The Role of Enforcement of Law in the Establishment of a New International Order: A Proposal for a Transnational Police Force

Abstract

This essay examines the need to supplement national self-help in enforcing desirable global norms, explains the potential contributions of a transnational enforcement agency to the creation of a more just and peaceful world polity, describes how such an agency might function, and explores steps for establishing such an agency. The proposed transnational enforcement agency is discussed within the context of a comprehensive process of change that aims to domesticate international politics and transnationalize national politics. By gradually reinforcing preferred norms through more effective monitoring and enforcement of them, it is possible to increase the governability of and to humanize world society, as well as to increase the governing ability of political institutions at all levels. The authors examine the problem of unequal enforcement and emphasize that the proposed transnational agency, even imperfectly functioning, holds more promise for helping to establish justice and keep the peace than do present diplomatic and military practices. The agency's long-range utility for transforming the international system is no less important than its short-term potential for alleviating structural and direct violence.