When global problems arise — whether due to capitalism or anything else — there is no unified global government that can address it. Instead, there are many different efforts by governments and citizens to solve global problems or organize for collective benefit. Governments establish intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Citizens may create national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs / INGOs) and joint together in social movements. Of course, not everyone agrees on what to do. For instance, the World Trade Organization encourages trade and some NGOs and social movements challenge or criticize the WTO.
Your task is to research a participant in global (or national) governance. Choose one of the following:
An inter-governmental organization (IGO) — an organization whose members are governments. Some IGOs such as the United Nations are big and have many branches. You can focus on just one part of the UN, rather than the whole thing. Famous IGOs include the United Nations, the European Union, the World Trade Organization, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the World Health Organization (actually part of the UN).
And international non-governmental organization (INGO) or non-governmental organization (NGO). These are groups of citizens (not part of the government or companies) that organize to address some social issue or topic. They may call themselves a INGO, a NGO, an organization, an association, a foundation, a “non-profit”, or other names. Famous ones include Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). But, there are thousands of smaller ones, addressing a wide array of issues including human rights, education, development, environmental protection, recreation, and many other topics. The class focuses on INGOs, but you may also choose a national or local NGO, if there is some specific topic or organization that you prefer to study. (Note: I always use the term INGO to identify organizations that operate internationally, and NGO if they have members only in one place, but some people and organizations use the term NGO to describe either.)
Your task: Write a brief report on your IGO or INGO/NGO. Approx 800 words total (minimum 600).
If you chose an IGO:
Do some basic research on the IGO and answer the following questions: (Approx 350 words)
a. What is the main purpose of the IGO? When was it established? Give a very brief history. Be sure to describe the organizations “mission statement” or goals.
b. How many countries participate? Does it have a central office and/or hold periodic meetings/negotiations in different places?
c. What does the IGO do? Is it mainly a set of rules or principles that countries must accept (if so, describe them)? Or does it engage in ongoing activities such as coordinating among member countries, managing some global problem, organizing events/negotiations, doing projects or research, or enforcing compliance among member countries? If so, describe some of them.
d. Provide a picture of your IGO or the core activities it pursues. Briefly describe what is going on in the photo or what it represents (this can be done in your general discussion of the organization and its history/activities, or separately at the end.)
2. Drawing on ideas from class, analyze the organization (approx 250 words)
a. Does this organization address a market failure or other kind of global problem that nations cannot easily address alone? Discuss/explain.
b. Participation in IGOs often involves giving up some freedom or sovereignty in order to gain benefits of cooperation. What are nations giving up by joining? Are they committing themselves to act in a specific way or forego some options?
c. Are the issues that the organization addresses controversial? Is the group criticized by some countries or social movements? If so, describe.
3. Take time to provide your own reflections & opinions. (approx 200 words)
a. What do you think of this organization? Do you think it benefits the world, causes harm, or a mix? If the organization requires nations to relinquish some of their sovereignty, do you think it is worth it? Explain.
b. Would you want to work for this organization? Do you think it would be a meaningful career? (No right or wrong answer here…)
If you chose an INGO or NGO:
1. Do some basic research and answer the following questions (Approx 350 words)
a. What is the organization’s name? What is the main purpose? When was it founded? Provide a very brief history. Be sure to describe the organizations “mission statement” or goals.
b. Who participates? Are members mainly from one country or region, or from all around the globe? Does it have one central office or many branches in different countries? Where does it get money to operate (often from member dues, but sometimes grants/donations or other sources)?
c. What does the INGO/NGO do? Does it provide services? Organize meetings? Develop educational programs? Organize protests? Something else?
d. Provide a picture of you INGO/NGO or one of its main activities. Briefly describe what is going on in the photo or what it represents (this can be done in your general discussion of the organization and its history/activities, or separately at the end.)
2. Drawing on ideas from class, analyze the organization (approx 250 words)
a. We discussed civil society strategies in class (e.g., educating people, lobbying, working to elect politicians, contentious politics, etc). Which, if any, does the organization pursue?
c. Describe some of the organization’s main activities (education, lobbying, etc). If the organization is part of a social movement (e.g., an pro-environmental group), describe how the organization relies on resource mobilization, political opportunities, or framing. You need not address all 3, but I suggest commenting at least on resource mobilization and framing.
3. Take time to provide your own reflections & opinions. (approx 200 words)
a. What do you think of this organization? Do you support its causes and activities? Do you think it makes the world a better place (or worse)? Explain.
b. Would you want to work for this organization? Do you think it would be a meaningful career? (No right or wrong answer here…)
