9.3 Role of non-state actors in global governance: NGOs and civil society
6 min read•august 15, 2024
Non-state actors are shaking up global governance. From NGOs to corporations, these groups challenge the old state-centric model. They're filling gaps where governments fall short, especially in and .
NGOs and are key players in this shift. They bring specialized knowledge, grassroots connections, and skills to the table. Their influence has grown since the Cold War, thanks to globalization and new communication tech.
Non-state actors in global governance
Concept and characteristics
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- Non-state actors operate independently of national governments while exerting significant influence in international affairs and global governance
- Challenge traditional state-centric model of international relations by recognizing pluralistic nature of global governance
- Include diverse entities (multinational corporations, NGOs, civil society groups, , )
- Participate in global governance through , , and international agreement implementation
- Fill governance gaps where states are unable or unwilling to act (human rights, environmental protection, )
- Expanded role since end of Cold War facilitated by globalization and communication technology advancements
Historical context and evolution
- Post-Cold War era marked significant increase in non-state actor influence
- Globalization processes enhanced interconnectedness and reduced state monopoly on international affairs
- Communication technology advancements (internet, social media) enabled greater coordination and outreach
- Shift from purely state-centric governance models to more complex, multi-stakeholder approaches
- Growing recognition of non-state actors in formal international processes (UN conferences, treaty negotiations)
Types and examples of non-state actors
- Multinational corporations (ExxonMobil, Apple, Nestlé)
- Influence through economic power and
- Shape global trade and investment policies
- Non-governmental organizations (, , Oxfam)
- Advocate for specific causes and provide expertise
- Influence public opinion and policy decisions
- Civil society groups (labor unions, professional associations, faith-based organizations)
- Represent diverse societal interests
- Engage in and advocacy
- Terrorist organizations (Al-Qaeda, ISIS)
- Challenge state authority and security
- Influence global security policies and counterterrorism efforts
- Transnational (global climate movement, women's rights movement)
- Mobilize across borders for common causes
- Shape global norms and values
NGOs and civil society influence
Sources of influence
- Provide specialized knowledge and research to complement or challenge state perspectives
- Offer grassroots connections and on-the-ground expertise in various policy areas
- Serve as important sources of advocacy, shaping public opinion and policy agendas
- Engage in various channels of influence (lobbying, media campaigns, protest movements, international conference )
- Concept of "global civil society" emerged to describe transnational networks of NGOs and social movements
- Particularly influential in human rights, environmental protection, and global health
- Often push for more progressive policies than states
- Examples: in global health crises, Greenpeace in environmental negotiations
Factors affecting influence
- Resources available to NGOs and civil society groups
- Financial capacity determines scope of activities and campaigns
- Human resources and expertise enhance credibility and impact
- Reputation and credibility within international community
- Track record of successful interventions and accurate information
- Relationships with key decision-makers and institutions
- Ability to form coalitions and networks
- Strength in numbers and diverse expertise
- Example: united hundreds of NGOs
- Media savvy and communication strategies
- Effective use of traditional and social media platforms
- Ability to frame issues and narratives compellingly
- Political opportunity structures
- Openness of international institutions to civil society participation
- Alignment with priorities of powerful state actors
Critiques and limitations
- Questions about representativeness and to broader populations
- Potential for NGO-ization (professionalization and bureaucratization disconnecting from grassroots)
- North-South power imbalances within global civil society
- Dependency on donor funding potentially compromising independence
- Limited enforcement capacity compared to state actors
Strategies of non-state actors
Information and framing strategies
- Agenda-setting shapes priorities in global governance discussions
- Example: Global AIDS activism putting the issue on the UN Security Council agenda
- Strategic use of information and expertise to influence policy debates (information politics)
- Providing research reports, policy briefs, and expert testimony
- Example: IPCC reports influencing climate change negotiations
- Issue framing to resonate with target audiences and decision-makers
- Linking issues to broader values or priorities
- Example: Framing climate change as a security issue to engage military establishments
Mobilization and advocacy tactics
- Symbolic politics utilizes powerful imagery and narratives
- Generates emotional responses from public and policymakers
- Example: Images of oil-covered birds during environmental campaigns
- Leverage politics applies material or moral pressure on powerful actors
- Links issues to other policy priorities or values
- Example: Human rights groups leveraging trade agreements for labor standards
- Accountability politics holds actors responsible for commitments
- Monitors compliance with international agreements
- Example: 's Corruption Perceptions Index
Networking and coalition-building
- amplify influence across borders
