International Organizations

Terms in this set (159)

Realism
unit of analysis- unitary, rational state actors
Negative view of human nature
international system anarchic
states uncertain about the intentions of other states
states self-interested
states inherently possess some offensive military capabilities which make them dangerous to other states
states in constant competition for power & security relative to each other (relative power), which makes conflict possible/likely (leads to arms races), creates general suspicion towards cooperation
non-state actors play limited role
few incentives for states to enter into cooperative arrangements: relative gains, cheating
Neorealism
unit of analysis- states
emphasizes the role of the structure of the international system
structure determined by anarchy, the distribution of power among states
distribution of power limits cooperation
material capabilities matter since interests are taken as given & fixed
emphasizes relative gains
IOs have no independent effects, so unlikely to provide stability to the world system
Liberalism
unit of analysis- states, but not unitary: state can encompass a wide variety of domestic players
human nature essentially good
war can be overcome through collective action & institutional reform
international system anarchic
economic/political considerations (state preferences) more important than power (state capabilities) or institutions
State preferences > State Capabilities
cooperation possible through iterated interactions: increase learning, interdependence, communication
IOs create habits of cooperation, a forum for developing/negotiating coalitions, mitigate dangers of war, promote the adoption of shared norms
Neoliberalism
unit of analysis- states, but not unitary
international system anarchic
states rational actors
absolute gains incentivize states to cooperate
states solve collective action problems through institutions & iterated interactions
doesn't assume cooperation will lead to positive outcomes
IOs provide a framework for interactions, a context for bargaining, focus on longer-term gains, provide enforcement & monitoring mechanisms, facilitate transparency, specify expectations, making compliance easier
overcome cheating through iterated interactions, issue-linkage, information provision, fewer transaction costs
Constructivism
anarchy is what states make of it- doesn't have to mean the constant threat of war
IR is socially constructed- state behavior shaped by shared beliefs, socially constructed rules, & cultural practices
how actors interact with each other & the way that their behavior is interpreted can change the meaning of norms
ideas & interests can change
states don't have identities or interests prior to their interactions with others
IOs purposeful actors with independent effects on IR- serve as norm interpreters/spread existing norms, help define the interests of states/other actors, can transform state interests
Functionalism
governance arrangements arise out of the basic (functional) needs of people & states
economic & social cooperation must precede political cooperation
Dependency Theory
resources flow from a periphery of underdeveloped states to a core of developed states at the expense of the poor states (unequal terms of trade)
public & private IOs link domestic elites & serve the interests of the core
Collective Action Problems
1. coordination problems
2. the prisoner's dilemma (Cheating) (relative vs. absolute gains)
3. free-riding
Solutions- private inducements, delegation
Global Governance
the multi-level collection of governance-related activities, rules, & mechanisms (formal & informal, public & private) existing in the world today
actors- states, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs, experts, multi-stakeholder actors, etc.
Global governance is brought about by:
1. Globalization- shows patterns of integration/interdependence & disintegrative tendencies
2. the end of the Cold War- increases in democratization, economic liberalization, & a resurgence in conflict
3. emergence of transnational civil society- civil societies encompass all organizations & associations that exist outside of the state & the market
4. the contested nature of state sovereignty
Intergovernmental Organizations
at least 3 member states
created through a formal intergovernmental agreement
possess a permanent secretariat or other indication of institutionalization such as headquarters &/or permanent staff
recognized as subjects of international law separate from member states
Reasons to join Intergovernmental Organizations
1. solve collective action problems,
2. avoid duplication of effort,
3. reduce transaction costs,
4. reduce uncertainty,
5. issue linkage,
6. reputational effects
Nongovernmental Organizations
private voluntary organizations
membership consists of individuals or associations
come together to serve a common purpose
provide the processes at many levels to pressure/persuade governments, individuals, IGOs, corporations, & other actors
International law derives from 5 sources
1. treaties or conventions
2. customary practice
3. writings of legal scholars
4. judicial decisions
5. general principles of law
International law
apply only to states, except for war crimes & crimes against humanity
International norms
shared expectations or understandings regarding standards of appropriate behavior for various actors, particularly states
Soft law
legal conventions which create non-binding obligations for states
easier to negotiate, more flexible, & leaves open the possibility for future hard law
-International regimes
International regimes
principles, norms, rules, & decision-making procedures are linked to one another in a particular issue area
compliance is based on the acceptance of the legitimacy of the underlying norms as well as validity of decision-making procedures
organizations can comprise part of the regime but individual organizations do not constitute a regime
Reasons for IO ineffectiveness
cannot choose the best potential option for action because the choices that are allowed to them are constrained by the desires of the member states
states have powerful incentives to take advantage of other states
the costs of cooperation become too high
IOs are less able to socialize states when there is a power imbalance between states
bureaucratic culture
Assessment of IO effectiveness and applications to issue areas
size (member states or number of IOs in an issue area)
process & outcome- does it address the problems it was intended to address?
