MEANING OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The Nation-State System is composed of a number of separate sovereign states. The sovereign states interact with one
another in a variety of ways. Each state is dependent on the other for satisfying their economic, political and military requirements. Interdependence is an incontrovertible fact of international relations. As such, certain amount of international co-operation also exist among sovereign states. The very necessity of nation-states interdependence and consequent co-operation give rise to international organisations. All
international organisations owe their existence to the twin facts of international life – national sovereignty and state
interdependence.

International organisations serve as crucial forces of co-ordination and co-operation on many political, economic, social, military and cultural issues. International organisations
have become important participants in the international system. In general, International organisations are based on multi-lateral treaties between at least two sovereign states. The term
'International organisation' has been defined as "any co-operative arrangement instituted among states to perform mutually advantageous functions implemented through periodic meetings and staff activities".

International organisation can either have a global or a regional character, with the latter in general displaying a more centralized structure due to the limited number of regional state actors available. While many International organisations are single issue based organisations, others focus their attention on a large number of issues. International organisations may either
be open to new members or consist of a closed system. On certain occasions, International organisations are established
for a certain duration but mostly they are permanent.

International organisations are primarily of two types :

(a) International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO's) :
Non-Governmental Organisations that operate internationally may be either :
 International profit organisations such as International Olympic Committee, World Organisation of the Scout Movement, International Committee of the Red Cross
etc.  International corporations, referred to, as multi-national corporations. Examples include The Coca Cola Company, Sony, Toyota, Mc Donalds etc.

(b) Inter governmental organisations are also known as international governmental organisations. This type of organisation is most closely associated with the term
international organisations and are primarily composed of sovereign member states. Examples of such organisation
include The United Nations Organisation for security and Co-operation in Europe, European Union, World Trade Organisation.

In addition to the above, Global Public Policy
Network's (GPPN's) may be considered as a Third Category. These GPPN's take various forms and may be made up of states and non-state actors. Non-state actors
involved in GPPN's may include state agencies, inter governmental organisations, states, regional or municipal governments in partnership with non-governmental
organisations, private companies etc.

International organisations have existed in one form or the other since time immemorial. However, formal and permanent political organisations became a
reality with the establishment of the League of Nations.

FUNCTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

International organisations have become the expression of inter-state co-operation at a tangible level and it is a co-operation that has its roots in the organisation been granted certain powers to act. These powers may be granted either by the member nation states or by civil society organisations.
Aside from the traditional domination of international politics by established or recently codified nation-states, International
Organisations have become important participants of the international system. International Organisations in general
perform the following functions:

1. Promotion of World Peace and Co-operation :
The primary goal of international organisations is to promote co-operation among the member-states in areas which
provide advantages for a large number of countries. For achieving this purpose, international organisations provide the
venue where decisions to co-operate can be reached and also the administrative machinery for executing the decisions.

2. Provides New Methods of Accommodation :
War and conflict are inevitable among nation-states pursuing different interests. However, modern international
organisations have made available a new method and dimension for accommodation and compromise beyond the previously existing channels of diplomacy and peaceful
settlement. International organisations such as the United Nations provide means through which accommodation can be
exercised.

3. Providing Channels of Communication :
International organisations provide multiple channels of communication among governments so that accommodation can be achieved whenever problems of interest grow among nation states.

4. Minimising the effects of conflict :
In the event of any conflict, the international organisations are supposed to minimise the evils of conflict situation. For instance, the United Nations provide several
major organs whose functions basically include the resolution of conflict, Moreover, the Charter of the United Nations provide a yardstick towards peaceful solutions.

5. World Public Opinion :
The International organisations express the opinion of the member states on various issues and serve as a mildly effective pressure influencing the behaviour of states. In this way these organisations serve as mirrors of world public opinion.

6. Promotion of socio-economic and technical work :
Apart from the traditional role of maintaining world peace and preserving national sovereignty, International
organisations have served in all areas ranging from economy, health, culture to education. These organisations facilitate
reaching agreements that have mutual benefits for member states. The achievements of the UN and its specialised agencies like UNESCO, WHO, ILO, FAO etc. are spectacular in this direction.

7. Means of carrying out coercion :
It is through the institution of an international organisation that any coercive action against a state can be taken. Through the combined forces of the nation states, action can be taken against any aggressor nation to preserve world
peace.

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