checks and balances in the world system

the role of Russia in the current war/post-war situation in Yugoslavia is
interesting from the viewpoint of global constitutionalism. According to the
theory of constitutionalism (Montesquieu, U.S. and other Western
constitutionalisms), power corrupts and absolute power corrupts
absolutely -- and, therefore, the protection of the rights and liberties and
incomes of the people requires checks and balances (countervailing powers)
in the system (division of powers-- (1) executive, legislative, judiciary;
(2) regions/federalist, (3)socialist view: power of workers vs. power of
corporations). For the world system, some voices (socialist, liberal,
conservative) have mentioned that the USSR had a disciplining effect on NATO
power during the cold war.  (Professor Bruce Russet even wrote an article
many years ago in which he described the Cold War system as a global
two-party system.) In the present situation in Yugoslavia, Russia provides
some "check and balance" to NATO hubris and supports the principle of
UN-type global constitutionalism. With respect to the entire world system,
checks and balances (countervailing powers) against NATO/OECD domination
(Western imperialism, global apartheid) are so weak as to be almost
negligible -- a long way to go. If Western countries are as much in love
with democracy as they profess, they should also democratize the world
system itself, including democratization of the economic world system. (just
a commentary, no new insight)

gk