level of agency drift/growth of autonomy
membership retention
compliance
depth of cooperation- how far do states move from behavior that would have occurred in the IO's absence?
Discussion questions for Abbott & Snidal piece: Hard & Soft Law
o What are the three dimensions of legalization
§ Obligation
§ Precision - how detailed the terms are. If you have to get rid of stocks of nuclear weapons does it have a due date, a timeline, does it go to the IAEA, etc. The less precise it is the harder it is to enforce.
§ Delegation - who is in charge of enforcement
What is the difference between hard and soft law?
Hard emphasizes the three dimensions (obligation, precision and delegation) to high levels, and soft fails in one of these three areas.
Benefits of soft law
§ It's easier to achieve cooperation between states because things are less stringent.
§ Infringes less on sovereignty, fewer sovereignty costs.
§ Can be used as a building block to hard law
§ Deals better with uncertainty because it's not so strict. It can adapt to future changes much more easily.
Costs of soft law
§ The problem of enforcement (loopholes are often exploited)
§ Can cause uncertainty. Domestically there is no real law to enforce
Hard law
Harder to achieve , lower transaction costs
§ Easier to enforce because the terms are more precise and there is an enforcement mechanism
§ Higher sovereignty costs
§ The big fear is that it restricts behavior in the future. You have to violate your own laws and face punishment or transform the organization which is very difficult.
Soft law and norms
§ Norms aren't enshrined in any agreement; soft law has some obligation but is not truly binding.
Regionalism
sustained cooperation, formal or informal, among governments, NGOs, or the private sector in three or more countries for mutual gain
Rationale behind regionalism
States within a given geographic area can more easily and effectively address common economic and security problems b/c they are closer to the problems and are presumed to share some background and approaches.
Disagreement by scholars over the importance of geography in defining regions
Alternate view defines regions in terms of non-territorial, functional factors:
transnational capitalist processes
The environment (ex acid rain)
Identity groups
Region (Three Approaches)
no objective definition
1. Geographic approach
2. Essentialist approach - natural, essential core of economic, security, religious, or cultural links between states and peoples that define a region
3. Constructivist approach - a social and political construction which determines how the region is defined and who is included and excluded. Emphasizes how regions are made; it's a less static view in that it acknowledges how identity, norms and meaning can change over time
Factors driving regionalism
The end of the Cold War accelerated the process of regional security becoming both more autonomous and more prominent.
Major powers
RSCT argues that since most threats travel better over short distances, security interdependence usually occurs in regionally based clusters- security complexes.
Security interdependence will be higher within these complexes than among them.
Political factors behind regionalism
1. Power Dynamics
2. Identity and ideology
3. Internal and external threats
4. Domestic politics
5. Leadership
Power dynamics
Regional or great powers
-Pivotal regional powers like Indonesia in ASEAN
-Efforts of great powers to create and shape regional order
~US influencing regional initiatives in Europe to resist communism
Identity
Identity or shared perception of being part of a definable region
Common culture/religion (internal factors), common threat (external factor), ideology, ideas & processes
Ideology
NATO and EU based on liberal ideology
Many third world regions were/are based on anti colonialism and non intervention
Identity and Ideology overtime
Both identity and ideology can change overtime
Internal and external threats
Can be complex transnational threats like terrorism, environmental degradation, drug trafficking, and crime
Or things like economic crises
Domestic politics
Institutions and regime types, domestic coalitions
-Matter with respect to regional governance issues
-Where states have similar types of political and economic institutions, it will be easier to reach agreements on regional arrangements, and such arrangements will most likely operate more effectively
Leadership
Regionalism does not just happen; deliberate policy choices by states' leaders are key
Examples of Leadership and Regionalism
-Indonesia and ASEAN
-Australia/Japan in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
-US in NATO and OAS
-Canada in NAFTA
Economic Factors behind regionalism
-High levels of economic interdependence
~foundation of functionalist theory to regional integration
-Complementarity of economies and policies
-Desire for a larger market
Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT)
-argues that since most threats travel over short distances, security interdependence usually occurs in regionally based clusters -security complexes. Geographical
-Security interdependence will be higher within these complexes than among them. Its what binds them together
RSCT focus
Does not focus on large regions such as Africa, Asia, LA
Instead, subsystems form in which states ally with each other over a common security issue -a common threat.
