scoresvideos
Intro to Political Science
Table of Contents
Unit 15 Overview: International Law and Global Organizations
15.1 The Problem of Global Governance
15.2 International Law
15.3 The United Nations and Global Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
15.4 How Do Regional IGOs Contribute to Global Governance?
15.5 Non-state Actors: Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
15.6 Non-state Actors beyond NGOs

Non-state actors are reshaping international relations. From multinational corporations to terrorist groups, these entities challenge traditional state-centric models, influencing global affairs and eroding state sovereignty.

The rise of non-state actors is fueled by globalization, weakening state capacity, and changing security threats. Their influence stems from economic resources, expertise, and moral authority, impacting global governance and international regimes.

Types and Functions of Non-State Actors

Types of non-state actors

  • Multinational corporations (MNCs) engage in economic activities across multiple countries influencing global trade, investment, and economic policies (e.g., Apple, ExxonMobil)
  • Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) formed by treaties between states to address shared concerns such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and European Union
  • Transnational advocacy networks (TANs) consist of individuals and organizations working together to promote causes like human rights (Amnesty International), environmental protection (Greenpeace), and social justice
  • Terrorist groups use violence to achieve political, ideological, or religious goals operating across borders and targeting both state and non-state actors (al-Qaeda, ISIS)
  • Criminal organizations engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking (cartels), human smuggling, and money laundering undermining state authority and stability, particularly in weak or fragile states
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work independently of governments to address social, environmental, and humanitarian issues on a global scale

Impact on international relations

  • Challenge traditional state-centric model of international relations by operating across borders and bypassing state control influencing global agenda-setting and decision-making processes
  • Erode state sovereignty by competing with states for loyalty and resources providing alternative sources of governance and services
  • Contribute to the diffusion of power in the international system empowering individuals and groups to participate in global affairs facilitating the spread of ideas, norms, and values across borders
  • Transnational corporations influence economic policies and practices across borders, shaping global markets and trade relations

Rise of non-state actors

  • Globalization driven by advances in communication and transportation technologies has increased economic interdependence and integration
  • Weakening of state capacity in some states unable to provide basic services and security has led to the rise of failed and fragile states in the post-Cold War era
  • Democratization and the spread of human rights norms has increased demand for participation and accountability in global governance spurring the growth of civil society and transnational advocacy networks
  • Changing nature of security threats with the emergence of transnational challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and climate change requires cooperation and coordination among state and non-state actors

Sources of non-state actor influence

  • Economic resources of MNCs controlling vast financial and technological assets can influence state policies and shape global economic governance
  • Expertise and knowledge possessed by NGOs and TANs on specific issues can shape global norms and standards and influence policy debates
  • Legitimacy and moral authority of some non-state actors such as religious groups and human rights organizations derives power from their perceived moral legitimacy mobilizing public opinion and pressuring states
  • Networks and alliances formed by non-state actors to pool resources and coordinate actions can amplify their influence and impact on global affairs
  • Diaspora communities can influence foreign policy and international relations through lobbying and cultural ties

Challenges to international systems

  • MNCs challenge state control over economic policies and resources contributing to global economic inequality and instability
  • Terrorist groups undermine state security and stability challenging the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of violence
  • Criminal organizations erode state authority and the rule of law contributing to corruption and undermining public trust in state institutions
  • TANs and NGOs challenge state sovereignty by bypassing traditional diplomatic channels pushing for greater transparency and accountability in global governance

Global Governance and International Regimes

  • International regimes establish norms, rules, and decision-making procedures in specific issue areas, shaping state and non-state actor behavior
  • Global governance involves the collective efforts of states, international organizations, and non-state actors to address transnational challenges
  • Civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in global governance processes

Key Terms to Review (56)

