International Governmental Organizations

1. International Governmental Organizations

2. Post WWII World • WWII altered world power • Countries and people devastated • U.S. emerged as a hegemonic power • Had no psychological or physical damage; unlike other countries of Europe • This catapulted the U.S. into a position to dictate a new international system • International System • Definition: organization & process that people use to interact across borders • Modern state is the most powerful unit in the system • Influence the world system • There are two parts to the international system: economic & political institutions • Predominant Belief: Faulty Economic and Political institutions led to WWII

3. Post WWII World • Great Depression • Crippled World economies • Establishing higher tariffs to protect economies = downward spiral • New gov and new doctrines espoused by countries: Fascism, Socialism, Communism • Solution? – Restructure International system • Two objectives: 1) Foster world wide economic prosperity • 2) Weaken potentially aggressive states • Three institutions created to achieve objectives • International Governmental Organizations (IGO’s), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF)

4. I.G.O.’s • International Governmental Organizations • Another option of governance – beyond the state • Modern day invention • Necessity drives their emergence • Special needs and organizations for unique problems • E.G. World Health Organization • Deal with problems (economic & social) • Powerful countries are responsible to preserve global cooperation • E.G. League of Nations from WWI • Reasons for growth • Governments are starting to turn to I.G.O.’s • International contact – the growth of internet and telecommunications • Interchanges need organization & structure • Increased problems & Challenges (Nuclear, genocides, environmental issues, etc.) • Increased security risks • Continue need for organization in health, foods, human rights, etc,. • Increased Global Trade – • Leveling the playing field – economically

5. I.G.O.’s Roles • Why gov. rely on I.G.O.’s • Governments able to achieve greater global objectives & goals • The I.G.O.’s work & success relies on the organizations • Increasing roles of IGO’s • Provide arena to pursue interests • A place where nations can pursue interests internationally • People can work to get a place at the table (e.g. United Nations) • Facilitate cooperation among nations • Foster symbiotic relationships – what happens to all • E.g. health issues (Asian flu – potential threat for all) • Brings nations together – together they can tackle issue • Oceans and seas – regime created to govern and protect the ocean/seas • Stop pollution; promote regulations and norms for the oceans/seas • IGO’s Organization • Membership? • Any member can join • Must fall with in the scope of organization • Meet criteria

6. I.G.O. Activities • Establish Norms • Address violence (Human Rights) • Mediation (Air grievances) • Diplomatic Intervention • Economic Sanctions (Apply punishments) • Promote Economic development • Protect Environment • Promote Sovereignty