Now, let's talk a little bit in more detailed way about different types of
non-state actors starting with
non-governmental organizations or non-profit organizations.
Non-governmental organizations, as defined by World Bank,
are private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering,
promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment,
provide the basic social services,
or undertake community development.
So, these are institutions created by civil society and they
fulfill their functions that they declare to themselves,
that they write for themselves.
The United Nations Charter also recognizes the role of
non-governmental organizations and they
are mostly active in the Economic and Social Council.
Please take a look to the Article 71 of the United Nations Charter,
and how it defines the role of non-governmental organizations,
and their possible role in the UN structure.
Non-governmental organizations could be considered as
transnational actors according to their activities,
membership, funding, and staff.
In terms of activities,
they have to have more than three nations included into this NGO.
In terms of membership,
they have also to have more than three nations participating.
In terms of funding,
they have to have funding from more than through three nations and the same for staff.
So, their staff should also be representative of at least by three nations.
What is the functions of NGO?
How do they exercise their power,
and how do they influence international relations?
They do so through influencing domestic politics of
certain states from which they originate and in which they operate.
They influence IR by pushing
agendas through international intergovernmental organizations.
Remember, there are opportunity, for instance,
to participate in the performance of
the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations organization.
They shape activities of the civil societies.
They initiate media campaign.
They consolidate financial resources from donations and other sources.
And sometimes, they consolidate lots and lots of money,
for instance, the George Soros Foundation.
The Open Society now possesses $18 billion,
which is a huge of money, and of course,
a very powerful resource in the performance of this NGO.
The examples of non-governmental organizations,
the most known one are Red Cross and Crescent,
which deals with health and medical support.
Transparency International deals with corruption and the questions of transparency.
Human Rights Watch monitors
the human rights situation and human rights violations throughout the world.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
Bill Gates the founder of Microsoft,
is the NGO which promotes education and development.
And of course, very many other NGOs.