Region in RSC
The region in RSCT refers to the level where states link together sufficiently closely to their security cannot be considered separate from one another.
-Security problems cannot be resolved apart from one another
To qualify as an RSC
To qualify as an RSC, must be able to differentiate from surrounding security regions: Overlay
RSC is defined by:
mutual security concern; doesnt have to be a alliance. Doesnt have to be a positive interaction.
-US/Mexico/Canada: the common denominator is the the US is a great power so its policies affect both Canada & Mexico.
RSCs and major powers
Major powers, less bound by geography for their influence, can penetrate these RSCs -ie affect security alignments
-Patterns of rivalry, balance of power, & so forth still exists within each RSC
Regions and security issues
Regions can be bound by different types of security issues
Political, military, economic, environmental, societal
Main purposes of the United Nations
1 to maintain international peace and security
2. to develop friendly relations among states
3. to cooperate in solving international problems and promoting universal respect for human rights
4. to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations
Fundamental principles of the UN
1. sovereign equality of member states
2. members will refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state
3. members will settle their disputes by peaceful means
4. fulfill the obligation assumed under the charter
5. the norm of non-intervention, with the exception of some enforcement mechanisms
6. right to self-defense
The General Assembly
The place to set the agendas of world politics, to get ideas endorsed or condemned, actions taken or rejected.
-can consider any matter within the scope of the charter ( can only make non-binding recommendations to members though)
-develops international law
~its resolutions may lay the basis for new int'l law
General Assembly voting
All nations have a vote
-elective functions
-emergency sessions
Occur when there are threats to international peace and the Security Council is deadlocked. (10 have occurred)
Voting: either simple or 2/3 majority voting. Consensus
Security Council
Main responsibility for maintaining peace and security
~enforcement mechanisms: sanctions, peacekeeping, war tribunals
Non SC members and SG can bring up issues
15 members: P5 and 10 non permanent members
The Secretariat
Carries out substantive/admin. work of the UN: field work, implementing, collecting data, translating, documentation, etc.
Secretary General - Ban Ki-moon who serves a renewable 5-year term
Is elected by recommendation of SC and 2/3 vote of Gen. Assembly
Duties of the secretariat
1. Managing the organization
2. Providing leadership to the Secretariat
3. Preparing the budget
4. Submitting the annual report to the General Assembly
5. Conducting requested studies
6. Often serves as a neutral communication channel and international intermediary
The Economic and Social Council
Coordinates the economic and social work of the UN and its related organizations and consults with NGOs
~Encompasses more than 70% of financial and human resources within the UN
Works with Gen. Assembly and SG to oversee Specialized Agencies and the Funds and Programmes
Has 54 members elected by GA for 3 year terms
Decisions are non-binding on specialized agencies or member states
Conducts field activities
~Technical assistance
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
-Main judicial organ of the UN
-15 judges; 9 year terms
-Voluntary participation by states, bound by outcome
-Settles disputes in accordance with international law
-Provides advisory opinion to other UN organs and agencies by request
The Trusteeship Council
Provide international supervision for eleven trust territories and to make sure steps are taken to prepare territories for self-government
Does not meet regularly
Transnational Networks and Coalitions
Multilevel linkages between different organizations that each retain their separate organization but through linkages increase power, information sharing, and reach.
