The paper is a critique of David Held’s thesis on globalization. In his attempt to reframe global governance, Held has repeatedly counter-posed the extensity and intensity of contemporary collective issues with the weak and incomplete means of addressing them. This has also been served by Held as the paradox of our times. The paper locates the problem in the underlying assumptions of this apparent paradox with reference to the critical literature on globalization, democracy and global governance. It argues that Held’s normative conceptualization of globalization also informs his proposals on reforming global governance and is oblivious to elements of power in the globalization discourse.

The choice of the opening quote is deliberate as it captures the essence of David Held’s thesis on globalization. It is the opening line of David Held’s “Reframing Global Governance: Apocalypse Soon or Reform!” (2006).1 Held has been one of the most prolific and influential advocates of globalization and global governance, and the statement is grounded in his widely acknowledged contribution to the study of globalization that provides the frame of reference for our arguments.2 These are also examined with reference to the critical literature on globalization, democracy and global governance. The attempt here is to provide a critique of Held and that does not by extension require that we advance an alternative hypothesis even if it risks acceptance of the status quo. The paper critically looks at some of the underlying assumptions in the way Held has posed the collective issues and how they relate to his analysis of globalization and global governance.

International Relations Journal, Ethnic Conflict in Nepal, Ethnic Communities, Ethnic Divisions, Madhesi Community, Systematic Discriminatory Treatment, Democratic System, Decision-Making Process, Policy Planning Process, Socioeconomic Development, Economic Exclusion, Indigenous Nationalities Movement.