International and Non-Governmental Organization

Global Politics

NGOs, IGOs & MNCs

IB - Global Politics - HL

​ NGOs

Nongovernmental Organizations - generally, they are independent from governments, non-profit entities, who focus on issues of health, environment and human rights

• Paternalistic attitudes are still present

• Sometimes territorial possessiveness

​ Disadvantages

• Can experiment freely and take risks

• Flexible and can adapt to local needs

• Enjoy good-relations

• Create micro-assistance

Advantages

NGOs

IGOs

Intergovernmental Organizations - made up of one or more international governments, usually focused on developing stable international economy

Disadvantages

• Provide state authority

• Permanent

• Allow multilateral cooperation

Advantages

IGOs

• Undemocratic (prohibited membership of private citizens)

• States have to give up some of their sovereignty

• Bias towards stronger members

MNCs

Multinational Corporations - companies that invest and operate in more than one country, almost always in developing countries

• Environmental damage

• Profit repatriation*

• The mirage of skilled labour (locals end-up in lower pay positions)

Disadvantages

• Improve the infrastructure of the economy

• Diversify the economy from just agriculture

• Provide jobs for citizens

Advantages

MNCs

Profit repatriation - profits are re-invested at home office or external divisions