Chapter7 IGOs, internationallaw&NGOs
Chapter7 IGOs, internationallaw&NGOs
•IGOs
UN
EU
•NGOs
•International Law
Theoretical Perspectives
States:
IGOs enlarge the possibilities for foreign policy making and add to the
constraints under which states operate and especially implement foreign
policy. States join IGOs to use them as instruments of foreign policy.
IGOs also constrain states. They set agendas and force governments to make
decisions; encourage states to develop processes to facilitate IGO
participation, and create norms of behavior with which states must align their
policies if they wish to benefit from their membership.
Individuals:
IGOs affect individuals by providing opportunities for leadership. As
individuals work with or in IGOs, they, like states, may become socialized to
cooperate internationally.
United Nations (UN): Principles
• Sovereign equality among member states; legal equality; one vote per
state in General Assembly
Yet, veto power among five permanent members of Security
Council (China, France, Russia, UK, US)
Weighted voting in budget negotiations in WB and IMF
EU passport
• Variety of sources
Custom
Treaties (dominant source)
Explicitly written agreements among states; legally
binding)
Authoritative bodies
UN International Law Commission
Courts
International Court of Justice : Relatively weak (hears
few cases, noncompulsory jurisdiction; few major cases;
states initiate proceedings)
National and local courts (universal jurisdiction)
International Law
• Compliance and Enforcement of International Law
• Realists remain skeptical; all are reflections of state power and have
no independent identity or role.
• Radicals view them skeptically as well. They see them as mere
reflections of political and economic hegemony.
• Constructivists place critical importance on institutions and norms.
IGOs and NGOs can be norm entrepreneurs that socialize and teach
states new norms. Law reflects changing norms.
• Liberals believe that international law and organizations do not replace
states as the primary actors, but they do provide alternative venues for
states themselves to engage in collective action and for individuals to
join with other like-minded individuals in pursuit of their goals.
Terms of Chapter 7