States work following
rules to govern their
interactions.
Relations are rooted
in norms.
International norms
are the expectations
actors hold.
They are concrete,
tangible structures
with specific
functions and
missions.
Include
Intergovernmental
organizations
(IGOs) such as the
UN
Nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) such
as the International
Committee of the Red Cross.
Some IGOs are global in scope; others are
regional or just bilateral (having only two
states members)
Global IGOs (aside from the
UN)
Functional purposes
involving coordinating
actions of some set of
states around the world
The IGO called Intelsat, for example, is a
consortium of governments and private
businesses that operates communication
satellites.
NGOs with broad purposes and
geographical scope often maintain
observer status in the UN so they
can participate in UN meetings
about issues of concern.
Greenpeace attends UN
meetings about the global
environment.
Rapid grow of this network,
increasingly intense communications
and interactions that occur within it,
indicate rising international
interdependence.
UN
The UN Charter is based on the
principles that states are equal under
international law
It is also a forum where states
promote their views and bring
their disputes.