POL208Y5 Final: Comprehensive exam review
1 Feb 2011
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Document Summary
Nongovernmental organizations are private associations of individuals or groups that engage in political, economic, or social activities usually across national borders usually to achieve a common purpose. In nongovernmental organizations, the members aren"t states unlike intergovernmental organizations where the members are states. Ngos have increased in numbers in the international system and are able to mobilize the mass public and influence international relations. Ngos act as advocates for specific policies and offer alternative channels of political participation. Greenpeace saving whales through international laws limiting whaling. Ngos distribute critical assistance in disaster relief and to refugees, they are the principal monitors of human rights norms and environmental regulations and provide warnings of violations. They are the primary actors at the grassroots level in mobilizing individuals to act. By publicizing inadequacies by governments and other actors ngos force discussion both within states and between states in international forums.
