The role of non-state actors in international organizations: A case study of the CSO partnership for development effectiveness

• Main Author: Tan, Stephen Mar S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2020
• Subjects: Non-state actors (International relations); International Relations; Political Science
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5938; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/12932/viewcontent/TAN_STEPHENMARSUN_11395435_The_role_of_non_state_actors_in_international_organizations_Partial.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The on-going debate on the impact of non-state actors in influencing international relations is divided between those that consider them autonomous actors versus those that reduce them as mere conduits for state interests. The case of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness looks into a non-state actor that is better equipped and institutionally mandated to vie for influence in the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation. This working arrangement is unique and sets itself apart from most cases in the field. It allowed for a more accurate measurement of the non-state actor’s degree of influence to the outcomes and decision making process of the international organization. This is in contrast to the majority of the literature which is populated by studies of loose groupings and alliances of non-state actors who are often excluded or marginally effective in traditionally strict international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. By cross-analyzing the positions forwarded by the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness with the policy results of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, it shows that their unique working arrangements allow for a higher degree of influence by the non-state actor. However the evidence also inadvertently reinforces the primacy of states showing that they still remain the domineering figure in international politics. The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness offers evidence of progress to the on-going debate on the relevance of non-state actors. Seen through the central tenets of liberalism, liberal institutionalism, and constructivism, the distinct element of institutionalization appears to be a key element in enabling their influence. Despite some progress in this domain however, the level of influence observed is not groundbreaking. The results show that the trend remains with states continuing to dictate international relations albeit in a more constrained manner.