Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which element is NOT a criterion for the definition of a state according to the Montevideo Convention?
Which element is NOT a criterion for the definition of a state according to the Montevideo Convention?
What role do small and middle economies often play in the global governance landscape?
What role do small and middle economies often play in the global governance landscape?
Which term describes the strategic use of ideas to influence negotiations at the supranational level?
Which term describes the strategic use of ideas to influence negotiations at the supranational level?
What is the primary function of International Organizations (IOs) regarding transaction costs?
What is the primary function of International Organizations (IOs) regarding transaction costs?
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Which statement regarding hierarchies among states is true?
Which statement regarding hierarchies among states is true?
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Which of the following best describes transaction costs in international agreements?
Which of the following best describes transaction costs in international agreements?
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What characteristic is NOT typical of International Organizations (IOs)?
What characteristic is NOT typical of International Organizations (IOs)?
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What is the primary goal of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)?
What is the primary goal of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)?
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Which of the following strategies did the ICBL employ to influence the Ottawa Treaty?
Which of the following strategies did the ICBL employ to influence the Ottawa Treaty?
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Which achievement is directly attributed to the Ottawa Treaty as a result of ICBL's advocacy?
Which achievement is directly attributed to the Ottawa Treaty as a result of ICBL's advocacy?
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What role did coalition building play in ICBL’s campaign?
What role did coalition building play in ICBL’s campaign?
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The successful negotiation of the Ottawa Treaty exemplifies which of the following concepts?
The successful negotiation of the Ottawa Treaty exemplifies which of the following concepts?
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What role do International Organizations play in reducing transaction costs?
What role do International Organizations play in reducing transaction costs?
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Which theoretical perspective sees International Organizations primarily as tools for states' interests?
Which theoretical perspective sees International Organizations primarily as tools for states' interests?
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How do International Organizations lower enforcement costs?
How do International Organizations lower enforcement costs?
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What is a key criticism of neoliberal institutionalism?
What is a key criticism of neoliberal institutionalism?
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What is one way International Organizations reduce information costs?
What is one way International Organizations reduce information costs?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of International Organizations?
Which of the following is NOT a function of International Organizations?
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Constructivism primarily views International Organizations as:
Constructivism primarily views International Organizations as:
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Which aspect of International Organizations aids in creating trust between states?
Which aspect of International Organizations aids in creating trust between states?
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In which issue areas do International Organizations help lower transaction costs?
In which issue areas do International Organizations help lower transaction costs?
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What role do NGOs play in raising awareness and shaping international norms?
What role do NGOs play in raising awareness and shaping international norms?
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Which of the following is a key function of NGOs during humanitarian crises?
Which of the following is a key function of NGOs during humanitarian crises?
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What is a primary limit faced by NGOs in international policymaking?
What is a primary limit faced by NGOs in international policymaking?
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How do NGOs typically collaborate with IGOs?
How do NGOs typically collaborate with IGOs?
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What criticism do NGOs commonly face regarding their legitimacy?
What criticism do NGOs commonly face regarding their legitimacy?
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Which organization is known for promoting international human rights standards?
Which organization is known for promoting international human rights standards?
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Why might NGOs face restrictions from governments?
Why might NGOs face restrictions from governments?
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Which of the following is an example of an NGO providing emergency assistance?
Which of the following is an example of an NGO providing emergency assistance?
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What effect has globalization had on the number of NGOs?
What effect has globalization had on the number of NGOs?
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Which of the following describes NGOs' influence over states?
Which of the following describes NGOs' influence over states?
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What is a primary function of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the global economy?
What is a primary function of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the global economy?
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How do MNCs typically expand their operations abroad?
How do MNCs typically expand their operations abroad?
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What is one negative impact of MNCs operating in host countries?
What is one negative impact of MNCs operating in host countries?
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Which of the following is a positive economic impact of MNCs on host countries?
Which of the following is a positive economic impact of MNCs on host countries?
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What can be a consequence of profit repatriation by MNCs?
What can be a consequence of profit repatriation by MNCs?
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What defines a non-governmental organization (NGO)?
What defines a non-governmental organization (NGO)?
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Which of the following describes an activity typical for MNCs?
Which of the following describes an activity typical for MNCs?
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What negative impact can MNCs have on the environment in host countries?
What negative impact can MNCs have on the environment in host countries?
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Which of the following is NOT typically a positive impact of MNCs on host countries?
Which of the following is NOT typically a positive impact of MNCs on host countries?
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What commonality exists among banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms as market actors?
What commonality exists among banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms as market actors?
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Study Notes
Global Actors
- Global actors range from state actors to non-state actors
- Non-state actors include IGOs, NGOs, MNCs and financial actors
- States need a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to relate with other states (Montevideo Convention 1933)
- Sovereignty is a key characteristic of states
Hierarchy among States
- Strong states, militarily and economically, focus on 'big' states
- These states are often seen as policy makers within international negotiations
- Middle and smaller states are seen as policy takers
However Small and Middle Economies are not Powerless
- Their strength lies in their ability to form alliances
- They can also influence public and policy debates
Examples
- Rhetorical entrapment is the strategic use of ideas to influence supranational negotiations
- Another example is 'Havens in a storm'
International Organizations (IOs)
- Delegation, "contract" (always imperfect), and permanent bureaucracy are distinctive characteristics
- IOs lower transaction costs; this is a major function scholars have highlighted.