Social movements
Loose mass-based association of individuals and groups dedicated to changing the status quo
Usually involve sustained public activities such as mass meetings, rallies, and demonstrations as well as the use of the public media to engage individuals
~Form around social cleavages (class, religion, language, etc)
~Or around progressive goals (environment, human rights, development)
Indicators of NGO Influence
Increase in number of NGOs
Expansion in scope of activities
Increasing international recognition
It is said NGO influence may operate in cycles and two key variables that influence this are:
The needs of governments, and the capabilities of NGOs
Limits of non-state actors
-no single agenda
~arises from the size and diversity of NGOs
-effectiveness at multilevel games
~Whether they work from bottom-up or top-down view, NGOs may -fail to persuade key people at any one of these levels and find their influence limited
-funding
~fundraising is very difficult
~Can compromise independence if they take money from gov'ts or corporations
-bureaucracy
~undermining flexibility, innovation, and responsiveness to issues on the ground
Collective security
-a binding obligation to defend a particular status quo against forceful change
-all states have an interest in countering aggression wherever it may appear
-it assumes that potential aggressors will be deterred by the united threat of counterforce mobilized through an IO
Collective Security Problems
-determining which states will be members
-"agent" problem
~who is actually responsible for enforcement and how
-deciding which enforcement mechanisms will be used
~economic sanctions, diplomatic, or armed force
Intelligence Sharing (including the EU and positives/negatives)
In an increasingly globalized world, intelligence sharing is crucial to many states to help them deal with issues of drug trafficking, arms trade, and terrorism
Negative aspects of intelligence sharing
-counterintelligence and defection
-dependency
-intelligence asymmetry
Positive Aspects of intelligence sharing
-efficiency
-local access
-mutual threat
3 mechanisms of intelligence sharing in the EU
-Berne group (uses security forces of all member states),
-Europol (Collects, shares, and disseminates intelligence on threats such as organized crime and terrorism)
-EU Military Staff (watches overseas developments)
Conflict Management
-War is the fundamental problem in international politics
-Int'l law was traditionally seen as providing the rules that would help create order among states, yet the nature of wars and conflicts has changed
~Shifted from interstate warfare to INTRAstate conflicts and with these new conflicts, humanitarian disasters resulting from the fighting
Collective Conflict Management
-Underlying functionalist theory is the premise that getting states to work together in solving practical problems of international relations will build the conditions for enduring peace
-Pieces of security governance include many core elements of international law and organizations
~UN provides the global structure for dealing with security issues and the 5 major geographic regions each have at least one IGO dealing with conflict issues
*Collective approaches to peace must rest upon assumptions concerning the distinct nature and causes of war, and therefore emphasize a correspondingly distinct solution for the conflict
Third party intervention (conflict management)
The involvement of the UN, regional IGOs, NGOs, individuals, states or coalitions of states in efforts to find a peaceful settlement to conflict
Mechanisms for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
Preventative Diplomacy, Mediation and Adjudication and Arbitration
Preventative Diplomacy
-Actions to prevent disputes from arising between countries, to prevent existing disputes from escalating into conflicts and to prevent the spread of the latter should they occur
-Intended to change the calculus of parties regarding the purposes to be served by political violence and to deter them from choosing to escalate the level of conflict
-Most often takes the form of diplomatic efforts, sometimes coupled with sanctions and arms embargoes
successful preventative diplomacy depends on how early in the conflict it was implemented and therefore the level of current violence (much easier when violence is low)/ (ex: 1990s, UN capacity to gather intelligence about possible conflicts increased)/ Rwanda failed because of late preventative diplomacy/ International Crisis Group has successfully used its resources to warn the UN, IGOs, and others
Mediation
"a mode of negotiation in which a third party helps the parties find a solution which they cannot find themselves"
-May involve persuading the parties to accept mediation in the first place or include multiple mediators over time, for different phases of a conflict and search for settlement (from a single powerful state, a middle power state, an ad hoc group of states, an IGO, and an NGO or prominent individuals like former US presidents)
-In order for mediation to be successful: conflict must be in "hurting stalemate" or "ripeness stage", when parties see the costs of continuing conflict as greater than the benefits of doing so and hence are more willing to consider some form of settlement
Mediators must...
