Topic 3: Unilateralism, Multilateralism & International Institutions

Unilateralism

Action taken by a single state.

Multilateralism

Coordination among 3 or more states in pursuit of a shared goal.

International institutions

Anything that shapes, constrains, guides and/or patterns the behavior of states.

Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs)

Consist of 3 or more states with activities in several states.

Formal multilateralism

Consists of their own organizational structures and forms of decision-making.

United Nations (UN)

A central component of world politics and governance with 193 members.

General Assembly

The international 'hub' that sets the global agenda.

Security Council

Core of the global security system with 15 members, 5 are permanent (P-5).

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Central forum for economic and social issues and development policy with 54 members.

Secretariat

The UN's administration, headed by the Secretary-General.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Also known as the 'World Court'.

International law

The body of principles, customs and rules regulating interactions among and between states, IOs, individuals and in more limited cases, multilateral organizations.

Sources of International Law

Includes treaties, customary law, and soft law.

Constraints on the United Nations

Contradictions with state sovereignty, competing interests in world politics, lack of sufficient funding, and ongoing and new transnational issues.

Law

Mechanisms put in place to regulate interactions and settle disputes.

Consent-based International Law

International law is based on the consent of states, with sovereignty being central.

International law vs Domestic law

International law exists in a condition of anarchy and lacks centralized, consistent enforcement.

Politics and International Law

Politics precedes and constrains international law, making it more facilitative than controlling.

Regional IGOs in Europe

Includes EU and Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Regional IGOs in Africa

Includes AU, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and East African Community (EAC).

Regional IGOs in The Americas

Includes Organization of American States (OAS) and MERCOSUR.

Regional IGOs in Asia

Includes Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Regional IGOs in The Middle East

Includes Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council.