United Nations Charter: The United Nations Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations (UN), an international organization dedicated to maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945.
Regional autonomy: Regional autonomy is the degree of self-governance granted to a region within a sovereign state, allowing it to manage its own affairs and make decisions on specific matters, such as education or transportation, without interference from the central government. It reflects a decentralization of power aimed at recognizing the unique needs and preferences of different regions within a country.
Irredentism: Irredentism is a political and popular movement that seeks to reclaim and reoccupy a territory considered "lost" or culturally/historically related to the nation but currently under foreign domination. It often involves advocating for the annexation of territories based on claims of prior historical possession, ethnic ties, or cultural similarities.
Third wave of democratization: The third wave of democratization is a period characterized by the global surge in democratic regimes from the 1970s through the 1990s, marking a significant increase in the number of democracies worldwide. This wave includes transitions from authoritarian to democratic governance in various regions, including Southern Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is a permanent intergovernmental body established in 1964 by the United Nations General Assembly, aimed at promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy and encouraging development through trade and investments. It focuses on issues such as the digital divide, financial instability, and sustainable development.
Legislative sovereignty system: A legislative sovereignty system is a political structure where the legislature holds supreme power over the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws, often with limited checks from other branches of government. In this context, it contrasts with systems where courts (judicial review) or executives have comparable or superior influence over legal matters.
European Union (EU): The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. It aims to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries, and regional development.
Global governance: Global governance encompasses the various cooperative and regulatory mechanisms, policies, and institutions that help manage and solve worldwide issues. It involves international actors such as states, international organizations, and civil society working together to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and peacekeeping.
National identity groups: National identity groups are communities of people who share a common sense of identity, culture, language, or heritage that is tied to a nation-state but may operate within or beyond its borders. These groups can influence political and social dynamics both domestically and internationally by advocating for their interests and values.
Transnational organized crime (TOC): Transnational organized crime encompasses the illegal activities carried out by structured groups across national borders, involving offenses like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. These activities are sophisticated, coordinated across countries, and aim to achieve significant financial or power gains.
Civil society: Civil society is the realm of organized social life that is voluntary, self-generating, (largely) self-supporting, autonomous from the state, and bound by a legal order or set of shared rules. It consists of a wide array of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations that represent the interests and will of citizens.
Judgments about legitimacy: Judgments about legitimacy involve assessments of the rightfulness or acceptability of a governing regime's authority by its populace or the international community. These judgments are crucial for the stability and effectiveness of governance, as they reflect the perceived justification of political power and authority.
Weak states: Weak states are nations with political structures that struggle to effectively govern their territory, maintain rule of law, ensure political stability, or provide public services. They often face internal challenges such as corruption, conflict, and economic instability that undermine their sovereignty and legitimacy.
Multinational corporations (MNCs): Multinational corporations are companies that operate in multiple countries beyond their original home country, managing production or delivering services in more than one country. They influence international laws and global economic policies due to their significant economic power and international activities.
Religious non-state actors (RNAs): Religious Non-State Actors are organizations or groups influenced by religious beliefs and motivations that operate independently of state governments to effect change on a global scale. They can range from charitable organizations to violent extremist groups, impacting international relations and policies.
Francis: In the context of International Law and International Organizations within the topic of Non-state Actors beyond NGOs, "Francis" does not directly refer to a specific term relevant to political science. Instead, it could be misconstrued as referring to an individual's influence, such as Pope Francis, in international relations through moral or ethical guidance rather than through formal political power.
Intergovernmental organizations: Intergovernmental organizations are entities created by treaty, involving two or more nations, to work on issues of common interest. These organizations operate internationally to foster cooperation, provide aid, and address global issues like health, security, and environmental concerns.
Multinational corporations: Multinational corporations are companies that operate in multiple countries beyond their original country of establishment, producing and selling goods or services on a global scale. They play a significant role in international trade, economic diplomacy, and the global market dynamics.
Secession: Secession is the act of a group or region declaring independence and withdrawing from a nation or political entity to which it previously belonged. It often involves complex legal and political processes and can lead to significant changes in international relations.
