Managing the Global Commons.

INTERNATIONAL cooperation; INTELLECTUAL cooperation; INTERNATIONAL relations; INTERNATIONAL economic relations; INTERNATIONAL organization

The article discusses the concept of the so-called "global commons" in international relations, which is defined as the systems which provide for international cooperation and coordination in such activities as international trade, shipping, air travel, the Internet, and international military planning. The role of the U.S. in using its military power and political leadership to maintain and in large part to create the global commons is considered. It is forecast that the U.S. role will undergo a shift in emphasis, with more attention being paid to securing the cooperation of other governments in maintaining the institutions of the global commons.