- Sharing resources, information, and strategies
- Example:
- Coalition-building among diverse actors increases bargaining power
- Bringing together NGOs, academics, and sympathetic state actors
- Example:
- Engagement with formal international organizations
- Participating in UN conferences and treaty negotiations
- Obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC or other bodies
Digital and media strategies
- Utilization of digital technologies and social media for outreach
- Mobilizing support and disseminating information rapidly
- Example: campaign for Nigerian schoolgirls
- Creation of alternative media platforms and citizen journalism
- Bypassing traditional gatekeepers to share perspectives
- Example: IndyMedia network for grassroots reporting
- Online petitions and digital advocacy campaigns
- Generating mass support for policy changes
- Example: Avaaz.org's global campaigns on various issues
Legitimacy and accountability of non-state actors
Assessing legitimacy
- Expertise-based derived from specialized knowledge
- Technical expertise in specific policy areas
- Example: 's scientific research on biodiversity
- Moral authority based on principled positions and track record
- Consistency in advocating for values and norms
- Example: Amnesty International's reputation in human rights advocacy
- Representativeness and grassroots connections
- Genuine engagement with affected communities
- Example: representing small-scale farmers globally
- Transparency in decision-making processes and funding sources
- Open disclosure of governance structures and financial information
- Example: Transparency International's own transparency reports
Accountability challenges
- Democratic deficit in some NGO and civil society structures
- Lack of formal mechanisms for constituency input
- Example: Critiques of large international NGOs' decision-making processes
- NGO-ization phenomenon disconnecting from grassroots
- Professionalization leading to bureaucratic structures
- Example: Debates within environmental movement about grassroots vs. professional approaches
- Funding dependencies potentially compromising independence
- Influence of government or corporate donors on agendas
- Example: Controversies over NGO funding in global health initiatives
- Limited mechanisms for external oversight
- Absence of formal accountability structures like those for states
- Example: Debates over NGO accountability in humanitarian interventions
Enhancing accountability and legitimacy
- Self-regulation mechanisms within civil society sector
- Voluntary codes of conduct and best practices
- Example: INGO Accountability Charter
- Transparency initiatives to increase public scrutiny
- Publishing detailed financial and programmatic information
- Example: GuideStar's NGO transparency ratings
- Stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches
- Involving affected communities in decision-making processes
- Example: ActionAid's ALPS (Accountability, Learning and Planning System)
- External evaluation and impact assessment
- Independent audits and effectiveness studies
- Example: 3ie (International Initiative for Impact Evaluation) for development NGOs
- Concept of "stakeholder democracy" for inclusive global governance
- Formalizing roles for diverse non-state actors in decision-making
- Example: Multi-stakeholder initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
Key Terms to Review (33)
#bringbackourgirls: #bringbackourgirls is a social media campaign that emerged in 2014 to raise awareness and advocate for the rescue of 276 schoolgirls kidnapped by the militant group Boko Haram in Nigeria. The hashtag quickly gained global traction, symbolizing a powerful call to action against violence and abduction of women and girls, while highlighting the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in global governance efforts aimed at addressing human rights abuses and promoting justice.
Accountability: Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, and governments to explain their actions and decisions to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and responsibility in governance. It involves mechanisms that hold parties responsible for their conduct, particularly in relation to their impact on society and the environment. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics between state and non-state actors in global governance, as well as the challenges that arise when assessing legitimacy and effectiveness in these contexts.
Advocacy: Advocacy refers to the actions and strategies employed by individuals or groups to influence public opinion, policy decisions, or social change on specific issues. It plays a crucial role in amplifying voices and concerns, particularly for marginalized communities, and is a vital component of civil society's efforts to engage in global governance and policymaking.
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global non-governmental organization focused on promoting and protecting human rights. Established in 1961, it advocates for the rights of individuals by campaigning against abuses such as torture, discrimination, and unfair trials, embodying the role of civil society in global governance and highlighting the importance of non-state actors in influencing policy changes and holding governments accountable.
Civil society groups: Civil society groups are organizations that operate independently from the government and represent various interests, values, or causes within society. They play a crucial role in global governance by advocating for social change, promoting democracy, and holding governments accountable, often working alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These groups foster civic engagement and can influence public policy, making them essential actors in the landscape of international relations.
