NON-STATE ACTORS

Study Design

How influential are non-state actors?

Make a list of some NSAs that you think have been VERY influential in global politics.

Hierarchy of influence

• As with our examination of states – ‘some states are more influential than others’, the same can be said of NSAs.

• Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch

Vs• Teachers across Borders (TAB)

Definition

• Non Government Organisation

• Non-state actors, a collection of individuals who seek change, often without the approval of national governments.

• Represent specific economic, social, religious, environmental interests.

Examples (there are many millions)

• Amnesty International• Red Cross / Red Crescent• Medicine Sans Frontiers• Catholic Church• al Qaeda• Rotary• The Yakuza• Greenpeace

Different Types

• NGOs with universalist and non-partisan aspirations

e.g. The Red Cross/Crescent• NGOs motivated by self interest

e.g. Yakuza• NGOs that are noted for their destructive impacts

e.g. al Qaeda

Growth in the number of NGOs

YouTube Clip

• As we watch the clip, make notes and consider how influential these NGOs are.

• How do they impact on state sovereignty?

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae1JSt-QINQ

HOMEWORK:

• Research the NGO Human Rights Watch.

• Find out the following:• Aims and Objectives (what are their aims?)• Roles (what do they do?)• Power and Influence (how do they impact sovereignty?)

• ONE case study of Human Rights Watch’s actions that demonstrate this.