International Institutions

● Large and Powerful Organizations ● Make Policy● Set the Rules ● Promote and Facilitate Globalization

o World Banko IMFo World Trade Organization

International Criminal Court

● Created in 2002● Prosecutions of individuals accused of

genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

● Operates independently of UN● The United States does not submit our criminals

to the ICC● Maximum sentence – life imprisonment● Tried to Prosecute President Bush (This is why it

may be controversial)

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

o Funded by Member Nationso LARGE organizationso EXAMPLES: UN, WTO, NATOo May be established for a specific purpose o May be UN Agencies

Unicef UN High Commission for Refugees17

Goal of UN IGOs

o Raise Awareness of Problemso Increase Local Capabilityo Train Local Personnelo Rarely Carry Out Programs on the

Ground

The World Bank

● Provides low interest loans to developing countries for education, agriculture and business projects.

● Goal is to promote “inclusive, sustainable growth.”

● “End Poverty”

International Monetary Fund

● Monitors/Stabilizes currency marketso Makes it different from (WTO or World Bank)

● Provides loans to developing countries to stabilize markets

● Goal is to “facilitate international trade, while promoting economic development.”

World Trade Organization● Establishes global rules of trade between

nations● Framework for trade policy:● Non-discrimination (all members treated

equally)● Binding enforceable commitments● Transparency● Not part of UN system● Predecessor was GATT (General Agreement

on Tariffs and Trade)

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 1949

● Intergovernmental Military Alliance ● Reflects Cold War divisions● Response to threat from Soviet Union

(Warsaw Pact countries)● Mutual defense if attacked by outside power

○     Afghanistan / NOT Iraq● Post Cold War: Intervention - Military

Training - Disaster Relief ○     Kosovo/Libya

  

The European Union 1993

● Union of 27 European States ○ Single market  - 26% of global GDP○ Open borders (Travel and Trade Easier)○ Common environmental policy○ Common market○ Cooperation on security matters○ Reciprocity between court systems○ European Parliament & Court of Justice

The European Union 1993

● The Euro○ Common currency 1999○ 17 of 27 members and other non-

members (not UK)○ Central Banking System○ Currently; a strong currency pulled

down by economic problems from some member nations.

http://youtube.com/v/O37yJBFRrfg

Non-Governmental Organizations

●Operate independently from government ●Some well known NGOs are

oThe Red CrossoHabitat For HumanityoAmnesty InternationaloDoctors Without Borders oCAREoOxfamoGreen PeaceoGrameen Bank

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s)

● Other Roles○ Can provide relief following a

disaster○ Can call attention to polluters and

environmental issues ○ Can demand social justice and the

release of political prisoners.○ Can usually respond quickly

The Work of NGOs

● Social Justice● Humanitarian Aid● Economic

Development● Environmental

Preservation

What is the Advantage of NGOs?

o More Flexible o More Focusedo More Streamlinedo Work Directly With the People “on the

ground”o Can Be More Critical of Human Rights

Abuses

Economic Development

● Microfinance Projects○ A new approach to economic

development○ Small loans to needy individuals in

developing areas○ Goal is to promote entrepreneurship○ Popular on Internet sites○ Keeps money out of hands of corrupt

governments / officials

Economic Development

o KIVA Online Microfinance Projects Creates a positive image No starving babies Poor people who work hard to

support themselves KIVA Video

Economic Development

o Grameen Bank Founded by Muhammad

Yunus (won Nobel Peace Prize)

Grameen – “rural” in Bengali Microcredit – small loans to

poor people (esp. for women) Grameen Bank

KIVA Entrepreneur

Environmental Preservation

o Greenpeace Works to change attitudes and behaviors

regarding the environment Climate and energy (oil, nuclear) Promotes safe fishing & anti-whaling Sustainable agriculture (against toxic

fertilizers & use of Genetically Modified Organisms)

Video About Greenpeace

Funding for NGOs

●Foundations oGrants

●Donations oFundraisers

●Dues or memberships oSpecial interests (AARP)

●Bequests oTax advantages

Problems With Funding

o NGOs are not immune to fundraising and other financial scandals

o A scandal in one organization taints the entire field

o Fundraising for NGOs is a field in itself