Introduction:
The nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw the arrival of many new elements, forces, and characters on the scene of international politics whose existence and roles have not faded to this day. In that sense, the contemporary world system undoubtedly has a new character. Issues such as colonialism and its demise, nationalism and national liberation movements, socialism, the rise and fall of socialism, and the use of advanced technology have profoundly influenced the international system in recent times.
In recent times, the structure of the international system has undergone major transformations in appearance and functional character. There was a time when the state was considered the only actor in the international system. But later political scientists changed their thinking under the influence of various scientific analyses.
Currently, in addition to the state, various non-state actors (Non-State Actors) are given considerable importance. The complex and diverse subject matter of international relations must be understood and utilized appropriately, with the increasing activity and importance of non-state actors.
Non-State Actors (Non-State Actors)
Non-state actors refer to various types of organizations, organizations, movements, institutions, etc. That is, various non-state structures other than state institutions that can play a role in the formation of a state’s infrastructure are called non-state actors. Although they have no sovereign power, they play an important role in international politics.
In the international arena, the ‘Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was established as a non-state actor. This organization has been recognized by various states. Even in the United Nations, they have been given observer status.
In 1973, the head of the PLO was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly. From time to time the leading persons of this organization are involved in the propaganda of various foreign countries. Thus they influence the course of events of international politics with considerable efficiency. Similarly, there has been a long-standing movement for Tibetan autonomy led by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan religious and political leader.
Notable among these non-geocentric non-state actors is the Catholic Church. Its headquarters are located in Rome. Its head is the Pope. The Vatican and the Catholic Church have diplomatic relations with about 50 countries. We note that the Catholic Church has expressed its views on various important international issues. Church views on important issues such as world peace and security, the character of the political systems of various states, arms control, and the Vietnam War played a significant role.
In the economic field, there are many multinational trading organizations whose influence and prestige are recognized around the world. The importance of these organizations is increasing day by day, especially due to the new economic structure that has been developed worldwide. After the Second World War, their nature and activities increased so rapidly that they had a considerable impact on international politics.
Scope of Non-State Actors
The scope of non-state actors has increased manifold in present times. Its activities occupy a huge place in the present world environment. In defining the multinational corporation, John Spanier said that the multinational business corporation refers to those companies that cross the borders of different countries to enter the markets of those countries. They manage the production process of manufactured goods in multiple countries.
Often a multinational corporation moves out of its country of origin to set up an economic entity in a foreign country. Virtually the activities of multinational corporations have revolutionized the world of business. After World War II, when their influence and prestige started to increase, it can be seen that their activities were limited to the developed countries of the West. But later with the progress of time, they branched out in the developing countries as well.
There are several non-state actors whose economic power exceeds that of many of the world’s smaller and poorer states. For example: General Motors, Microsoft, Unilever, British Petroleum, etc. can be mentioned. In at least several cases, we observe that the host country’s productivity, investment, and export trade have increased.
Harry Johnson has rightly stated that MNCs have met many of the host country’s problems such as lack of necessary capital and technology and lack of administrative skills. Elements of non-state actors, such as MNCs (Multinational Corporations) and TNCs (Transnational Corporations) also influence international politics.
In Central American republics, the political role of these organizations has at times become so severe that they can bring down a government. In 1975, multinational corporations contributed to the overthrow of the then government in Chile.
Professor Frankel says that the lines of distinction between domestic and international politics are gradually blurring. At one time, a pressure group in the United States called Zionists had long tried to influence US foreign policy in favor of Israel.
On the other hand, an organization called the Vishwa Sramik Sangh plays an important role as the center of the world’s working-class movement. Hence the number and importance of Non-State Actors is continuously increasing. Intergovernmental organizations have grown tremendously since World War II, like ASEAN, NATO, SAARC, Arab League, etc. All these organizations have their own office and secretariat.
Relationship between state and non-state actors
The relationship between states and non-state actors as a state is a geographical boundary, a non-state actor refers to an organization located within a geographical boundary that can branch out into other states on a regional basis and cross regional boundaries. The relationship between state and non-state actors is discussed below:
1. New States and Actors in Global Politics:
The number of states on the stage of international politics has increased a lot. Asia, Africa, and Latin America have seen the emergence of many new states, whether due to the collapse of colonialism or the evolution of border redrawing. Notably, the United Nations had 51 members when it was founded, but currently has 193 members. Similarly, the number of non-state actors is increasing day by day. Different types of organizations are being established day by day which play the role of the state.