Coalition for the International Criminal Court: The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) is a global network of non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and like-minded states that advocates for the strengthening and support of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This coalition aims to promote accountability for serious international crimes, raise awareness about the importance of the ICC, and ensure that its operations are effective and independent. Through various campaigns and initiatives, the CICC works to enhance global governance and uphold human rights standards.
Collaboration: Collaboration refers to the process where multiple stakeholders, including non-state actors like NGOs and civil society organizations, work together towards a common goal. This cooperation is essential in global governance as it brings together diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise to tackle complex issues like climate change, human rights, and development. By pooling efforts, these actors can amplify their impact and advocate for policies that might be overlooked by traditional state-based mechanisms.
Environmental protection: Environmental protection refers to the measures and policies aimed at preserving natural resources and safeguarding ecosystems to prevent degradation and pollution. This concept emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the role of various actors, particularly non-state actors like NGOs and civil society, in advocating for environmental issues, raising awareness, and influencing policy decisions at local, national, and global levels.
Global civil society theory: Global civil society theory refers to the framework that emphasizes the role of non-state actors, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and social movements, in shaping global governance and influencing political processes. This theory highlights the importance of civil society in promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice on a global scale, suggesting that these actors can hold states accountable and contribute to global policy-making beyond traditional state-centric approaches.
Grassroots mobilization: Grassroots mobilization refers to the process of engaging and organizing individuals at the community level to advocate for change or address specific issues. This approach often leverages local knowledge and participation to create a bottom-up movement that influences broader policy decisions and social change. By empowering ordinary citizens, grassroots mobilization enhances the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in global governance, allowing diverse voices to be heard in important dialogues.
Greenpeace: Greenpeace is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on environmental activism and promoting ecological sustainability. It is known for its direct action campaigns, advocacy for renewable energy, and efforts to combat climate change, deforestation, and pollution. As a prominent example of a non-state actor, Greenpeace plays a crucial role in global governance by raising awareness, influencing public policy, and holding corporations and governments accountable for environmental practices.
Human rights: Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. These rights serve as a universal standard for protecting individuals from abuse and discrimination, emphasizing dignity, equality, and respect. Human rights are a cornerstone in discussions about global governance and the actions of non-state actors, as they drive international policies, advocacy efforts, and the accountability mechanisms that seek to uphold these principles worldwide.
Humanitarian assistance: Humanitarian assistance refers to the help provided to people in need during crises, such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and pandemics. This type of aid focuses on saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining human dignity. It is often delivered through coordinated efforts among various organizations and entities, including international agencies and non-governmental organizations, which play a crucial role in ensuring that aid reaches those who require it most.
International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN): The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is a global coalition of non-governmental organizations focused on promoting the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. ICAN advocates for a treaty-based approach to achieve disarmament, mobilizing civil society and leveraging international law to push for a world free of nuclear arms. By working with diverse communities, ICAN seeks to raise awareness about the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons and to pressure governments into taking meaningful action towards disarmament.
International campaign to ban landmines: The international campaign to ban landmines is a global movement aimed at eliminating the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines, which pose significant humanitarian and safety risks in post-conflict areas. This campaign emphasizes the role of non-state actors, particularly NGOs and civil society organizations, in advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about the devastating impacts of landmines on civilians.
La Via Campesina: La Via Campesina is a global movement that advocates for the rights of small-scale farmers, peasant communities, and rural workers. It emphasizes food sovereignty, sustainable agricultural practices, and the need for social justice in food systems. The movement unites various grassroots organizations and seeks to influence policies at local, national, and international levels, highlighting the essential role of non-state actors in global governance.
Legitimacy: Legitimacy refers to the recognized right to govern or make decisions, which is essential for the stability and authority of political entities. It plays a crucial role in how governments and organizations are perceived by their citizens and stakeholders, influencing their effectiveness and accountability. Without legitimacy, both state and non-state actors may struggle to enforce rules or gain cooperation from those they aim to govern or influence.
Lobbying: Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, typically legislators or members of regulatory agencies, to promote a specific agenda or interest. This practice often involves organized groups, including businesses, non-profits, and advocacy organizations, who aim to shape policy outcomes in their favor. In the context of global governance, lobbying is a crucial tool for non-state actors like NGOs and civil society to advocate for issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and social justice on an international scale.
