tailored to the specific needs of each relationship.
• Avoids excessive bureaucracy typical of multilateral institutions.

By institutionalizing bilateralism in this way, a sustainable world order can be built that protects national interests while addressing global challenges.