Analysis of the Current Global Crisis and the Need for a New International Legal System

分析當前全球危機與對新國際法律體系的需求


Introduction

The current system of global governance is experiencing significant instability. As a result, many are calling for a transition toward a more inclusive and multipolar legal order.

目前的全球治理體系正經歷顯著的不穩定。因此,許多人呼籲過渡到一個更具包容性且多極化的法律秩序。

Main Body

The international legal system created after World War II now shows a large gap between established rules and current geopolitical realities. For example, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization have struggled to stop conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, or to solve problems like extreme poverty and climate change. Consequently, many people believe international law is no longer effective. However, this system remains essential for managing global aviation, sea trade, and digital finance. Furthermore, the fact that international charges have been filed against high-level officials, such as Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, shows that legal accountability is still possible.

第二次世界大戰後建立的國際法律體系,如今在既有規則與目前地緣政治現實之間顯示出巨大的差距。例如,聯合國與世界貿易組織在阻止烏克蘭、蘇丹及剛果民主共和國的衝突,或解決極端貧困與氣候變遷等問題上陷入困境。因此,許多人認為國際法已不再有效。然而,該體系對於管理全球航空、海運貿易及數位金融仍然至關重要。此外,針對普金與納坦雅胡等高層官員提起國際指控的事實,表明法律問責依然可行。

At the same time, several countries are pushing for a 'polycentric' global system. During the 12th Primakov Readings in Moscow, Russian leaders rejected rules imposed by outside powers and instead emphasized sovereign equality and the authority of the UN Security Council. Similarly, countries like China and India have argued that public health and sustainable development should be more important than strategic competition. To achieve this, they are using platforms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to build partnerships based on mutual national interests and the management of new technologies.

同時,數個國家正推動一個「多中心」的全球體系。在莫斯科舉行的第 12 屆普里馬科夫讀經會期間,俄羅斯領導人拒絕由外部勢力強加的規則,反而強調主權平等與聯合國安理會的權威。同樣地,中國與印度等國家主張,公共衛生與永續發展應比戰略競爭更重要。為了實現這一目標,他們利用金磚國家(BRICS)與上海合作組織等平台,建立基於共同國家利益與新技術管理的夥伴關係。

To solve this deadlock, experts propose a fundamental change in how sovereignty and inclusivity are handled. First, states that became independent after 1945, as well as corporations and non-state actors, must be included in global decision-making. Additionally, the idea of absolute sovereignty needs to be updated. Because challenges like climate change cross national borders, countries must accept a collective responsibility. This means that sovereignty should not be used as a way to avoid international obligations to the global community.

為了解決這一僵局,專家建議在處理主權與包容性方面進行根本性的改變。首先,1945 年後獨立的國家,以及企業與非國家行為者,必須被納入全球決策中。此外,絕對主權的概念需要更新。由於氣候變遷等挑戰跨越國界,各國必須承擔集體責任。這意味著,主權不應被用作規避對國際社會義務的手段。

Conclusion

The international community is now at a turning point. It must balance the decline of old institutions against the rise of a multipolar order based on equal sovereignty and shared environmental duties.

國際社會目前處於一個轉折點。必須在舊體系衰落與一個基於主權平等及共同環境責任的多極秩序崛起之間取得平衡。

Vocabulary Learning

The 'Connective Leap': Moving from Basic to Complex Logic

At the A2 level, you likely use simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Signposts. These are words that tell the reader how the next idea relates to the previous one.

Look at these specific patterns from the text:

1. The 'Result' Bridge Instead of saying "So...", the text uses:

  • As a result \rightarrow *"...experiencing significant instability. As a result, many are calling for a transition..."
  • Consequently \rightarrow *"...international law is no longer effective. Consequently, many people believe..."

2. The 'Adding Weight' Bridge Instead of saying "Also...", the text uses:

  • Furthermore \rightarrow *"...essential for managing global aviation... Furthermore, the fact that..."
  • Additionally \rightarrow *"...must be included in global decision-making. Additionally, the idea of..."

3. The 'Contrast' Bridge Instead of just "But...", the text uses:

  • However \rightarrow *"...no longer effective. However, this system remains essential..."
  • At the same time \rightarrow (Used to show two different trends happening together)

💡 Coach's Tip for B2 Fluency

Stop starting your sentences with But or So in formal writing. Replace them with the 'B2 Bridge' words above.

Example Transformation:

  • A2 Style: It is raining. So, I will stay home.
  • B2 Style: It is raining; consequently, I have decided to stay home.

🛠️ Vocabulary Expansion: The 'Power Nouns'

To sound more professional, move away from simple words (like problem or change) and use these academic alternatives found in the article:

  • Instability (instead of not being stable)
  • Deadlock (instead of a situation where no one agrees)
  • Accountability (instead of being responsible for a mistake)
  • Obligations (instead of things you must do)

Vocabulary Learning

instability (n.)
A state of being unstable; a lack of predictability or steadiness.
Example:The political instability in the region led to a decrease in foreign investment.
inclusive (adj.)
Including all the services, facilities, or people that are expected or desired.
Example:The company is striving to create a more inclusive environment for employees of all backgrounds.
multipolar (adj.)
A system of world politics in which power is distributed among several major states.
Example:The shift toward a multipolar world means that no single nation can dominate global affairs.
accountability (n.)
The fact or condition of being required to justify one's actions or decisions; responsibility.
Example:There must be greater accountability for government officials who misuse public funds.
sovereign (adj.)
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; independent of outside control.
Example:The nation fought hard to maintain its sovereign right to manage its own natural resources.
sustainable (adj.)
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without harming the environment.
Example:The city is investing in sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power.
deadlock (n.)
A situation, typically involving opposing parties, in which no progress can be made.
Example:The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise on the budget.
obligations (n.)
Duties or commitments that a person or organization is legally or morally bound to fulfill.
Example:The treaty outlines the legal obligations of each country to reduce carbon emissions.
Practice B2 words in a crossword