Non-State Actors' Impact on Global Policy-Making

Abstract

This article critically discusses the impact of non-state actors (NSAs) in international relations particularly in policy formulation within different sectors including human rights, environmental issues, trade, health, and security. Other actors such as NSAs, which include NGOs, MNCs and terrorist groups have also taken central stage in the global system thus undermining the state-centric model of governance. Direct lobbying to policymakers, public campaigns, partnership with states and IOs, and applying economic leverage, NSAs have influenced international norms and policies. They have made the most significant contributions in human rights, the environment and social justice, where they have shaped international policies and put forward key agendas leading to formulation of international policies. That said, the establishment of NSAs has also brought issues especially in terms of public responsibility, access to information and possible conflict of interest. Despite the fact that NSAs have complemented State actions in managing multifaceted global concerns, the influence of NSAs poses certain dangers to State sovereignty and may lead to destabilization, if extreme organizations are concerned. The article examines the general effects of NSAs on the international system, therefore appreciating their achievements but at the same time concisely noting that they are increasingly becoming powerful. In the future, the domination of NSAs is expected to increase even further due to the further continuation of globalization processes, growth of innovative technologies, and entanglement of worldwide problems. As the NSAs grow in prominence as the key players in the determination of the international policies, the issues of their responsibility and the conflicts of their interest will be cardinal to address. Therefore, the article concludes that even as NSAs have led to positive change, their place in global governance is paradoxical and delicate, and needs to be well monitored so as to benefit the international system and the global governance of issues. As the world adapts to the new trend of policy making and implementation shaped by NSAs, then it will be important to understand and effectively deal with the challenges mentioned above.

Keywords: Non-State Actors, Global Policy-Making, Human Rights, Environmental Protection, Multinational Corporations.