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/

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website: www.globalvisions.fi/en

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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

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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

In this episode, we interview Osita Ifezue, founder of our partner Entergrate. We discuss multiple issues affecting immigrants in Finland, such as the problem of racism and discrimination, barriers for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, and the question of belonging. Many immigrants struggle with feeling welcome, valued, and that they belong in Finnish society. One important question we discussed was how to support immigrant entrepreneurs, tapping into the bicultural value they bring and seeing it as a resource for potentially gaining access to new markets. We also address the challenge Finland faces as skilled immigrant workers choose to leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Equally important is the question of what Finns can do to promote equality and inclusivity on an individual level. How can we stand up to discrimination? How can we go outside our own comfort zones to support the struggles of our immigrant community? We discuss the essential themes of belonging and trust—and how we can foster a sense of belonging and build trust between the immigrant community and institutions like schools.

We conclude by discussing the untapped potential of Finland’s immigrant community and our visions of a better future.

About Our Guest: Osita Ifezue is a freelance writer, podcaster, and storytelling strategist who has dedicated his work to fostering inclusive spaces and addressing the challenges faced by immigrants in Finland.

"Entergrate is committed to fostering a more inclusive Finland by supporting societal integration and promoting mutual understanding across communities. Through our events, we encourage professional and social inclusivity, helping immigrants, locals, and organizations connect, network, and build lasting synergies."

For more information about Entergrate, visit www.entergrate.org and follow @entergratefinland on Instagram.

Follow Us and Connect: website: www.globalvisions.fi/en Instagram: @globalvisionsry YouTube: GlobalVisionsry LinkedIn: GlobalVisionsry

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In September we organised a panel discussion: Artificial Intelligence, Democracy and Human Rights at Musiikkitalo terassilämpiö in Helsinki. The full Panel is now available on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/e3y-gWenMore information about the panel: This panel discussion, organized by Global Visions ry, will explore the multifaceted impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on contemporary global issues, with a particular focus on human rights, democracy, and the unique challenges and opportunities AI presents to developing nations in the Global South. Our panelists, representing diverse fields from technology to social sciences, will specifically address the societal impacts of AI. Additionally, the panel will consider future visions of a world in the age of Artificial Intelligence. We have allocated some time for questions at the end of the discussion. Guests:·

Professor Teivo Teivainen: A Professor of World Politics at the University of Helsinki. His current research focuses on transnational social movements, global political economy, and theories of democracy. Teivainen has received many awards for his work, including the Amartya Sen Prize at Yale University (2015).·

Dr. Matti Nelimarkka (PhD): A University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki. Nelimarkka holds both a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a PhD in Computer Sciences. Additionally, Nelimarkka is a member of the Digital Content Communities research group (Department of Computer Science, Aalto University) and the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT).· Dr. Bonn Juego (PhD):

Dr. Bonn Juego (PhD): Senior Lecturer in International Development Studies at the University of Jyväskylä (JYU), and the current Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research. He is the recipient of the 2024 JYU Good Teacher Award, and the lead researcher of the recent policy study of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies on "Algorithms by and for the Workers: Towards a Fair, Democratic, and Humane Digitalisation of the Workplace". His academic background includes advanced studies in technology governance at TalTech in Estonia and in heterodox development economics at Cambridge University.·

Professor Reetta Toivonen: A Professor of Sustainability Sciences at the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). Toivonen is also the Vice-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives and is currently the Project Leader of its Subproject 3: Migration and the Narratives of Europe as an “Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice” funded by the Academy of Finland (2018-2025).

For this episode, we are pleased to welcome representatives of the Debt for Climate movement, joining us from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Finland.

• Dianey Mugalizi is the Africa Regional Coordinator for Debt for Climate.
• Absolom Jim is a Debt for Climate country lead from Zimbabwe.
• Elsa Kivinen joins us from Debt for Climate Finland.

In this episode, we discuss the Debt for Climate movement, the ongoing debt crises in the Global South, and how these crises directly affect the daily lives of communities, alongside the worsening impact of the climate crisis. We also explore potential solutions and visions of a better future if debt cancellation were to take place.

Debt for Climate is a global grassroots movement initiated and led by the Global South. The movement’s primary demand is the unconditional cancellation of external debts Global South countries’ external debts to colonially powerful creditors such IMF and World Bank. The goal is to redirect the resources going towards debt repayments towards urgent climate action instead. Many countries in the Global South are heavily burdened by debt, limiting their capacity to invest in sustainable development and address climate change, despite being some of the most affected by environmental damage.

The movement argues that Global North, historically responsible for the majority of carbon emissions, must take responsibility by canceling these debts. This would allow affected nations to focus on climate adaptation and the development of green infrastructure. Debt cancellation would enable resources to be redirected toward renewable energy, climate resilience projects, and community-driven initiatives to safeguard ecosystems from the growing threats of climate change.

At its core, the Debt for Climate movement ties climate justice to economic justice, advocating that debt cancellation acts as a form of reparations to address historical inequalities in global climate responsibility. The movement has rapidly gained support from political economists, researchers, and activists across both the Global North and Global South.

