Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published bySylvia Short Modified over 9 years ago
1
Topics for today Events of the day/week IGOs and theories of IR UN and EU Study Questions, Nau p. 392 Do you know the answers? Why is the United Nations relatively less successful than the European Union? 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
2
States – and what else? International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) United Nations, European Union, UNESCO, NATO, FAO, WHO, WMO…. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Economic power: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) Moral power: Transnational Advocacy Networks Illicit power: Drug Cartels and Terrorists 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
3
IGOs and NGOs IGO: created and joined by governments, which give them authority to make collective decisions to manage particular global problems. NGO: not created by states or other intergovernmental organizations Examples: Oxfam, International Red Cross, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, etc. 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
4
IGOs in international relations Neorealism: Instruments of great powers Neoliberal institutionalism: Arenas facilitating cooperation Idealism/Constructivism: Actors shaping state interests and behavior 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
5
Liberalism: IGO as arenas IGOs primarily lower transaction and information costs for states: Provide a forum for discussion Supply information about problems/other actors Help with monitoring/enforcement Provide third-party mediation 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
6
Idealism: IGO as actors Shape the social environment of states: Frame and constitute the state system Favor cooperative solutions to global problems (forum effects) Teach states about their interests De-legitimize certain interests and behavior (use of violence, nuclear and biological weapons, etc.). Empower non-state activism and (universal) norms 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
7
Classifying IGOs Who is admitted as a member? What are the responsibilities of an IGO? What are the decision-making procedures? Majority voting, weighted voting, unanimity voting What are the competencies of administrative bodies (secretariat)? What mechanisms for dispute resolution exist? >>>> Comparing UN and EUUNEU 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
8
Classifying IGOs Mandate Membership Universal General UN Limited Specialized UNESCO, ILO, WTO, UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR, WHO OPEC EU NATO OAS G-77 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
9
Comparing the UN and the EU The United Nations Headquarters: New York (Geneva, Vienna), Budget: $1.8 billion (2005; 4.5b for peacekeeping); ten states pay for 75% of the budget Multi-purpose and global organization devoted to international peace and security/promotion of universal aims Main bodies: Security Council and General Assembly The European Union Headquarters: Brussels (Strasbourg, Luxembourg), Budget: $121 billion (2005)Budget Mainly economic organization with regional membership Main bodies: European Commission, Parliament, Council, Court of Justice, European Central Bank. 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
10
UN Budget for 2005 (in Million-$): top contributors United States*: 440 (24%) Japan: 346 (19%) Germany: 154 (8%) UK*: 109 (6%) France*: 107 (6%) Italy: 87 (5%) Canada: 50 (3%) Spain: 45 (2%) China*: 37 (2%) Mexico: 34 (2%) South Korea: 32 (1.9%) Netherlands: 30 (1.7%) Russia*: 29 (1.3%) Australia: 28 (1.2%) Brazil: 27 (1.2%) Switzerland: 21 (1%) 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
11
General Assembly and Security Council Security Council: 15 members; ten non- permanent, five permanent with veto power (China, US, Russia, France, and Great Britain). General Assembly: One state-one vote. Africa and Asia combine now for 56 per cent of the GA votes, rather than 24 per cent in 1945. See chart.chart 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
12
Comparing Institutions I European Commission: independent from member states, exclusive authority to initiate legislation, “guardian of the treaties,” about 25,000 civil servants for 25 member states UN Secretariat: responsible for day-today operations; services the principal organs of the UN; about 8,900 civil servants for 192 member states 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
13
Comparing Institutions II European Parliament: directly elected representatives from all member states; approves the budget (with the Council) UN General Assembly: one state – one vote; makes primarily non-binding decisions (resolutions; except: budget) 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
14
Comparing Institutions III European Court of Justice: power to interpret and enforce EU treaties; hears cases from individuals and corporations; effective in enforcing community law International Court of Justice: relies on prior acceptance by state parties; hears cases from states only; ineffective in enforcing international law 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
15
Regional IGOs Americas: Organization of American States Organization of American States (OAS) MERCOSUR Africa: African Union African Union (AU, since 2002); previously: Organization of African Unity (OAU) Asia: Association of South East Asian Nations Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Middle East: League of Arab States 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
16
Why is European integration a success? Why is European integration progressing while the UN struggles to fulfill its mandate? Shock of World War II and the Holocaust. United States support during in Cold War. Economic integration as focal point. Economic growth of the 1950s/60s legitimized integration. Cultural differences are less pronounced. Europe: A model for the rest of the world? Answer: Not likely. The United States and Germany played a unique role in the unification of Europe. 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
17
Summary: Understanding IGO success and limits Lessons Learned Unique conditions in Europe after World War II. Start with a small number of countries and focus only on economic integration. Avoid a mismatch of mandate and capabilities. Expand mandate and membership slowly. Pre-screen new members and create separate steps of integration; members must be democracies. Deepen integration on the basis of consensus, even if it takes longer. 2/13/2008Hans Peter Schmitz
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.