Study presents models for a World Parliamentary Assembly

13. July 2012

Book presented at Congress in Winnipeg

Models and principles for the establishment and further evolution of a world parliament are the subject of a new study that was presented on Tuesday to an audience of international specialists participating in the world congress of the World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy, an international network dedicated to the strengthening of the rule of law, human rights, federalism, and democracy. The book titled "Creating a World Parliamentary Assembly: An Evolutionary

Joseph Schwartzberg presenting his new book. In the background Andreas Bummel
Image: CEUNPA

Journey" is authored by Joseph Schwartzberg from Minnesota, an expert on the subject who taught geography at the University of Minnesota which bestowed on him in 2009 the honorary title "Distinguished International Emeritus Professor."

The book published by the Committee for a Democratic U.N. in Berlin with a foreword by Daniele Archibugi, a well-known specialist on cosmopolitan democracy and a director at the National Italian Research Council, explores how the democratic deficit of the United Nations can be progressively minimized by the development of a global parliamentary body. After establishing a conceptual platform, three evolutionary steps with four specific models for the apportionment of seats are set forth for what would eventually become a directly elected world assembly. Introducing the author and the study in Winnipeg, Andreas Bummel, the Committee's chairperson, pointed out that this was the first analysis of its kind and that it was a major contribution to the ongoing debate on the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly. In a comment printed on the book's back cover, European parliamentarian Jo Leinen said that the study "makes the undertaking very tangible and shows that, in principle, there are no technical obstacles that cannot be overcome. What is needed is the political will."

In the presentation Mr. Schwartzberg stressed that "there are an infinite number of possible models" and that in his opinion, "the apportionment of seats would have to reflect the realities of power in the real world, that means outside the United Nations." He added that "To retain the pretence that all nations are sovereign equals is dysfunctional." According to the proposal of Mr. Schwartzberg, participation in a world parliamentary assembly would be optional. "No country would be forced to join the UNPA, but those that did would have to follow the rules." Over time there would be a growing pressure for all countries to join the assembly, Mr. Schwartzberg said.

The book's publication was supported by the Earthrise Society based in Munich.

Download or purchase a hardcopy of the book here

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