Federalism and the New World Order

Joseph Garcea is an assistant professor of political studies at the
University of Saskatchewan.

The essays in this book were presented at a conference sponsored by the
Gorbachev Foundation and the University of Calgary. Its stated objective
is to investigate whether federalism can cope with the strains that have
been placed on it, and to make Canadians aware that the problems in this
country are not unique. The essays examine the pressures faced by the
federal systems of Canada, Australia, India, Yugoslavia, and various
European countries (including those formerly under Soviet rule), and the
resulting transformation in the “new world order.” Supranational
federalism in both Western and Eastern Europe is also discussed.

Several authors point out that in addition to traditional issues such
as the division of powers and intergovernmental coordination, federalism
faces the challenges posed by various social movements that focus on
gender and environmental issues, as well as supranational economic and
trade alliances.

The implicit theme—that “supranational federalism” is an
important first step toward “global federalism”—is focused on,
particularly by Mikhail Gorbachev, who implores us both to develop
“global thinking and planetary consciousness” and to embrace values
that will move us toward a “new civilization.”

This book should be read by anyone interested in federalism. Though it
does not provide definitive answers, it certainly provides food for
thought.