The Role of Transactional Actors in Changing International Politics against Powerful Interests
IGOs and NGOs have changed international politics by engaging in pressure tactics against or for other states. NGO’s role as an influencer is to represent the unspoken will of citizens who would not otherwise be heard, such as suggestions from their own members’ priorities. NGO’s are only as influential as the independency they hold to their policies. Their mission is to work independently of any government, in pursuit of a political or social dilemma. They act as observers in UN meetings giving suggestions on a neutrality basis. The organizations enjoy the freedom of voicing independent opinions as they are not affiliated to any state. However, some NGOs accept government funds, potentially compromising their legitimacy (Dunoff, Ratner, Wippman, 2010). NGOs’ position as independent of their mission has changed to that of their missions, leading to weaker stances on social and political issues, completely overshadowing what they directly believe.
UN’s Participation in Ending Apartheid
The UN was extensively involved in ending the apartheid system in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of racial separation and discrimination that served to preserve white superiority. The UN was effective in ending the apartheid because, at some point, the United Nations was able to apply pressure to the South African government. Apartheid violated the UN Charter regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without distinguishing the race (Dunoff, Ratner, Wippman, 2010). All UN country members abide by the organization’s policies, including South Africa, a member country failure to which international sanctions were applied. The UN applied pressure through the Security Council by passing an arms embargo against South Africa. At the same time, the general assembly sought to remove South Africa from the organization and economic sanctions to essentially dry out the economy of South Africa, forcing them to let go of Apartheid. The relentless tactics of severe isolation show the UN’s effectiveness in dealing with international crimes against humanity.
Reference
Dunoff, J., Ratner, S., & Wippman, D. (2010). International law: norms, actors, process: a problem-oriented approach (3rd ed.). Aspen Publishers.