Notes On Social Science Principles for World Law and Order

In: Journal of peace research, Band 1, Heft 3-4, S. 242-251

Abstract

Certain basic principles which have been recognized and accepted in the social sciences, such as the effects of scale and agglomeration economies, transfer costs, etc., are inte grated into a simplified model of world hierarchical structure. The hierarchy of places and service areas is illustrated through vectors of influence and flow extending back and forth from the world primary node to the major and sub-regional primary nodes and to local community nuclei. Service areas of the nodes conforming to the size and scale most efficient and appropriate for specific activities and functions are illustrated in volving, for example, steel production at major regional primary nodes and elementary schools in the smallest service areas. With the presence of political boundaries or other barriers inhibiting optimal spatial organization, opportunity costs are introduced which detract from potential benefits. Recognition of the social science framework in which a system of world law should ideally operate must be complemented by identification of adjudicative criteria for balancing conflicting goals such as participation, efficiency and equality. Some measures of participation and analytic frameworks for reconciling goals are suggested.