Role of NGOs

This research examines the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the conduct of international relations. The framework for the examination is the body of theory associated with the conduct of international relations. The framework for the examination is developed following a consideration of the definition of an NGO. Following both of these discussions, the role and effectiveness of NGOs in the conduct of international relations are discussed and assessed.

Defining NonGovernmental Organizations

The World Bank (1990) defines NGOs as (1) noncommercial institutions, (2) which are private entities (not associated with any national government), (3) nonprofit, (4) which work with developing countries to alleviate suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, participate in community development, and provide basic community services. The focus of the World Bank is far too narrow and restrictive. First, the definition omits commercial institutions, such as transnational corporations, which exert enormous influences in international relations, and are recognized by some experts in the field as NGOs (Barnaby, 1988). Second, it omits organizations whose focus extends beyond developing countries, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. Such organizations are recognized by the United Nations and others as NGOs (Glossop, 1987). Third, the Wor

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enemy's will rather than upon negating his capabilities" (George, Hall, and Simons, 1971, p. 18). The force employed in the conduct of coercive diplomacy is, thus, said to be used "in an exemplary, demonstrative manner, in discrete and controlled increments, to induce the opponent to revise his calculations and agree to a mutually acceptable termination of the conflict" (George, Hall, and Simons, 1971, p. 18). In actuality, after all of this high level rhetoric is distilled, coercive diplomacy is a limited application of military power, in an effort to attain goals without the risks typically associated with fullscale military action. Coercive diplomacy holds many potential advantages to the party capable of applying the concept effectively. When coercive diplomacy does not work, however, the initiating party may weaken its position significantly (Handel, 1981). Quincy Wright (1964, p. 205) held that effective government "necessarily combines the principles of consent and coercion, but the proportion of each is not unimportant. The virtues of modern civilization . . . can be better preserved . . with a maximum of consent and a minimum of compulsion . . ." Coercion used in internation
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Approximate Word count = 5439
Approximate Pages = 22 (250 words per page)

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