Médecins sans frontières: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides medical aid in conflict zones and areas affected by diseases and disasters. This organization highlights the significant role that non-state actors can play in global governance by delivering humanitarian assistance and advocating for the rights of marginalized populations worldwide.
Multinational corporations (MNCs): Multinational corporations (MNCs) are enterprises that operate in multiple countries beyond their home base, often engaging in production, sales, and services worldwide. These corporations play a pivotal role in shaping global economic dynamics by influencing trade, investment flows, and employment patterns across borders. Their vast reach enables them to leverage resources and markets efficiently, often leading to significant impacts on local economies and global governance.
Networking: Networking refers to the process of establishing and nurturing relationships among individuals, organizations, and communities for the purpose of sharing information, resources, and support. In the context of global governance, it is especially relevant for non-state actors like NGOs and civil society, as it enables them to collaborate, influence policy-making, and mobilize resources to address global challenges.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent, non-profit groups that operate outside of government control, typically focused on humanitarian, environmental, or social issues. They play a crucial role in global governance by advocating for policy changes, providing services, and representing the interests of civil society. Their ability to mobilize resources and engage communities makes them vital actors in addressing global challenges and influencing international agendas.
Participation: Participation refers to the active engagement and involvement of individuals, groups, or organizations in decision-making processes, governance, and community activities. In the context of global governance, it emphasizes the role of non-state actors, particularly NGOs and civil society, in influencing policies and outcomes that affect global issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
Policy influence: Policy influence refers to the ability of individuals, groups, or organizations to shape and affect governmental policies and decisions. This concept is particularly significant in understanding how non-state actors, such as NGOs and civil society organizations, participate in global governance by advocating for changes in policy at local, national, and international levels. These entities often mobilize resources, expertise, and public support to push for reforms and hold governments accountable.
Public opinion shaping: Public opinion shaping refers to the process by which individuals, organizations, and various media platforms influence and mold the beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of the general public regarding specific issues or events. This process is crucial in global governance as non-state actors like NGOs and civil society play an essential role in raising awareness, promoting specific narratives, and mobilizing public sentiment to advocate for change on pressing global matters.
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies aimed at delivering public services or infrastructure projects. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors to achieve efficiency, innovation, and investment, allowing for improved public service delivery while sharing risks and rewards.
Service Delivery: Service delivery refers to the processes and mechanisms through which services are provided to individuals or communities, particularly in areas such as health, education, and social welfare. It emphasizes the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of services offered, often involving a collaboration between government bodies and non-state actors like NGOs and civil society organizations that play a vital role in reaching underserved populations.
Social movements: Social movements are collective efforts by groups of people to promote or resist social change, often through organized activities, protests, and advocacy. They serve as a crucial mechanism for marginalized voices to be heard, aiming to influence policy, culture, and public opinion. By mobilizing individuals around common goals, social movements can challenge established norms and drive significant transformations in society.
Terrorist organizations: Terrorist organizations are non-state actors that engage in politically motivated violence aimed at instilling fear, coercing governments, or influencing social and political agendas. These groups often operate outside the confines of international law and utilize tactics such as bombings, kidnappings, and other forms of violence to achieve their objectives, significantly impacting global governance and civil society.
Transnational advocacy networks: Transnational advocacy networks are coalitions of activists, organizations, and individuals that work across national boundaries to promote specific issues or causes, often related to social justice, human rights, and environmental protection. These networks leverage resources, share information, and collaborate on strategies to influence policy and raise awareness about their concerns, effectively creating a global dialogue on pressing issues.
Transnational social movements: Transnational social movements are collective efforts that span across national borders, uniting individuals and organizations to address shared social, political, or environmental issues. These movements leverage global communication and networks to mobilize resources, create awareness, and advocate for change on a larger scale than local or national efforts. They often involve non-state actors like NGOs and civil society groups working together to influence global governance and policy-making.
Transparency International: Transparency International is a non-governmental organization dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in both the public and private sectors. Founded in 1993, it has become a leading advocate for the fight against corruption worldwide, focusing on research, advocacy, and mobilizing civil society to take action against corrupt practices.
World Wildlife Fund: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment. Founded in 1961, WWF focuses on issues such as wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and climate change mitigation, playing a significant role as a non-state actor in global governance by advocating for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.