For more information on Debt for Climate visit www.debtforclimate.org.

Instagram: @debtforclimate @debtforclimate_kenya, @debtforclimate.zw @debtforclimatefi

Elsa Kivinen’s book recommendations:

• The Imperial Mode of Living: Everyday Life and the Ecological Crisis of Capitalism by Ulrich Brand
• Democracy in the Political Present by Isabel Lorey

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In our latest two-part episode, we welcome three guests from the University of Helsinki. As we explore current events and the global challenges we face, it seems the fatalistic view is prevailing. Institutions like the UN lack credibility and the power needed to intervene and enforce human rights, as the current situations in Gaza and Sudan have shown us. The West continuously illustrates examples of "rhetorical" moralism, demanding democratic values while also holding countries such as Saudi Arabia as their closest allies. Global inequality persists, populism is on the rise, and many of the post-World War II democratic values are perhaps eroding away. In this episode, we discuss these issues, concentrating on universal values, the problem of polarization, climate change, and visions of a better future.

Kristian Klockars is a Docent and Senior Lecturer of Practical Philosophy at the University of Helsinki. His research areas include political philosophy, especially the philosophy of democracy and critical social theory (both in the Frankfurt School and post-structuralist tradition).

Säde Hormio is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki. Hormio’s research focuses especially on collective responsibility, social epistemology, and climate ethics. Hormio’s latest book, Taking Responsibility for Climate Change (2024), discusses, for example, the role of ethical arguments in setting climate policy.

Mattias Lehtinen is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. His areas of research include the traditions of contemporary continental political philosophy, post-phenomenological thought, and critical theory. He is especially interested in contemporary political thought and theory.

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In our latest two-part episode, we welcome three guests from the University of Helsinki. As we explore current events and the global challenges we face, it seems the fatalistic view is prevailing. Institutions like the UN lack credibility and the power needed to intervene and enforce human rights, as the current situations in Gaza and Sudan have shown us. The West continuously illustrates examples of "rhetorical" moralism, demanding democratic values while also holding countries such as Saudi Arabia as their closest allies. Global inequality persists, populism is on the rise, and many of the post-World War II democratic values are perhaps eroding away. In this episode, we discuss these issues, concentrating on universal values, the problem of polarization, climate change, and visions of a better future.

Kristian Klockars is a Docent and Senior Lecturer of Practical Philosophy at the University of Helsinki. His research areas include political philosophy, especially the philosophy of democracy and critical social theory (both in the Frankfurt School and post-structuralist tradition).

Säde Hormio is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki. Hormio’s research focuses especially on collective responsibility, social epistemology, and climate ethics. Hormio’s latest book, Taking Responsibility for Climate Change (2024), discusses, for example, the role of ethical arguments in setting climate policy.

Mattias Lehtinen is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. His areas of research include the traditions of contemporary continental political philosophy, post-phenomenological thought, and critical theory. He is especially interested in contemporary political thought and theory.

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In this episode of Visions of a Better World, we explore the work of Home Street Home through a conversation with two of its founding members, Salim Edward and Viola Wallenius.

Home Street Home is a non-profit organization operating in Makongeni, Kwale County, Kenya, and registered in Finland, Kenya, and Switzerland. Its work focuses on advancing children’s and youth’s education, wellbeing, and health through locally grounded, community-led initiatives. Both Salim and Viola live and work in Makongeni, offering perspectives rooted in everyday lived experience.

The discussion begins with the origins of the organization. Viola reflects on the importance of recognizing Home Street Home as a collaborative effort between local community members and international partners, challenging simplified narratives of development work. We then turn to the broader socio-economic context in Kenya, considering both structural challenges and the realities of rural life, alongside positive developments shaping the country today.

We also address the local impacts of climate change, with Salim sharing insights into environmental challenges in his community and the grassroots responses that have emerged. The conversation highlights how locally driven initiatives have evolved over time, as well as key milestones achieved by Home Street Home.

A central theme of the episode is how change occurs. Drawing on their experiences, Salim and Viola discuss community ownership, the role of local leadership in decision-making, and the complexities of addressing deeply rooted issues such as harmful traditional practices. The discussion engages with tensions between external interventions and internally driven change, emphasizing culturally informed and respectful approaches.

The episode also examines broader questions related to global development, including common misconceptions about the Global South and the role of grassroots knowledge in shaping more equitable practices. We reflect on representation and storytelling, and how social media can challenge one-dimensional portrayals by highlighting dignity, agency, and shared humanity.

Finally, the conversation turns toward the future. Salim and Viola share their perspectives on hope, parenthood, and the ongoing and future directions of Home Street Home’s work.

For more information and ways to support Home Street Home:

www.homestreethome.fi

Instagram: @homestreethomry

Episode hosts: Astrid Aminoff and Max Tallberg

Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland, working to bring people and organisations together to develop ideas for a better world.

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In the previous episodes we have discussed various historical theories of justice with Kristian Klockars. Now we turn back to these conversations and reflect casually upon the larger topic of justice itself and the concept of it.