Is a representative world government possible?

[Syntax]

No, I do not mean the kind of world government in which one country rules all. What I mean is a world government in which countries will still retain their independence as a nation but if they are a member, then it is obliged to elect their own representative to represent themselves in that government.

In short, more like a global congress or a parliament of nations. So, is such thing possible?

[PrimedPenguin]

I personally do not see this possible. Countries have there different opinions and viewpoints and many other countries do not agree with the opinions of others. Picking a representative would also serve to be a challenge. The representative's for communist countries and countries that are ran by a dictator would more than likely be chosen by the dictator or ruler of the country other than the people. This would result in corruption. I can only see bad things coming from this system. So in my opinion no.

[Cicero]

My personal beliefs say yes. One world government in a way will be achieved. But thats what the Bible says. I completely see how that can happen, and probably very soon too. Personally, I could see that happening in about 50-125 years. I hope that won't happen till hundreds of years. But realistically it might happen in my generation or my kids generation :(

[Iron Man]

Yes, but with time. There are still legitimate and/or petty differences that needs to be settled.

[Syntax]

I personally do not see this possible. Countries have there different opinions and viewpoints and many other countries do not agree with the opinions of others. Picking a representative would also serve to be a challenge. The representative's for communist countries and countries that are ran by a dictator would more than likely be chosen by the dictator or ruler of the country other than the people. This would result in corruption. I can only see bad things coming from this system. So in my opinion no.

Yes, it is true that the interests and opinions of other countries will serve as a barrier to such a government and that the representatives from those communist countries or countries ran by dictators might cause corruption within that global government.

But I think that if a government like this is established, then it is likely they will set sanctions or measures to prevent such countries run by dictators or hardline communists from joining and electing their own representatives.

Yes, but with time. There are still legitimate and/or petty differences that needs to be settled.

I agree. What hampers this kind of global government from forming are the views, opinions and policies of different countries. I think countries like those need a little push. Alien invasion, anyone?

[Magical]

Oh yes. Will Ethiopia have the same power as the US?
Of course not.
The problem with this system is that the 10-20 most powerful nations will band together and make sure everything decided is entirely in their interest.
While countries exist or if there are not extremely strict measures to stop bribes or if all countries have different levels of voting power this will not work.

[Ryhanna]

There are a lot of different cultures in the world, and with differing culture comes differing values. If something like this were to happen then there would likely be a lot of clashes due to cultural differences.

Under what possible circumstances would such a government be necessary, though? I realise that you're speaking hypothetically, but I would imagine that circumstance would play a large role in whether or not a government like this would function well.

[Castle of Glass]

well, currently there are two representative groups where the countries retain their independence, the EU(most of europe) and the UN. but i do not believe that you can ALL of the nations as joined under one representative group. Countries like North Korea, some middle eastern countries and african countries would never join. In addition, the most largest and powerful countries like russia, US, China, England, and a couple others you rule the meetings, just making it so that they had more power. I only think multiple countries should unite into a representative group or something similar with united views.

[Zman21]

I think that this is a good possibility that a government like this could exist. However, the world is far from reaching this point. There are too many different government styles out there with their own opinions about how to lead and if you had a representative from each country trying to rule the world, there will be too many clashes in power and nothing would happen. The best way for something like this to come about and succeed was if there was if there was (I know this sounds corny) an alien invasion, a zombie Apocalypse, or some other major disaster that affects the world as a whole. When the world went through the world wars, the UN was formed uniting many nations. Without the world war, it never would have come to be. We need some unifying factor to come and bring the world together or else we will be too focused on our differences to work together.

[GuillaumeBordeaux]

I can see a future heading toward that direction. It may take centuries, but once many language barriers are destroyed and languages die out, and a possible universal language chosen, I do foresee many differences in opinion lessening and as such, the necessity of total independence from fellow countries lessening as well. In short: yes, I think it is a possibility. Possibly when significant space travel is possible, nations will band together and simply call themselves Earthlings, as opposed to the English, the French, the Americans and everyone else.

[Syntax]

Under what possible circumstances would such a government be necessary, though? I realise that you're speaking hypothetically, but I would imagine that circumstance would play a large role in whether or not a government like this would function well.

Yeah, I'm speaking hypothetically here. The usual what if's, what can's and what will's.

So, let's say what if there's the Third World War? Will that be a factor enough for establishing such a government?

[CharlieFinley]

Possibly when significant space travel is possible, nations will band together and simply call themselves Earthlings, as opposed to the English, the French, the Americans and everyone else.

Never gonna happen. Parochial concerns do not simply fade away when larger ones unfold. Now, an interplanetary war (if such a thing could exist, given the whole no world government thing) could temporarily alleviate those concerns, but long-term? Not gonna happen.

[GuillaumeBordeaux]

Never gonna happen. Parochial concerns do not simply fade away when larger ones unfold. Now, an interplanetary war (if such a thing could exist, given the whole no world government thing) could temporarily alleviate those concerns, but long-term? Not gonna happen.

You have no way of knowing. Unless reincarnation is valid and we are born a thousand years from now and experience it for ourselves. Using absolutes is illogical.

[CharlieFinley]

You're right. I should have said that history does not bear out this theory. When a new continent, largely uninhabited (from the European point of view) was discovered, France and England and Spain didn't stop bickering. They just extended their bickering to the new frontier, as well.

[Azunite]

Ahem >>>> UN?

Besides, what will this council thing do anyway?