Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Definition

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are non-profit, voluntary organizations that operate independently of any government and work to address social, political, or environmental issues on a local, national, or international scale. They play a significant role in the international system, often serving as influential actors in global governance and policymaking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NGOs are often classified as either operational (focused on delivering services) or advocacy-oriented (focused on influencing policy and public opinion).
2. The rise of NGOs has been facilitated by globalization, which has increased the flow of information, resources, and people across borders.
3. NGOs can play a crucial role in giving voice to marginalized groups and promoting human rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
4. The funding sources of NGOs vary, but they often rely on a combination of private donations, grants, and government funding, which can impact their independence and agenda.
5. The influence of NGOs in international affairs has grown significantly in recent decades, as they have become important players in global governance and the policymaking process.

Review Questions

• Explain how NGOs fit into the broader landscape of actors in the international system, as described in Section 14.2.
  • According to Section 14.2, the international system is composed of a variety of actors, including states, international governmental organizations (IGOs), and non-state actors. NGOs, as non-profit, voluntary organizations that operate independently of governments, are considered a type of non-state actor in the international system. They play a unique role, often serving as influential voices and advocates on social, political, and environmental issues, and contributing to global governance and policymaking processes.
• Discuss the ways in which the liberal and social worldviews, as outlined in Section 14.6, shape the role and activities of NGOs.
  • The liberal worldview, which emphasizes individual rights, democracy, and the importance of non-state actors, is often aligned with the work of NGOs. NGOs can be seen as manifestations of civil society, promoting values such as human rights, environmental protection, and social justice. The social worldview, which focuses on the collective good and the role of the state in addressing social and economic inequalities, may also support the work of NGOs in addressing these issues, though there may be tensions between the autonomy of NGOs and the state's role. Overall, both the liberal and social worldviews have influenced the growth and activities of NGOs in the international system.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and limitations that NGOs may face, as discussed in Section 15.5, in their efforts to influence global policymaking and governance.
  • Section 15.5 highlights several potential challenges and limitations that NGOs may encounter in their efforts to influence global policymaking and governance. These include issues of funding and resource constraints, which can impact their independence and agenda; the need to balance their advocacy role with the provision of services; and the potential for co-option or marginalization by more powerful state and intergovernmental actors. Additionally, the lack of formal representation and accountability mechanisms for NGOs in international decision-making processes can limit their influence. Despite these challenges, NGOs continue to play a significant role in shaping global affairs, leveraging their expertise, grassroots connections, and ability to mobilize public support to influence policy and promote their causes.

Related terms

Civil Society:

The arena of uncoerced collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values, distinct from both the state and the private sector.

Transnational Advocacy Networks:

Loose, cross-border networks of activists, organizations, and institutions that mobilize popular support and political leverage to influence the policies of states and international organizations.

International Governmental Organizations (IGOs): Organizations composed primarily of sovereign states, often with international or supranational authority, and established by treaty or other agreement to pursue common goals.