2. Nuclear Proliferation and NATO’s Power Play:
The proliferation of nuclear weapons has given a new dimension to the contemporary international system. This has increased the destructive power of states. Similarly, NATO’s power among various organizations is increasing day by day and its destructive activities are being widely observed. For example, the United States has repeatedly accused other states of terrorism and attacked them for no reason. Again with the direct support of NATO, the attack is completed. As a result, state and non-state actors are inextricably linked.
3. Superpowers and Hidden Forces in World Politics:
In today’s world, a few countries hold the flag of control of world politics in their hands. For example, some countries like the USA, the UK, China, etc. control world politics and they conduct operations against the countries that they think are problems, especially the USA.
Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns are prime examples of this. Likewise, multinational corporations and various international interest groups have become so important that they are actively controlling the course of world politics. In other words, we can say that these are active non-state actors. Moreover, these non-state actors are also managed by superpowers like the United States, the United Kingdom, etc.
4. Unequal Power: States and Non-State Actors:
All states have equal status under international law. But no matter how much legal equality there is, in fact, i.e. in practical terms, when judged in terms of national power, there is a wide disparity between the states. States are therefore classified as great powers, middle powers, and small powers. But the state is considered a superpower.
Whether other nations like the actions and policies of the superpower United States or not, everyone acknowledges that the United States is no match for other nations in terms of power and capability. Likewise, all non-state actors are not equally powerful.
An organization’s operations are global. Again an organization is limited to a region. For example, the UN and SAARC or NATO and the Arab League are not equal. Again, General Motors, Microsoft, Unilever, and British Petroleum are powerful organizations, but Bangladeshi Bashundhara Group or other non-state actors in the developing world are not so powerful.
5. Humanitarian Issues in Global Politics:
The current international system has established the primacy of many issues that are not specifically political. In this, humanitarian issues have gained special status. The need for international initiatives has increased manifold, especially in the areas of environment, biodiversity, and public health issues.
In this regard, all powerful countries, including the United States, are expressing concern. Many organizations work on the environment, and biodiversity and emphasize human rights. Such as Amnesty International, Greenpeace, etc.
6. How MNCs Shape Political Interest:
It is often seen that international organizations or non-state actors such as MNCs and TNCs can influence both international and domestic politics. In the Central American republics, the political role of these organizations has at times become so severe that they can bring down a government. In 1975, multinational corporations contributed to the overthrow of the then government in Chile. They are deeply involved in the illegal trade and sale of military weapons in various countries.
For commercial interests, they engage in activities that may lead to political unrest and chaos. Similarly, powerful countries also interfere in the internal politics or international politics of another country in such a way that the independence and sovereignty of that country are called into question.
They do not hesitate to overthrow the government of a country. All this is reflected in their activities in Egypt, Libya, Afghanistan, and Iraq. They contribute to political instability and chaos within a country and prompt a quick resolution. So it can be said that they are followers of dualism.
7. Global Cooperation on Key Challenges:
Just as various states take various steps to solve health, education, and environmental problems to eliminate economic backwardness, so do various non-state actors play a role in this regard. For example, various organizations including UNICEF, UNESCO, and Human Rights Watch play a major role in solving these problems. Again, other states also extend their hand of cooperation in these matters.
Conclusion:
One of the most important elements of state formation is sovereignty. The first modern state system in Europe was formed by the Peace Treaty of Westphalia in 1948. As a result, two democratic states Holland and Switzerland emerged. The geographical size of France and Sweden increases. Again, non-state actors develop either through the single efforts of different states or through the joint efforts of all, and they can complete tasks with the direct support of different states.
Hence, non-state actors are not only capable of exerting influence on their own; Behind them is a large powerful state providing energy. States are the only power that plays an active role in the international system. But non-state actors play no less part. But just as states have sovereign power, these non-state actors have no sovereign power. Non-state actors can often represent a state with direct assistance. Hence there is a deep relationship between state and non-state actors.