While there are less than 200 governments in the global political system, there are approximately 60.000 major transnational companies (TNCs), about 10.000 singlecountry Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), 250 Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and approximately 5.800 International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). 1 Crucially, the advent of globalization that brought about democratisation of international relations, transnational links and diffusion of power has greatly effected the large proliferation of so-called non-governmental (transnational) actors. This paper will attempt to give insight into the specific role of (both national as well as international) NGOs as they touch the international diplomatic realm. The paper also seeks to analyse whether this makes a significant difference for both processes and machinery of diplomacy as the particular adopted patterns, techniques and institutions of interaction and communication in the infrastructure of the international arena. While doing so, we will necessarily touch some controversial views that might claim different truths regarding the same facts that we are about to discuss. Although this is not (yet) the place to engage any deeper conceptual theoretical analysis, it is worthwhile to note shortly, that the state-centric approach of the realist school of thought will inevitably assign other - less important - impacts to the activities of NGOs than the pluralistic understanding of our modern political system, and will prescribe other modi to deal with activities of civil society groups. The foundation for these different biases regarding the importance of NGOs undoubtedly lies within the different theoretical premises into which both poles of thinkers venture. While wishing to allow the reader to explore some evidence that we have gathered, we will leave any further conclusions for a later moment. [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Analysis
2.1 Effects of WTO approaches to NGOs
2.2 Effects of WTO approaches to NGOs
3. Deficits in and drawbacks of the WTO-NGO relationship
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to investigate the evolving role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within the international diplomatic realm, specifically focusing on their interaction with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The primary research objective is to analyze whether the increasing influence of NGOs has resulted in significant changes to the processes and machinery of diplomacy within the global trade system.
- The impact of NGOs on diplomatic interaction and policy-making.
- The reciprocal relationship and "joint venture" between governments and non-state actors.
- The role of tactical communication and information shaping by NGOs in trade negotiations.
- Critical examination of the legal, structural, and resource-based limitations in WTO-NGO cooperation.
- The influence of neoclassical economic thought on the structural openness of the WTO.
Excerpt from the Book
Effects of WTO approaches to NGOs
Following is an expose of the approaches that have been undertaken by the WTO to NGOs, and to thus bring to light a number of changes that the diplomatic arena has witnessed. In other words: How has the WTO responded to the various impacts of the aforementioned initiatives from NGOs ?
There are several points where a tendency of the WTO to accept more NGO-involvement can be traced. One case in point is a 1996 WTO General Council decision on relations with NGOs, according to which the WTO Secretariat has been allowed noteworthy discretion to experiment with different modes of interaction with NGOs, both formal and informal. The WTO staff has provided many briefing to, and received multiple representations from NGOs (as well as other non-state-actors) in order to enhance dialogue with civil society groups. Conceivably the one with the highest importance in the trade (and environment) area has been the organisation of symposia based in Geneva, especially aimed at environmental NGOs and other interested non-state actors in this field. In September 1996, the first WTO symposium with NGOs on trade and environment, attended by 35 NGOs, put forth some constructive exchanges with the WTO Secretariat. Nine months later, the number of NGOs attending a second symposium on trade and environment had doubled, with the participation of developing country NGOs, being funded by the Australian, Canadian and Dutch governments.
Since then, initiated by proposals from both the US and EU, NGO input has been encouraged in more formal WTO symposia featuring the participation also of member states and high-ranking representatives from other international organisations. The success of the trade-environment symposia, combined with European and US calls for increased WTO transparency, persuaded Director-General Renato Ruggiero to convene an internal taskforce in May 1998 to suggest ways of enhancing co-operation with different civil society actors. As endorsed by the General Council, the key innovation to emerge from this taskforce was the creation of regular briefings especially designed for NGOs on the work of WTO committees and working groups.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the proliferation of transnational actors and establishes the paper's focus on the impact of NGOs on the diplomacy and machinery of the WTO.
The Analysis: This section provides a conceptual definition of NGOs and examines the various tactics and effects of NGO engagement within the WTO framework, highlighting the shift toward multi-stakeholder participation.
Deficits in and drawbacks of the WTO-NGO relationship: This chapter critically evaluates the limitations of the current partnership, focusing on the absence of formal legal underpinnings, sovereignty constraints, and resource disparities.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that while the WTO remains in a state of transition, NGO pressure has contributed to meaningful, albeit modest, modifications in diplomatic processes.
Keywords
NGOs, WTO, Diplomacy, Globalization, Transnational Actors, Trade Politics, Multistakeholder Diplomacy, International Relations, Sovereignty, Policy Formulation, Civil Society, Information Shaper, Diplomatic Machinery, Trade Negotiation, Advocacy Networks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper examines how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have impacted the diplomacy and operational machinery of the World Trade Organization (WTO) within the context of global trade.
What are the central themes discussed?
Key themes include the rise of non-state actors, the tactical alliances between NGOs and governments, the transparency of the WTO, and the structural limitations to deeper integration of civil society.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to determine if the increased participation of NGOs has significantly altered the traditional, state-centric processes and machinery of international trade diplomacy.
Which methodology is used?
The author uses a qualitative approach, focusing on the World Trade Organization as a specific case study to infer broader trends in the influence of transnational actors.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body analyzes the reactive and self-initiated approaches of NGOs toward the WTO, the institutional responses by the WTO, and the critical deficits that hinder a fully cooperative relationship.
Which keywords define the research?
The research is characterized by terms such as NGO diplomacy, multi-lobbyist diplomacy, globalization, and multistakeholder models of governance.
How does the WTO's legal framework compare to that of the UN regarding NGOs?
Unlike the UN, which has established clear legal parameters and formal categories for NGO participation under ECOSOC, the WTO lacks such specific legal foundations, relying instead on vague and noncommittal guidelines.
What is "catalytic diplomacy" in this context?
It refers to the creation and management of coalitions between public and private sector actors, which the author suggests as a way forward for a more successful and fruitful liaison between the WTO and civil society.
How does the "sovereignty norm" impact the relationship?
The persistent attachment of governments to the sovereignty norm creates a barrier, as states are reluctant to share power or permit non-governmental bodies a formal say in decision-making processes.
- Citar trabajo
- Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Law and Global Change Gabriel Vockel (Autor), 2005, The impact of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on both the processes and machinery of diplomacy, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/66213
