(Obama and US healthcare system) political issue in terms of risk taking and leadership - Essay Example

Introduction In the past, some countries around the world enjoyed global power hence they influence global money circulation and determine international agendas. However, this has changed drastically in the recent times. The 21st century has witnessed a new world order where each nation-state is struggling to maintain its existence and protect their interests. Ideally, competition for power and the dominance of the advanced economies has changed. Globalization, which has contributed enormously to advancement of information and communication technologies, is a factor that has brought fundamental changes in the international laws and relations.

Evidently, there are two main aspects of international relations that affect law and order in the modern world. These are balance of power and political dominance (hegemony). International relations and hegemony are often considered two parallel things i.e. they are irreconcilable. This is because of the fact that dominating states are always reluctant to embrace and utilize forms of order or abide by the rules of international law. Some dominant states perceive these rules as overly constraining.

On the other hand, the internal law systems seem to be far from balance of power on the premise that it may grant formal recognition to superior countries thus subjecting them to political realm. Critically, there is need of power to ensure that social norms and rules are observed by both powerful and less powerful states. In such situations, international law is redundant since it cannot effectively constrain powerful countries. As such, there is need for a balance of power for international law to exist.

As suggested by Krisch (2005), international relations and law are spheres of equality. International relations study utilizes a number of theories to explain relations amongst nations. This essay attempts to reveal whether a balance of power or hegemony can help maintain order in the contemporary society, and the implications of each aspect.