Political scienceLesson 6 of 6 in the course International Law and International Organizations

Non-state Actors in International Relations: Influence and Global Governance

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Non-state actors are influential participants in international relations that are not states. This lesson introduces several types beyond NGOs and explains why their influence has grown.

A non-state actor is an individual or organization that influences international relations but is not itself a sovereign state. Actors discussed in this unit include multinational corporations (MNCs), national identity groups, religious non-state actors (RNAs), transnational organized crime syndicates, and terrorist organizations.

All flashcards

What is a non-state actor?
An individual or organization that influences international relations but is not itself a sovereign state.
How can globalization increase an actor's influence?
It expands cross-border economic and social connections, helping actors build networks, reach supporters, and affect decisions in multiple countries.
What are some sources of non-state actor power?
Wealth, employment, investment, shared identity, beliefs, networks, communication technology, recruitment, and—in the case of violent groups—coercion.
Why are non-state actors relevant to global governance?
Their actions can shape trade, policy, services, rights, security, and cross-border cooperation, sometimes supporting governance and sometimes undermining it.
What is an MNC or MNE?
A company headquartered in one country that conducts operations in at least one additional country.

Quiz questions

  1. What distinguishes a non-state actor from a state?Answer: It can influence international relations but is not itself a sovereign state.
  2. Which description defines a multinational corporation (MNC)?Answer: A company headquartered in one country that operates in at least one other country.
  3. What is the central purpose of transnational organized crime networks?Answer: To make money through criminal activity that operates across borders.
  4. How is terrorism defined in these notes?Answer: The use or threat of violence by non-state actors to pursue political or social change.
  5. What does regional autonomy mean?Answer: Substantial self-government within an existing state.

Based on Introduction to Political Science by Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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