-Mediators, if they are part of a group, must make a coherent whole out of the multiple initiatives of the group
-Mediators must be trustworthy: ex: the UN mediated a conflict in the 1980s because the Secretary General was seen as being able to act independently from the UN Security Council
-Mediators must have staying power (able to stay with the conflict for as long as it is necessary)
"The readiness of a mediator...
might not be matched by the "ripeness" of a conflict"
Two types of mediators
Outsider -neutral
Insider-partial
Wehr and Lederbach on mediators
They argue that insider-partial mediators are actually more effective, thought this is contested
Situational Factors for Successful Mediation
-Disputants must realize that they're are unlikely to get what they want through unilateral action
-The alternatives to agreement must involve unacceptable economic/political cost
-The representatives of the disputing parties must have sufficient authority to speak for their members and commit to a course of action
-Other international/regional interests with a stake in the dispute must exert pressure for resolution
-A mediator must be available who is acceptable to all sides
Adjudication and Arbitration
(the two differ in the permanence of the tribunals, the scope of jurisdiction, and the extent that parties can control the selection of arbitrators and judges):
Both emphasize using international law to find basis for settlements
Both can only be used if parties consent to sending in their disputes and abiding by their outcome
Some bilateral treaties specify which one a state should use to resolve disputes
Arbitration
where states consent for a third party (an individual or group) to make a binding decision about their dispute/parties also define the issue to be arbitrated, choose the method to determine their arbiters, the machinery and procedures to be used, and how the expenses will be paid/ after created post-hoc to address a specific issue
Adjudication
International courts that are already in existence and whose expenses are paid by the international community/ already set up to solve future conflicts/ some states have gotten out of adjudication by claiming that the court has no jurisdiction over the issue (i.e. the US vs. Nicaragua)
Peace operations can encompass a wide range of activities:
Monitoring cease-fires, implement peace agreements, separating disputants, protecting civilian populations, peace building, and more.
Peacekeeping requirements (Cold War)
-Peacekeeping operations began through the UN during the Cold War.
-Requirements: Consent of the parties, impartiality, use of military force only as a last resort and in self-defense.
-Since the end of the Cold War, peacekeeping has broadened and encompasses a larger range of activities.
~More enforcement power than Cold War peacekeeping
UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support
-Responsible for determining the exact requirements, seeking necessary military, civilian contingent, and logistical support, and servicing the operation
-Rely on ad hoc military, civilian, or police units volunteered by member states
Types of Peacekeeping
-Traditional
-Complex, Multi-dimensional
Traditional Peacekeeping
-The purpose is to contain fighting or stabilize a cease-fire until negotiations produced a lasting peace agreement/ peacekeepers were either unarmed or lightly armed and were stationed between hostile forces to monitor truces and troop withdrawals, provide buffer zones, and report violations/ authorized to use force only in self-defense (i.e. used to facilitate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in the 1980s)
-Host state can withdraw consent to accommodate traditional peacekeeping forces (i.e. forces in Egypt's Sinai region)
-Often, limited size of the force is not enough to stop parties on the offensive (i.e. Israel attacking Lebanon)
Complex, Multi-dimensional peacekeeping
-"Operations comprising a mix of military, police and civilian components working together to lay the foundations of a sustainable peace"
-In addition to traditional peacekeeping, these peacekeepers are more likely to be monitoring the containment, disarmament, and demobilization of military forces and clearing landmines
-Military personnel, civilians, police, and NGOS and other UN agencies are involved with restoring law and order, resettling refugees, and organizing democratic elections (more peacebuilding); human rights monitoring and promotion and rebuilding the police and judiciary
Post-Conflict peace-building
Military personnel, civilians, police, and NGOS and other UN agencies are involved with restoring law and order, resettling refugees, and organizing democratic elections (more peacebuilding); human rights monitoring and promotion and rebuilding the police and judiciary (a part of complex, multi-dimensional peacekeeping)
Ambdassador Rice's testimony
-UN Peacekeeping delivers real results in conflict zones
-It allows us to share the burden of creating a more peaceful world
~They have more access to conflict areas than the US is able/willing to address
-It is cost effective
~7.75B (Less than 1% of world military spending.
~Everyone contributes
~cost of inaction will be greater
-It is uniquely able to mount multi-faceted operations
~Integrated and comprehensive approach under the leadership of a single leadership on the ground
-Warring nations sometimes don't want foreign forces in their country except the UN
~the UN has universal character and unique legitimacy makes it easier for them to be let into the country to help
Real results of UN peacekeeping in conflict zones, according to Rice
-UN peacekeepers can provide political & practical reassurance that the warring parties need to agree to & implement ceasefires
-Delay & stop the escalation of further conflict
-Provide security & access so humanitarian aid can reach those who need it
-Help emerging democracies hold elections and strengthen rule of law
Humanitarian Intervention
-Post-Cold war conflicts have been marked by humanitarian crises, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
-Actions in 1991 establishing safe havens and no fly zones in parts of Iraq were one of the firsts steps taken in humanitarian intervention.
