International Relations and Global Governance

Study Notes

International Organizations and Authority

International organizations (IOs) now exercise authority over both state and non-state actors, including individual citizens.
International norms and rules can compel national governments to act, even in the absence of official agreement, affecting individuals indirectly through measures such as economic sanctions.
Economic sanctions impact not only governmental structures but also the broader society and individuals.

Direct Impact on Individuals

Certain decisions by international bodies, like the UN Security Council Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee, can target individuals directly.
The ability of IOs to bind states or affect individuals indicates their role as public authorities.

Human Rights and Legitimacy

When IOs exercise public authority independently, violations of human rights can no longer be solely attributed to states but also to the IOs.
Public authorities must maintain legitimacy, as their role reduces individual autonomy and this must be justified by promoting the common good.
Double standards in human rights promotion can severely undermine the legitimacy and credibility of IOs.

Rule of Law and Accountability

Violations of human rights by IOs challenge their efforts to promote the rule of law, as authors of law should also adhere to it.
Recent years have seen a growing discussion on applying rule of law standards to IOs, showing a shift towards accountability.

UN Initiatives on Human Rights

Between 2003 and 2009, the UN implemented measures to prevent sexual exploitation by peacekeepers, including explicit prohibition and training.
A complaint mechanism for victims was established within the UN framework to address grievances related to peacekeeping missions.

Broader IOs and Human Rights Protections

Numerous international organizations have developed provisions to protect human rights, including the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), and International Criminal Court (ICC).
These organizations have established both preventive mechanisms and complaints procedures to avert human rights violations.

Recognition and Response of International Organizations

Of the 20 most recognized international organizations, five have no specific human rights protection provisions (ASEAN, IAEA, NAFTA, SCO, WTO).
Smaller international organizations may increasingly create measures for human rights as awareness grows.

Description

This quiz covers the role of international organizations in exercising authority over states and non-state actors, including individuals. It explores how international norms and rules can compel national governments to take measures, affecting individuals and society as a whole. Test your knowledge of global governance and international relations!