Toward a world society?: An assessment of Barry Buzan's reconceptualization of the English School of International Relations

Abstract

The current international system has been in place since the Treaty of Westphalia. However, states are no longer the only actors in International Relations. Non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations and individuals also take the stage in international relations. This thesis will make use of the English School of International Relations and the reconceptualization of the School introduced by Barry Buzan in From International to World Society? because it offers richer explanatory possibilities for the interaction and role of both state and non-state actors. Using the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations HIV/AIDS Program (UNAIDS), this thesis will assess Buzan's new model and answer the question that the title of his book asks: Is International Society moving toward a World Society?