~Later, Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Kosovo, and more.
-Coercive actions are often taken with out consent from governments.
-Selectivity has clearly been a problem with choosing when/where to intervene
Legalization Dilemma
One of the difficulties with environmental legislation
Legally binding agreements alter state behavior and are more effective
Less compliance states don't want to ratify these agreements because of high costs
-with Environmental Legislation Legally binding agreements alter state behavior and are more effective. Less compliant states don't want to ratify these agreements because of high costs. Solution that tends to be used: Flexibility provisions
Solution for legalization dilemma
flexibility provisions
~allows for states to mke these changes over time rather than immediately
~Problem - more provisions --> less strict --> less change
Video: Life & Debt
Conditionality imposed by the IMF on Jamaica meant they had to remove protections for their economy. As a result of reducing trade barriers and subsidies, they lost the competitive advantage in the industries that were well established on the island. In the dairy industry for example imported powdered milk became cheaper than fresh milk produced in Jamaica.
-U.S. subsidized powdered milk products, which drove out Jamaican dairy frmers
Discussion Questions for "Understanding the Effects of the GATT and WTO on World Trade:" Which two factors is this study organized around?
-Institutitional Standing
-Institutional embeddedness
Why are these two factors, institutional standing and institutional embeddedness, important to "Understanding the Effects of the GATT and WTO on World Trade"
-institutional standing
~many countries had rights and obligations (institutional standing) in the GATT/WTO even though they were not formal members of the agreement
-institutional embeddedness
~countries sign on to numerous trade agreements, which should be analyzed collectively to understand the full reach of the contemporary trading system
What conclusions do the Goldstein, Rivers and Tomz, draw from their statistical analysis? Why are these conclusions important?
-"Using data on dyadic trade since 1946, [they demonstrated] that the GATT/WTO substantially increased trade for countries with institutional standing, and that other embedded agreements had similarly positive effects.
-"international trade agreements have complemented, rather than undercut, each other."
HDI (Human Development Index)
-Part of the UN Development Programme
-Development is about improving the quality of life for human beings, not just promoting economic growth
Determinants of aid allocation
-Bilateral aid allocation
-Multilateral aid allocation
Bilateral aid allocation
government to government aid
-favors countries with high military expenditures and arms imports
Multilateral aid allocation
-Favor recipient need over donors interests and they consider human development need as well as simple economic development need
Microcredit
"The extension of very small loans to impoverished borrowers who typically lack collateral, steady employment and a verifiable credit history"
Economic Globalization
the global exchange of products, services, and labor through free trade, open markets, and competition in the global economy through increased integration among states in the international system
Financial Globalization
-interconnectedness of global financial institutions
-capital movement at the touch of a button; banks are now globally owned and obtain global assets; use of US dollar as the leading global currency
Political Globalization
the increasing trend of multilateralism due to the increasing interconnectedness of states
Demands for reform
-Laissez-faire liberalizers
-transparency advocates
-financial stabilizers
-antiglobalizers
Laissez-faire liberalizers
-conservatives, intellectuals, based in the US mostly, and members of the private multinational financial community
-free global capital markets maximize efficiency
-no safety net
-Washington Consensus principles:
~privatization of industry
~liberalization of trade and foreign direct investment
~government deregulation in favor of open competition
~tax reform
Transparency advocates
-blame problems on "crony capitalism", opaque government accounts, insufficient bank regulations
-advocates the increase in transparency and improvement in regulations, usually suggesting the least drastic reforms
Financial stablilizers
-argue that the current financial system is inherently prone and vulnerable to crisis
-focus on the global financial architecture as the primary source of, and thus solution for, devastating financial crises
Antiglobalizers
-condemn the current globalized economic and financial architecture because the structure undermines national sovereignty and democracy
-advocates the reduction in international trade and investment
The International Bill Human Rights Consists of:
-The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
-The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
-The International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
~Optional Protocols: Individual Complaints and Abolition of the Death Penalty
Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review
The UN Commission on HR had been criticized for selectively targeting countries and in 2006 was replaced with the Human Rights Council.
