The Globalization of World Politics: International Organizations

A series of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on international organizations, their functions, and examples.

International Organizations (IOs)

Organizations operating at the international level, comprised of actors from at least three states.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

International institutions established by states, whose members are the governments of states.

Multilateralism

The principle of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states.

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

Private, voluntary organizations affiliated to address common purposes often oriented towards the public good.

United Nations (UN)

An intergovernmental organization established in 1945 aiming to maintain international peace and security.

Security Council

The UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security; it has 15 members, including 5 permanent members with veto power.

International Court of Justice

The main judicial organ of the UN that settles disputes between countries; participation is voluntary.

General Assembly

A principal organ of the UN where all member states are represented; decisions are non-binding.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

A UN body responsible for coordinating socioeconomic activities and a number of issue areas.

Hybrid Organizations

Organizations that involve a mix of states, NGOs, and individuals to address complex global issues.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, such as the UN; often criticized for inefficiency and lack of accountability.

Ebola Pandemic (2014–16)

A public health emergency declared by the WHO that involved international cooperation to combat the outbreak.

Kosovo Sovereignty

The situation arising from the 1999 NATO intervention and subsequent declaration of independence by Kosovo in 2008.

United Nations Charter

The foundational treaty of the UN that lays out its purposes, such as maintaining peace and fostering international cooperation.

Brexit

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, formally completed in 2020.