Soft power: Soft power is the ability of a country to persuade or attract others to do what it wants without force or coercion, primarily through cultural or ideological means. It contrasts with hard power, which relies on military and economic means to influence others.
Khanna: Parag Khanna is a geopolitical analyst known for his work on global connectivity and how non-state actors influence international affairs. Parag Khanna explores the growing role of cities, corporations, and technological networks as influential non-state entities in global governance.
Globalization Introduction,: Globalization is the process through which businesses, ideas, and cultures spread around the world, creating a more interconnected and interdependent global economy. It involves the increasing interaction among governments, companies, and people across international borders.
Irredenta: Irredenta refers to a territory historically or ethnically related to one political unit but under the political control of another. It often involves nationalistic claims and movements aiming to reclaim such territories from the controlling state.
Greenpeace International: Greenpeace International is a global environmental organization that promotes environmental activism to address issues like deforestation, overfishing, climate change, and pollution. It uses direct action, lobbying, and research to achieve its goals.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations driven by the expansion of international trade, investment, and communication. It is a multifaceted process that has profound implications across various aspects of political, economic, and social life.
Civil Society: Civil society refers to the arena of uncoerced collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values. It encompasses a wide array of organizations and associations that exist outside of the state and the market, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, professional associations, and social movements.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the supreme and independent authority of a state or political entity to govern itself and its territory without external interference or control. It is a fundamental concept in political science that underpins the power and legitimacy of governments and their ability to make decisions and enforce laws within their borders.
Legitimacy: Legitimacy refers to the justification and acceptance of political authority and power. It is the foundation upon which a government or political system derives its right to govern and the willingness of the people to accept and comply with its decisions and actions.
Global Governance: Global governance refers to the complex web of formal and informal institutions, mechanisms, and processes that shape and regulate activities that transcend national boundaries. It encompasses the collective efforts of the international community to address global issues and challenges that no single country can solve alone.
World Trade Organization: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the international organization that oversees and facilitates global trade. It was established in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and serves as a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements and resolve trade disputes.
United Nations: The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It serves as a platform for countries to address global issues and cooperate on a wide range of matters, including political, economic, social, and environmental concerns.
Greenpeace: Greenpeace is a prominent international non-governmental organization (NGO) that is dedicated to environmental protection and promoting sustainability through non-violent direct action and public awareness campaigns. It operates globally to address a wide range of ecological issues, from climate change to ocean conservation and deforestation.
Non-State Actors: Non-state actors are individuals or organizations that are not affiliated with or controlled by a national government. These entities can have a significant influence on political, economic, and social issues, often operating independently or in opposition to state powers.
Democratization: Democratization is the process by which a political system becomes more democratic, often involving the transition from an authoritarian or totalitarian regime to a more open and participatory form of government. This term is closely linked to the concepts of political liberalization, the expansion of civil liberties, and the establishment of democratic institutions and practices.
Soft Power: Soft power is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. It is the power to shape the preferences of others and get them to want what you want, as opposed to hard power which relies on threats and inducements. Soft power is an important concept in the context of international relations, global governance, and the role of non-state actors.
Multinational Corporations: Multinational corporations (MNCs) are large businesses that operate in multiple countries, with production and sales facilities located around the world. They play a significant role in the global economy and have a profound impact on international relations and the political landscape.
International Regimes: International regimes are sets of implicit or explicit principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures around which actors' expectations converge in a given area of international relations. They provide a framework for cooperation and coordination among states and other global actors to address shared concerns and challenges that transcend national borders.
Intergovernmental Organizations: Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are entities created by governments through formal agreements or treaties to work together on shared issues, goals, and policies. They serve as platforms for international cooperation and coordination among member states.
Post-Cold War Era: The post-Cold War era refers to the period following the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, which dominated global politics for much of the 20th century. This era is characterized by significant shifts in the international system, including the rise of non-state actors and challenges to traditional models of global governance.
