Intergovernmentalism

Definition

Intergovernmentalism is a model of decision-making in international organizations, where member states retain a significant degree of control and power over the organization's policies and actions. In this approach, states cooperate on specific issues while maintaining their national sovereignty and autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intergovernmentalism emphasizes the role of nation-states as the primary actors in international relations, with states retaining the ability to veto or block decisions that go against their national interests.
2. Regional intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), such as the European Union, the African Union, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), are examples of intergovernmental cooperation and decision-making.
3. Intergovernmentalism is often contrasted with supranationalism, where power is delegated to a central authority that can make binding decisions on member states.
4. Intergovernmental cooperation allows states to address shared concerns and challenges while maintaining their national sovereignty and autonomy.
5. The level of intergovernmentalism can vary across different policy areas within a regional IGO, with some areas being more intergovernmental and others more supranational.

Review Questions

• Explain how intergovernmentalism differs from supranationalism in the context of regional IGOs.
  • Intergovernmentalism emphasizes the role of nation-states as the primary actors, where member states retain significant control and decision-making power within the regional IGO. In contrast, supranationalism involves delegating power to a central authority that can make binding decisions on member states, often with limited input from national governments. The key difference lies in the degree of sovereignty and autonomy that member states maintain under these two models of decision-making in regional IGOs.
• Analyze the role of intergovernmentalism in the governance of regional IGOs and their contribution to global governance.
  • Intergovernmentalism allows regional IGOs to serve as platforms for states to cooperate on shared concerns and challenges while preserving their national sovereignty. This model of decision-making enables member states to have a significant voice in the organization's policies and actions, which can enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the IGO's contributions to global governance. However, the intergovernmental nature of these organizations may also limit their ability to take decisive and coordinated action on global issues, as member states may prioritize their national interests over collective goals.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of intergovernmentalism in the context of regional IGOs and their role in addressing global problems.
  • The intergovernmental approach to regional IGOs can provide several benefits, such as allowing member states to maintain their national sovereignty, fostering cooperation on shared concerns, and enhancing the legitimacy of the organization's decisions. However, it can also pose challenges in terms of the organization's ability to take swift and coordinated action on global issues. The intergovernmental model may prioritize national interests over collective goals, potentially hindering the IGO's capacity to effectively address complex, cross-border problems. Ultimately, the balance between intergovernmentalism and supranationalism in regional IGOs can shape their contribution to global governance, and the optimal approach may vary depending on the specific context and the nature of the global challenges being addressed.

Related terms

Supranationalism: A model of decision-making in international organizations where power is delegated to a central authority that can make binding decisions on member states, often with limited input from national governments.

Multilateralism: A form of international cooperation involving three or more states, often through international organizations, to address shared concerns or achieve common goals.

Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory, bestowing the right to self-govern and make decisions without external interference.