Intergovernmental Organizations and Civil Society

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Intergovernmental Organizations and Civil Society.

Intergovernmental Organization (IGO)

An organization composed primarily of sovereign states, or intergovernmental organizations.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

A non-profit organization that operates independently of any government, typically in humanitarian or social sectors.

United Nations (UN)

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.

UN General Assembly

A principal body of the UN where all member states have equal representation.

UN Security Council

The most powerful body of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

UN Secretariat

Administers the UN and its programs, led by the Secretary-General.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The principal judicial body of the UN that settles disputes between states.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

A court established to prosecute individuals for international crimes such as war crimes and genocide.

Peacekeeping

The deployment of international personnel to help maintain peace and security in post-conflict areas.

Civil Society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest the interests and will of citizens.

Tocqueville’s View on Civil Society

Belief that civic associations contribute to political effects and democratization.

Gramsci’s View on Civil Society

Perspective that civil society is a contest for political power and can involve conflict.

Social Movements

Collective efforts by groups of people to promote or resist social change.

Information Communication Technologies (ICT)

Technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications.

Global Governance

The way international affairs are managed across countries through international institutions.

Norm Entrepreneurs

Individuals or groups that seek to promote norms and values within the global community.

Information Politics

Using data and information to influence state or IGO decisions.

Symbolic Politics

Framing issues to create an emotional impact and influence public opinion.

Leverage Politics

Linking multiple issues to gain strategic advantage with global actors.

Accountability Politics

The process of holding actors responsible for their actions and commitments.

Amnesty International

A renowned NGO that focuses on human rights issues and holds governments accountable.

Legitimacy in NGOs

Recognition by states and IGOs that allows NGOs to wield influence.

Hegemony

Dominant influence or authority of one group over others, especially in a social context.

Regional Organizations

Organizations formed within a specific area to promote regional cooperation and integration.

Peacekeepers

UN personnel deployed to conflict areas to assist in maintaining peace.

Membership Growth of UN

The increase in the number of member states in the UN since its founding in 1945.

Budget Contributions

Financial contributions made by member states to support the UN's regular budget.

Criticism of UN

Concerns regarding the size, effectiveness, and relevance of the UN in contemporary global politics.

IGOs vs. NGOs

IGOs involve states, while NGOs operate independently, focusing on civil society advocacy.

Nonbinding Resolutions

Decisions made by bodies like the UN General Assembly that do not have mandatory enforcement.

Power Shifts

Changes in international power dynamics affecting global governance.

Transparency Issues in NGOs

Concerns about the openness and accountability of NGOs in their operations.

Western Dominance in NGOs

Tendency for NGOs based in the West to dominate global civil society representation.

Civic Associations

Organizations that foster community engagement and participation in the political process.

Global Civil Society

The collective of non-governmental organizations and institutions across the world.

UN's Structure

The organizational framework of the UN including various councils and assemblies.

Accountability Mechanisms

Processes that ensure organizations and individuals are held responsible for their actions.