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global non-governmental organization that focuses on human rights advocacy and protection. It works to document and campaign against human rights abuses around the world, with the goal of preventing and ending such violations.
Al-Qaeda: al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden and Abdullah Azzam. It is considered a non-state actor that operates beyond traditional non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the goal of overthrowing governments and establishing an Islamic caliphate through violent jihad.
Cartels: Cartels are non-state actor organizations that are formed by a group of independent firms or countries that coordinate their actions and policies to control the production, distribution, and pricing of a particular product or service, often with the goal of maximizing profits and minimizing competition.
Transnationalism: Transnationalism refers to the increasing interconnectedness and flow of people, ideas, and resources across national borders, creating social, political, and economic networks that transcend traditional state boundaries.
European Union: The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It was established to foster cooperation, promote peace, and ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among its member nations.
State-Centric Model: The state-centric model is a framework that places the state, or national government, at the center of international relations and decision-making. It emphasizes the primacy of sovereign states as the primary actors in global affairs, with states being the dominant and most influential entities in the international system.
Transnational Advocacy Networks: Transnational advocacy networks are cross-border networks of individuals and organizations that work together to promote common causes or influence policy decisions on issues that transcend national boundaries. These networks leverage their collective expertise, resources, and influence to advocate for change at the global level. The term is particularly relevant in the context of 15.5 Non-state Actors: Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and 15.6 Non-state Actors beyond NGOs, as transnational advocacy networks often involve a diverse range of non-state actors, including NGOs, social movements, and even some intergovernmental organizations, working collaboratively to achieve their goals.
Fragile States: Fragile states are countries that are unable to provide basic services and security to their citizens, often due to political instability, weak governance, and lack of control over their territory. These states are vulnerable to internal and external shocks, and their inability to meet the needs of their population can lead to conflict, humanitarian crises, and the rise of non-state actors. The concept of fragile states is particularly relevant in the context of non-state actors beyond NGOs, as these actors can fill the void left by the state's inability to function effectively. Understanding fragile states is crucial in analyzing the dynamics of power, security, and development in the international system.
ISIS: ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant Islamist group that has gained significant power and territory in parts of the Middle East. It is considered a non-state actor, as it operates outside the control of any recognized government or international organization.
Failed States: A failed state is a country that is unable or unwilling to perform its basic functions and duties as a sovereign state, such as providing security, maintaining the rule of law, and delivering basic public services to its citizens. This term is often used to describe nations that have experienced a severe breakdown in governance, leading to instability, violence, and a lack of effective control over their territory and population.
Criminal Organizations: Criminal organizations are groups that engage in unlawful activities, such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, and other illicit enterprises, for the purpose of generating profit and expanding their power and influence. These groups often use violence, intimidation, and corruption to achieve their goals and operate outside the bounds of the law.
Terrorist Groups: Terrorist groups are non-state actors that use violence and fear to achieve their political, ideological, or religious objectives. These groups operate outside the bounds of traditional state power and often target civilians to spread their message and further their agenda.
Apple: Apple refers to a non-state actor that exists outside the traditional government and intergovernmental organization structures. These non-state actors can have significant influence on global affairs, policies, and decision-making processes.
Civil Society Organizations: Civil society organizations (CSOs) are non-governmental, not-for-profit groups and associations that represent the interests and values of citizens, often working to influence public policy and promote social change. These organizations exist outside of the government and private sector, playing a crucial role in the political landscape as non-state actors.
Transnational Corporations: Transnational corporations (TNCs) are large, multinational businesses that operate across national borders, with production and service facilities in multiple countries. They are key non-state actors that have significant economic and political influence that extends beyond the boundaries of any single nation-state.
Diaspora Communities: Diaspora communities refer to ethnic or national communities that have been dispersed from their traditional homelands and now reside in other parts of the world. These communities maintain strong cultural, social, and economic ties with their places of origin, even as they establish new lives and identities in their host countries.
ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil is a multinational oil and gas corporation that is considered a non-state actor beyond non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It is one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world and a dominant player in the global energy industry. ExxonMobil's activities and influence extend far beyond the traditional boundaries of a private corporation, making it a significant non-state actor on the international stage.