In Sum: Do IGOs, International Law, and
NGOs Make a Difference?
Liberals and constructivists are convinced that IGOs, international law, and NGOs
do matter in international politics, albeit with dif er ent emphases. To liberals, these
organ izations and international law do not replace states as the primary actors in
international politics, although, in a few cases, they may be moving in that direction.
They do provide alternative venues, whether intergovernmental or private, for states
themselves to engage in collective action and for individuals to join with other like-
minded individuals in pursuit of their goals. They permit old issues to be seen in new
ways, and they provide both a venue for discussing new transnational issues and an
arena for action. To constructivists, the emphasis is on how changing norms and insti-
tutions shape issues. Realists and radicals remain skeptical. And in the state- centered
world of security, examined in the next chapter, that skepticism is warranted.
Discussion Questions
- Every one agrees that reform of the UN Security Council is necessary. What
proposal for reform would you support? Why? - Do international organ izations, NGOs, and international law threaten state
sovereignty, or do they not? Substantiate your position. - Find two recent newspaper articles that give examples of states complying
with international law and two other articles about states that are failing to
comply. What explains the diference between the two sets of cases? - What prob lems arise when NGOs take over the tasks of states?
258 CHAPTER SEvEn ■ IGOS, INterNatIONaL Law, aND NGOS