-The Universal Period Review was reviewed by the state itself, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for HR and international human rights groups
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Visible advocate, furnishing information to relevant UN bodies, coordination of activities, and providing technical assistance to countries.
Enforcing Human RIghts
-domestic courts
-coercive measures by states/groups of states
~Sanctions, embargos, interventions
-Punishment of human rights violations are often done through IGOs
Punishment of Human Rights Violations through IGOS
-removal of member rights in International Organizations
~Especially common through IGOs and NGOS
-Sanctions
-Intervention
Emergence of the Environment as an Issue Area
-The environment has become apart of the public agenda because of:
~expansion of scientific knowledge
~rise of environment-oriented civil society organizations such as the Sierra Club
-Environmental issues have broadened to include environmental protection and dealing with negative externalities of industrialization
Stockholm Conference
the UN's first major conference on international environmental issues, and marked a turning point in the development of international environmental politics.
Flexibility Provisions
Solution that tends to be used in response to the legalization dilemma (flexible time limits)
Problems associated with environmental issues
-high costs of reversal - fixing it sooner than later is best
-agricultural production
-development
-human rights
-state security
Greenpeace environmental campaign work worldwife
-ensure survival of earth by:
~"Bear witness" in a peaceful, non-violent manner
~non-violence to raise awareness
~solutions to the environment's problems
Greenpeace campaigns
commercial whaling
toxic waste
nuclear weapons
Energy Revolution and Climate Change
Defending oceans; fighting fishers; marine reserves (fish)
Forest Protection
Nuclear Disarmament
Toxic-free future
Sustainable Agriculture
Criticisms of Greenpeace
tend to take extreme measures- breaking in to nuclear power plants, etc.
World Bank Creation and Purpose
-Created in 1944 in the Bretton Woods Conference
-Purpose - originally to help finance the rebuilding of post-WWII Europe but now finances long-term projects for development and poverty reduction
5 Institutions of the World Bank
1. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development,
2. the International Finance Corporation,
3. the International Development Association,
4. the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, and
5. the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
GATT/WTO History
GATT replaced by WTO becoming a formal trade organization with reviewing and dispute settlement mechanisms
Core Principles of the GATT/WTO
-trade without discrimination
-increasing predictability and transparency
-promoting fair competition- reciprocity
-safety valves for states to attain -noneconomic objectives
-enforcement of obligations
OSCE: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control and the promotion of human rights,freedom of the press and fair elections.
-concerned with early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.
ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
-geo-political and economic organization of ten countries located in Southeast Asia, which was formed on 8 August 1967
-Its aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, protection of regional peace and stability, and opportunities for member countries to discuss differences peacefully.[`
SADC (South African Development Community)
-15 South African states
- orginally was envisioned as a development community. Recently it has sought greater trade liberalization and a free market approach within the member states and their neighbors.
APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries (formally Member Economies) that seeks to promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
-works to raise living standards and education levels through sustainable economic growth and to foster a sense of community and an appreciation of shared interests among Asia-Pacific countries
IAEA (The International Atomic Energy Agency)
-promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
-serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technologyand nuclear power worldwide.
EEA (European Environment Agency) mandates
"to help the Community and member countries make informed decisions about improving the environment, integrating environmental considerations into economic policies and moving towards sustainability"
"to coordinate the European environment information and observation network"
EEA (European Environment Agency) Objectives
-to produce European, pan-European and regional integrated environmental data, indicator sets, assessments and thematic analyses in the EU and Member countries
-cooperation with candidate and potential candidate countries and those covered by the European Neighborhood Policy
SEIS
Pan-European data collection system open to governments, NGO, and private citizens.
To "provide decision-makers at all levels (local to European) with real-time environmental data, thus allowing them to make immediate and life-saving decisions."
Water pollution, gas/oil leaks, forest fires, etc.
