IGOs & Non-State Actors (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Global governance

• Global governance is the idea that as we live in an interconnected and globalised world, we must work together to agree upon the best way to ensure global order and stability

  • Global governance involves a wide range of actors and stakeholders who contribute to managing global issues

  • These actors play different roles, including creating rules, promoting cooperation, enforcing agreements and addressing shared challenges

• The United Nations is often thought of as the most significant institution of global governance, but this is only partially true

  • Interactions of many people, norms and laws are needed for global governance to function

    • States

    • Non-state actors 

    • Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)

    • Institutions 

    • International laws 

    • Ideas and norms

    • Formal and informal networks

• Global governance is all about power dynamics - who or what has power and how is this power used

• It is a liberal concept, as it requires cooperation and an acceptance of the interdependent nature of global political issues

Regional intergovernmental organisations

• Regional IGOs, such as the European Union (EU) or African Union (AU), promote cooperation between neighbouring states

  • They help coordinate economic policy, security and political cooperation

• These organisations can be more effective than global bodies because members share geographic and political interests

Organisations focused on common goals

• These include NGOs and international organisations that focus on specific issues such as human rights, development or the environment

• They play a key role in:

  • Raising awareness

  • Influencing policy

  • Delivering aid and services

• International cooperation to address political issues is necessary for global governance to function

• However, competition also exists between these actors so there is some debate as to how successful international cooperation is

  • Liberals argue that international cooperation and interconnectedness benefits all and creates effective global governance

  • Realists argue that if states cooperate with other states, it is only for their own benefit - in other words, global governance is an illusion

Examples of international cooperation

Intergovernmental collective security organisations

• Organisations such as NATO aim to maintain peace by ensuring collective defence

  • Member states agree that an attack on one is an attack on all

• These organisations play a key role in deterring conflict and maintaining stability

Treaties

• Treaties are formal agreements between states that establish rules and expectations in global governance

  • They help coordinate state behaviour on issues such as climate change, trade and security

• Their effectiveness depends on state cooperation and willingness to comply

Global interactions and networks

• In addition to laws and agreements made between states and monitored by other actors, some global interactions and networks are less formal

• All are related to globalisation

  • Cultural exchanges are commonplace as more people travel and share views and lifestyles through social media

  • Ideological exchanges take place though online communication

  • Informal cooperation can take place between different institutions, including:

    • schools and educational institutions

    • religious groups

    •  youth groups

    • sporting associations