NGOS etc. (slides) Flashcards
Liberalism (for IGOs)
within a framework of institution and rules, cooperation is possible
Neoliberal institutionalism: continuous interaction among states provides motivation for them to create international organizations, which, in turn…
- moderate state behavior
- provide a framework for interaction
- establish mechanisms to reduce cheating
- facilitate transparency of state actions
roles of IGOs: international system
- contribute to habits of cooperation
- gather information, surveillance
- settle disputes
- conduct operational activities
- arena for bargaining
- lead to creation of international regimes
Role of IGOs: state
- used by states as instrument of foreign policy/legitimize foreign policy
- enhance available information
- punish or constrain state behavior
Role of IGOs: individuals
- provide opportunities for leadership
- socialization into international norms
- education on similarities and differences
The United Nations
- founded originally as League of Nations after WW1, focuses on the notion of collective security
Three principles guiding UN
- each state is legally equivalent of every other state
international problems fall within the jurisdiction of the UN - the UN is designed primarily to maintain international peace and security
UN Security Council
- deals with peace and security issues
- 5 permanent members, 10 elected members (controversy)
- only body that can make decisions that all other countries must abide by
- only body that can authorize use of force
- great powers have veto power (the permanent 5: US, UK, Russia, China, France)
UN General Assembly:
- forum for states to air ideas and complaints from constituents
- arena in which member states can debate
- evaluates and approves the UN budget
- resolutions can provide basis for new international laws
- limited influence (can only make recommendations, members have widely diverse interests)
UN Secretariat:
- primary administrative unit
- daily running of UN
- headed by Secretary General (current: Antonio Guterres)
- Appointed by the the GA and Security Council recommendation
UN Economic and Social Council:
- coordinates actions of various specialized agencies
- UNHRC, FAO, WHO, UNDP
International Court of Justice:
- 15 judges
- non compulsory jurisdiction on cases brought by states and int. organizations
Trusteeship Council:
- diminished in power
- end of colonization means the supervisory role is no longer needed
Security Council: Criticism/Reform
- problem: permanent members do not represent geographic or regional diversity and do not reflect the power of major economic contributors
- solution: increase the number of the permanent members on the Security council to include major donors (Germany, Japan) and major regional powers (India, Brazil, Nigeria)
European Union
World War II experiences, security threats, and economic incentives drove Europe’s elites toward integration. A series of treaties led to the creation of the EU
Organization of American States
Founded in 1948 and recently focusing on democratic and security-related issues
African Union
Founded in 1964 as the Organization of African Unity to promote decolonization; now focusing primarily on security concerns
League of Arab States
Founded in 1945; recently focusing on regional security concerns
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- private, voluntary organizations whose members are individuals or associations that come together to address a common purpose, often oriented to a public good
- not sovereign, lack resources available to states
- some are entirely private, others rely on government aid
role of NGOs
- advocate for specific policies
- alternative channel for political participation
- mobilize mass publics
- distribute aid
- monitor norms and state practices
strengths of NGOs
- independent from states
- participate at all levels
- links to grassroots groups
- flexibility in administration and programs
- rely on soft power, including credible information, expertise, and moral authority
limits of NGOs
- diverse groups working at cross-purposes
- no consistent source of funds
- legitimacy comprised by lack of accountability
Liberal view: IGOs and NGOs make a difference?
IGOs and NGOs do make a difference, providing venues for states and individuals to engage in collective action, effective in addressing transnational issues
Realist view: IGOs and NGOs make a difference?
IGOs are not independent actors, though they do play a role; NGOs are not independent actors
Constructivist view: IGOs and NGOs make a difference?
IGOs and NGOs can be norm entrepreneurs that socialize and teach states new norms.