- Transaction costs are the costs associated with making, maintaining, and enforcing agreements between states
- Negotiation Costs – Time and resources required to agree, important in multilateral settings
- Monitoring and Compliance Costs – Ensuring states follow agreements; important in contexts where transparency is limited
- Enforcement Costs – Ensuring agreements are implemented and enforced, involves additional costs
- Uncertainty and Information Costs – Limited knowledge of others' intentions or capabilities, necessitates costly information-gathering mechanisms
Role of International Organizations in lowering transaction costs
- IOs serve as forums for negotiations; a structured negotiating environment simplifies and reduces costs
- IOs establish shared rules and standards that guide state behavior, reduce uncertainty & information costs
- IOs facilitate information sharing and reporting; reducing transaction costs associated with asymmetry
- IOs reduce enforcement costs through monitoring compliance and assisting with technical assistance
Theoretical Perspectives
- Neoliberal Institutionalism - International Organizations are enablers of cooperation.
- Realism - International Organizations as tools for states’ interests.
- Constructivism - IOs setting norms and framing problems.
- Marxism - IOs reinforce capitalist global structures
Neoliberal Institutionalism
- IOs enable cooperation by reducing transaction costs, providing information, and building trust between states
- IOs facilitate the achievement of mutual goals and addressing collective problems
- IOs provide public goods, such as international peace, economic stability, and environmental protection.
- Critics say it may overestimate the ability of IOs to create cooperation
Realism
- IOs are instruments of powerful states used to pursue their national interests
- IOs are extensions of state power
- IOs are tools for states to project power and achieve goals beyond unilateral action
- IOs reflect the power dynamics within the international system
- The UN Security Council's ineffectiveness on Syria serves as an example
- This theory underestimates the agency of IOs in shaping agendas and outcomes independently
Constructivism
- IOs shape global norms, frame international problems, and influence state behavior through ideals
- IOs act as norm entrepreneurs by constructing and spreading norms that guide state actions
- Internal cultures and bureaucracies of IOs play a crucial role in shaping how they address problems
- Critique – This theory overemphasizes IO autonomy and underplays the constraints placed on them by member states
Marxism
- IOs strengthen global capitalism by supporting wealthy states and transnational elites
- IOs perpetuate economic inequalities and exploit developing countries
- IOs are tools that promote the neoliberal economic order, prioritizing capital over people
- IMF loans that required privatization and trade liberalization are an example
- Critics say this view underestimates the promotion of development by IOs
Public vs Private authority in global governance
- The increasing role of non-state actors, like NGOs, MNCs, and hybrid public-private partnerships, is changing this
- Traditionally, global governance was seen only as the responsibility of state actors and international organizations
- A shift towards private authority is challenging the traditional notions of authority within international relations
Main Private Actors
- MNCs, market actors, and NGOs
MNCs
- Operate through subsidiaries, branches, or joint ventures across multiple countries
- Typically have a centralized management structure
- Play a pivotal role in the global economy by facilitating the flow of capital, technology, goods, and services
- Engage in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Economic Impact on Host Countries
- Positive Impacts include job creation, technology transfer, capital inflows, and globalization integration that can boost growth
- Negative Impacts include possible exploitation of labor, market domination, environmental degradation, and profit repatriation to home countries, potentially limiting economic benefits for the host nations.
Market Actors
- Actors include banks, hedge funds and private equity firms, and global asset managers
NGOs
- Operate independently from states, prioritize public interest over profit-making
- Examples include Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Doctors without Borders
- Growth post-Cold War is driven by democratization, communication technologies, and globalization.
- NGOs are crucial in transboundary issues.
Functions of NGOs
- Agenda-Setting and Norm Creation – raising awareness and advocating for international norms
- Collaboration with IGOs – amplifying their influence and advocating for policy changes
- Provision of Services and Humanitarian Aid – delivering crucial aid and services during crises
- Influence – shaping global policy and advocacy.
Limits and Criticisms of NGOs
- Power Asymmetries – Larger, well-funded NGOs often have more influence
- Sovereignty-Based Constraints – NGOs may face limitations due to state sovereignty concerns
- Questions of Representation and Legitimacy – Concerns about accountability and representativeness
International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the Ottawa Treaty
- A global network of NGOs advocating for the prohibition of anti-personnel mines.
- A key role in shaping the Ottawa Treaty signed in 1997.
- The ICBL raised awareness, built coalitions, collaborated with states and IGOs, advocated at conferences, and undertook public mobilization to achieve the outcome.
- The treaty significantly reduced the use of landmines globally.
Additional Notes – IOs (International Organizations)**
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Description
This quiz focuses on key concepts related to International Organizations (IOs) and their roles in global governance, particularly in the context of the Montevideo Convention and the Ottawa Treaty. Test your knowledge on the definitions, functions, and strategies employed by these organizations in international agreements and advocacy efforts.