In this episode, we sit down with Professor Heikki Patomäki from the University of Helsinki to discuss his latest book, World Statehood: The Future of World Politics. Patomäki explores the bold idea of a world state as a solution to the complex challenges of global governance.

We trace the historical roots of global governance, from cosmopolitan thinkers to post–World War II intellectuals who explored and advocated for the idea of a World State. Patomäki shares his vision for overcoming the limitations of fragmented institutions like the UN and WTO, emphasizing that reimagining global cooperation is vital to addressing existential threats such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical conflict.

World Statehood has been described as a “must-read,” with one recent review stating: “The book convincingly argues that new forms of world political community are possible, but they will only emerge as people reach a larger understanding of their belonging to the planet and not just to countries” (Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 2024).

Tune in to gain insights into these pressing questions and explore a vision for a better framework of global governance.

For more information about Professor Heikki Patomäki:

Facebook: Heikki Patomäki

Website: https://patomaki.fi/en/who/

Follow Us and Connect:

Instagram: @globalvisionsry

YouTube: GlobalVisionsry (Check out our Panel Discussions)

LinkedIn: GlobalVisionsry

website: www.globalvisions.fi/en

As 2024 comes to a close, we face a convergence of escalating crises—climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and social upheavals. How can the international community address these interlinked challenges? What reforms or strengthening of global institutions might be needed to better navigate this complex polycrisis in 2025 and beyond? Join us for the State of the World 2024 event, featuring a lecture and panel discussion that examines today’s critical global issues and explores pathways toward a more peaceful, sustainable, and just future. We have guests from diverse fields of expertise to explore four key themes: Climate Action and Global Responsibility, Global Peace and Security, Gender Equality and Human Rights, and The Future of Global Cooperation and Leadership. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A.

Guests:

Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa (University of Helsinki), a Docent and University Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, History and Art Studies at the University of Helsinki. His research covers the history of Africa and the Middle East, conflicts and warfare, and global history. Some of his recent work includes studies on Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, modern racism, and the role of religion in the Sudanese civil war. He has also presented talks on the influence of imperialism and colonialism on present-day conflicts.

Professor Heikki Patomäki (University of Helsinki), a Professor of World Politics and Global Political Economy. His research interests include philosophy, methodology of social sciences, economic theory, global political economy, big history, futures studies, and global justice and democracy. His latest book is World Statehood: The Future of World Politics (Springer 2023).

Professor Antti Kauppinen (University of Helsinki) a Professor of Practical Philosophy, specializing in ethics and metaethics. His research includes topics such as normativity, well-being, moral sentiments, and the meaning of life. He was the Principal Investigator of the Academy of Finland’s Responsible Beliefs: Why Ethics and Epistemology Need Each Other project (2019–2023) and is currently co-PI on the Kone Foundation project The Many Faces of Inquiry(2024–2028).

Professor Reetta Toivanen (University of Helsinki) a Professor of Sustainability Sciences at the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). She is also the Vice-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity, and the European Narrative and currently leads its subproject on Migration and the Narratives of Europe as an “Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice”, funded by the Academy of Finland (2018–2025). The event began with a State of The World 2024 lecture by Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa (see our other videos for the full lecture). It was then followed by this panel discussion.

Watch the full panel discussion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sULO0dy8Zvo&t=2973s

Connect and Follow: Instagram: globalvisionsry

YouTube: GlobalVisionsry

LinkedIn: GlobalVisions

www.globalvisions.fi/en

As 2024 comes to a close, we face a convergence of escalating crises—climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and social upheavals. How can the international community address these interlinked challenges? What reforms or strengthening of global institutions might be needed to better navigate this complex polycrisis in 2025 and beyond?

We were fortunate to have Docent and Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa from the University of Helsinki provide us with an insightful lecture on the State of the World in 2024. Risto Marjomaa is a docent and university lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, History, and Art Studies at the University of Helsinki. His research covers the history of Africa and the Middle East, conflicts and warfare, and global history. Some of his recent work includes studies on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, modern racism, and the role of religion in the Sudanese civil war. He has also presented talks on the influence of imperialism and colonialism on present-day conflicts.

The lecture was followed by a Panel Discussion with experts from the University of Helsinki.

Watch the full lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5d70bBhD9A&t=870s

Connect and Follow:

Instagram: globalvisionsry

YouTube: @global

LinkedIn: GlobalVisions

www.globalvisions.fi/en