Nongovernmental Organizations

In a world increasingly defined by global communication, cross-cultural and transnational cooperation, and governmental restructuring often at the behest of its own people, the role of the international nongovernmental organization (NGO) has never been more important. Although there is no single standard or delineated form given to such groups, an international NGO is a private organization that serves as a mechanism for cooperation among individuals and other national groups in international affairs. Also called “transnational associations,” NGOs are distinct from many other bodies in the international arena because of their origins and membership. Although not officially part of the governing body within a state, these transnational associations often bring together interests from both private and governmental spheres and, in doing so, are uniquely situated to ...