Role of NGOs

Civil Society

Collective action by non-state actors

Moral Authority

Influence based on legitimacy, not legal power

UN Consultative Status

NGOs can advise international organizations

Advocacy

Efforts to influence policy or public opinion

Information Politics

Using data to shape awareness

Symbolic Politics

Using events/symbols to gain attention

Leverage Politics

Using powerful actors to pressure governments

Accountability Politics

Holding governments to commitments

Historical Rise of NGOs

Growth from activism → global influence

Pros of NGOs

Flexible, fast, represent people

Cons of NGOs

Lack accountability, biased, limited power