FOREIGN POLICY MAKERS| 481these issues) in favor of other concerns. For example, as we discussed in Chapter 5,
as economic conditions in the United States worsened in 2008 and 2009, mentions
in mass surveys of the economy as the most important issue facing the country rose
sharply, while mentions of Iraq, Afghanistan, fears of a terrorist attack, and other
foreign policy issues declined. Politicians must a lso consider that many A mericans
know little about other countries.
When citizens are relatively less interested in foreign policy and uninformed
about it, elected offi cials can place a low priority on responding to public opinion
and can instead pursue their own foreign policy goals. For example, in March 2012
President Obama decided to join in NATO’s operations in favor of Libyan rebel
forces despite public opposition.^38INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS,
AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
America’s relationship with the rest of the world is not just about government action;
it also refl ects actions on the part of several types of organizations. For example,
members of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) provide information and humanitarian assistance, and
carry out other activities that the U.S. government is unable or unwilling to under-
take. IGOs are associations of sovereign states, while NGOs are private organiza-
tions. Thousands of IGOs and NGOs operate throughout the world.^39
A primary goal of NGOs is to promote global economic development and
growth. Thus one of the largest IGOs, the World B a n k, funds economic devel-
opment projects worldwide. Another IGO, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), helps countries manage budget defi cits and control the value of their cur-
rencies. Many NGOs, such as the Asia Foundation, focus on development in a par-
ticular region or on certain activities.
A second goal of NGOs is to provide humanitarian relief. In the wake of a disas-
ter such as an earthquake or a fl ood, or during a famine or a war, organizations
such as Oxfam International supply populations in crisis with basic necessities.
Other groups such as Doctors without Borders provide medical care to populations
threatened by violence, epidemics, or natural disasters. Some NGOs also promote
human rights. For example, Amnesty International spotlights international cases
of people jailed for their political beliefs or held without trial, or the use of cruel
punishments such as stoning. Amnesty’s campaigns, as well as those of other
NGOs, are not always supportive of U.S. policy. For example, Amnesty decries the
rendition of terror suspects by the United States.^40
Finally, NGOs help build democracies. The Open Society Institute funds eff orts
to increase mass political participation, strengthen political organizations, and
verify the fairness of elections in new democracies throughout the world. The
National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute con-
duct similar activities. Both organizations, for example, sent groups in 2011 and
2012 to new democracies in the Middle East to assist with building party organi-
zations and developing election rules in the wake of the Arab Spring.^41
The United States is also a member of many international organizations. Best
known is the United Nations ( UN ), an assembly of ambassadors representing
almost all of the world’s nations that addresses issues of worldwide concern. The
UN is involved in economic development, environmental protection, humanitar-
ian relief, and peacekeeping eff orts. Inside the UN, the Security Council—a group
of 15 nations (permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United
intergovernmental organiza-
tions (IGOs) Associations of
sovereign states that work to protect
human rights, increase living
standards, and achieve policy goals
throughout the world.nongovernmental organiza-
tions (NGOs) Groups operated
by private institutions (rather than
governments) to promote growth,
economic development, and other
agendas throughout the world.World Bank A nongovernmental
organization established in 1944
that provides fi nancial support for
economic development projects in
developing nations.International Monetary Fund
(IMF) A nongovernmental orga-
nization established in 1944 to help
stabilize the international monetary
system, improve economic growth,
and aid developing nations.United Nations (UN) An inter-
national organization made up of
representatives from nearly every
nation, with a mission to promote
peace and cooperation, uphold
international law, and provide
humanitarian aid.