Non-governmental organizations were originally noticed in the world community in the nineteenth century; however, the number of recognized NGOs did not begin to grow until the end of the 1800s. These early organizations covered a mixture of topics, including, “the treatment of offenders, the slave trade, the traffic in women and children, organized labour, the opium trade, peace, and humanitarian assistance”. The UN charter permits the “consultation” of NGOs in various UN meetings.
In theory, “consultation” allowance in the charter is supposed to provide an environment where a wide range of organizations are able to voice their opinions and ideas to government representatives at the United Nations meetings. In the past, NGOs have criticized various governments on human rights issues in their country. In the event of being criticized, the government denies the right of outsiders to interfere in their internal affairs and adopts a hostile attitude towards all NGOs.
OTHER VIEWS (Growing Role of NGOs in international relations)
A non-governmental organization as prominent actors in global politics is an issue up for debate. NGOs are considered major actors in international relations because,” their number has increased at the global level, their constituencies have been tremendously broadened, their involvement in the UN system is formally recognized (Article 71 of the UN Charter), and they are believed to have impacted the content and course of international policies.” Compared to states, NGOs have higher flexibility to pursue their goals and provide aid where they see fit. Compared to states, NGOs are not confined by public opinion or the desire to keep peace with allied states.
NGOs have been recognized as being important in the progression towards a cleaner global environment, the quick relief in war zones, and the struggle towards democracy. The large number of NGOs in attendance at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development demonstrates their desire to be included as rightful participants in environmental management.
The 1980s saw the emergence of NGOs as important figure in world elections. According to Vikram Chand in Beyond UN Subcontracting, NGOs were the first to become involved in election monitoring (P 160). The monitoring of elections helped to provide democratic elections in countries where the leaders are often oppressive. From 1986 to 1989, election monitors played important roles in the transitional elections in the Philippines, Chile, Panama, Nicaragua, and Haiti.
It is undeniable that NGOs play an important role in global politics. Through the United Nations, non-governmental organizations have a legitimate place within the political system. In The Conscience of the World, Peter Willets summarizes two of the benefits NGOs receive in being a part of the UN (43). In practice, recognized NGOs have access to all UN documents which have been officially circulated. NGOs are also given security passes which provide access into all the buildings used by diplomats.
Non-state actors such as NGOs have a legitimate place in the United Nations as mentioned in the above paragraph. Ideally NGOs are given full access to UN documents; however, realistically this does not always happen. As stated in the Conscience of the World, there have been documents labeled as ‘Restricted’ which NGOs have been unable to see. “They will not have perfect information because there are always private meetings of caucus groups and private conversations between delegates, in which important decisions on tactics may be taken”. NGOs are ideally given benefits which would keep them well informed on important issues; however, in not knowing about these unofficial interactions they are not completely informed in all areas of politics. A non-state actor, such as an NGO, cannot be a dominant actor in global politics if not informed in some aspects of international relations.
Susan Strange’s book, The Retreat of the State, argues that “the territorial boundaries of states no longer coincide with the extent or the limits of political authority over economy and society”. Strange is unconvinced that the sovereignty of a state is as powerful as some may believe. “Where states were once the masters of markets, now it is the markets which, on many crucial issues, are the masters over the governments of states”. As one single global market economy emerges, the sovereignty of states in international politics is weakening. Multinational corporations have established business contacts globally, thus obtaining the power to offer their goods and services on an international level. Strange’s definition of power as being, “gauged by influence over outcomes rather than mere possession of capabilities or control over institutions” suggests that there are multinational corporations which possess a higher level of political power than some states.
ANALYSIS (5-6 pages)
Before I argue that states continue to be the main actors in global politics, it must be understood what exactly is assumed to be important in international relations. War, peace, and the resolution of inter-state conflicts are among the most important things to examine when studying states as actors
(first argument) A restriction of non-state actors is that NGOs which are internationally recognized are unable to use violence or aggression as a political tactic.
(second argument) States possess ultimate sovereignty over their citizens. In the international community there is not an individual or a group who holds higher authority than a state. Authorized states are entitled to participate in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Thus, states are able to make decisions affecting political and economic policies which impact the world. Non-state actors are not entitled to vote in the United Nations; therefore, it is difficult to get their voices heard.
(Third Argument) Non-state actors simply do not have the resources to be successful as the major actors in world politics. In regards to finance, it is crucial that NGOs are not funded by a specific government or intergovernmental organizations. The fear is that if an NGO is financed by a state, that non-profit organization could become an instrument of foreign governments and thus compromise their independence. Without the assistance of a state, NGOs do not possess the power to become major actors in world politics. Their memberships alone do not often have the funds required to support the NGO.
Joshua Goldstein, International Relations
The Conscience of the World 16
The Conscience of the World 36
The Political Influence of NGOs p.25
Ian Smilie – Beyond UN Subcontracting 203
Beyond UN Subcontracting 160
The Conscience of the World p. 43
Susan Strange, The Retreat of the State, Preface IX
Susan Strange, The Retreat of the State, 5
Strange, The Retreat of the State 53
Strange, The Retreat of the State, 69
The Conscience of the World p6