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Mandate
-est. in 1972
-promote international cooperation on environmental issues
-serve as an early warning system for environmental dangers
-provide guidance for environmental programs in the UN system and review their implementation
4 Major Responsibilities of UNEP
1. Monitoring the international environment and conducting scientific research (collaborating with other IGOs)
2. Oversees the Regional Seas Program
3. Negotiates international environmental agreements and providing the secretariat and oversight for treaty bodies.
4. Taken over for the World Commission on Dams to create the UNEP's Dams and Development Project
Gulf Cooperation Council
Political and economic union of the Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf and located on or near the Arabian Peninsula, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Jordan and Morocco have been invited to join the council.
Andean Community
a customs union comprising the South American countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
EU History
-began as ESCS (European Coal & Steel Community)- 2 major sectors for industrial -production and war-making potential
supranational state authority
EU Structure
-made up of European countries who have applied/been accepted for membership
-European Commission- executive branch of EU
-European Court of Justice (ECJ)- judicial body
-European Council- composed of each country's head of state/government, Council President, & Commission president
-Council of the EU- composed of ministers representing the national governments of member states "upper house"
-European Parliament- co-equal legislature of the EU with the Council "lower house"
WHO (Core functions)
-monitoring the health situation & trends
-shaping the research agenda
-setting norms & standards
-generating, translating, & disseminating knowledge
WHO agenda
1. Promote development
2. Foster health security
3. Strengthen health systems
4. Harness research, information, & evidence
5. Enhance partnerships
6. Improve performance
WHO Policy Enactment
-policy determined by World Health Assembly
-⅔ vote of assembly required to adopt agreements/conventions
WHO Health Impact Assessment
o Policy does not take place in one moment
o Different stages
o Policy preparation
o Decisions
o Implementation
o Evaluation
League of Arab States (Structure)
-the Council- reps from each state
-special committees (7)- joint defense, palestinian affairs, social affairs, political affairs, environmental affairs
-Secretary General
League of Arab States Decision-Making
-each member has 1 vote
-unanimous decisions are binding on ALL members, but majority decisions are only binding on those who voted on the decision
OAS (Organization of American States) Purpose
1. To strengthen the peace and security of the continent
2.To promote and consolidate representative democracy, with due respect for the principle of nonintervention
3. To prevent possible causes of difficulties and to ensure the Pacific settlement of disputes that may arise among the member states
4.To provide for common action on the part of those states in the event of aggression
5. To seek the solution of political, juridical and economic problems that may arise among them,
6. to promote, by cooperative action, their economic, social and cultural development
7. to eradicate extreme poverty, which constitutes an obstacle to the full democratic development of the peoples of the hemisphere
8. to achieve an effective limitation of conventional weapons that will make it possible to devote the largest amount of resources to the economic and social development of the member states
OAS membership
35 independent states of the Americas, extended to all american states that ratify the charter. Cuba and Honduras are the only two to have been suspended. Honduras is back in but Cuba has not formally reentered.
AU structure
-the Assembly
-Executive Council
-Pan-African Parliament
-African Court on Humans' & Peoples' Rights
-the Commission (secretariat)
-Permanent Representatives Committee
-Peace & Security Council
-ECOSOC
-specialized technical committees
AU Policy Enactment
the Assembly is in charge of policy enactment/ monitoring the implementation of policies
IMF History
formed as part of Bretton Woods system
function was to oversee fixed exchange rate system & act as lender of last resort
IMF purpose
-loans given to help budget deficits in exchange for states instituting macroeconomic reforms
-emphasis on trade liberalization
Amnesty International Purpose
-Release of "Prisoners of conscience"
-defend freedom of expression
-protect women's rights
-abolish the death penalty
-demand justice for crimes against humanity
-demand corporate accountability where companies have abused people's
Amnesty International Membership
-anyone can become a member
-members have voting rights & can stand for election after 18 months of membership
International Criminal Court Decision-Making
-the Assembly elects judges/prosecutors (2/3 vote required)
enforcement:
-ICC can fine states which are party to the Rome Statute if they haven't complied to ICC rulings
ICC Enforcement
§ Uses combination of elements from Rome Statute, international law, treaties, general principles of law, previous court decisions, principles of human rights
§ Prison sentences are binding, cannot be altered by states
§ States share responsibility for enforcement
§ State chosen comes from list of those that are part of the Rome Statute and have agreed to house prisoners
§ State can attach conditions to ruling
ICC Issues
· Dependent on states' compliance
· Can only request evidence, not demand it
· States can refuse, disagree, or alter ICC decisions
· Can only rely on states that are part of Rome Statute
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