Political dimensions of Globalisation: Non-
Government Organisations
Overview
Some scholars have argued that the process of globalisation has led to multi-national companies and NGOs becoming more powerful than traditional states. In the past two decades, there has been a transformation in world politics caused by the unprecedented growth of nongovernmental organisations or NGOs. These organisations have become enormously influential actors on the world stage. The rise of NGOs raises a number of important questions: How many NGOs actually exist and what is their purpose? Who is in charge of these organisations? Where do they obtain financial support? Have they been a positive force in domestic and international affairs? This week we will try to answer some of these questions.
Objectives
• Assess the role of NGOs in a globalised world
• Examine how NGOs operate and whether they have been an effective force
Discussion points
1. Have NGOs emerged as vital actors in world politics? Why?
2. NGOs can achieve what states are incapable of accomplishing themselves. Discuss.
3. Are NGOs dangerous because they lack accountability? Should NGOs be subject to more
regulation?
4. Have NGOs hurt the poor? Do you agree with Mallaby’s arguments?
5. NGOs have effectively become global multi-national companies and in the process have
lost any real sense of purpose. Discuss.
Readings
Mallaby, Sebastian, ‘NGOs: fighting poverty, hurting the poor,’ Foreign Policy, 144
(September/October 2004), 50-59
Dichter, Thomas W., ‘Globalization and its effects on NGOs: Efflorescence or a blurring of
roles and relevance?,’ Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 28 (1999), 38-58