THE ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONSIN THE CONDUCT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This research examines the role of non governmental 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 Non Governmental Organizations
The World Bank (1990) defines NGOs as (1) non commercial institutions, (2) which are private entities (not associated with any national government), (3) non profit, (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 World Bank definition excludes organizations whose primary interests are not associated with economic development or environmental protection, such as Amnesty International (Williams, 1990). Organizations such as Amnesty International are also widely recognized as NGOs (Armstrong, 1986).
It should also be noted that NGOs may be either national or transnational in character (Armstrong, 1986). The World Bank definition does not exclude organizations whose f...