Paper 1 Practice Task

Paper 1: Power, Legitimacy and Sovereignty

Source A Title: State Regulation of NGOs in India (Muhati, 2023)

India has implemented measures to oversee NGOs, ensuring they operate transparently and
responsibly. The government established the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)
requiring NGOs to register for receiving foreign funds. Additionally, NGOs must submit
annual reports detailing their finances and activities. Regulatory bodies are in place to audit
these organizations, and any discrepancies can lead to severe penalties, including
deregistration. The government also promotes the adoption of good governance practices
among NGOs.

Source B Adapted from: Upadhyay, S. (2021). How are NGOs, MNCs and International Organizations
impacting State Sovereignty? Retrieved from:
https://www.theinternationalreview.com/post/how-are-ngos-mncs-and-international-
organizations-impacting-state-sovereignty

NGOs often provide services and aid that you would expect the state to provide, this sometimes
shows the weakness of states, for example if an NGO is doing charitable work by helping the
homeless it makes it seem like the state itself is not doing enough to help the homeless. Because
NGOs are non-profit and not part of the government, they cannot be held accountable for their
actions. Some NGOs play a key role in influencing humanitarian and social constructs, for
example many NGOs influence and advocate for the involvement of women in positions of
power. The perception of NGOs in the public is usually positive, this gives the NGOs a certain
type of internal soft power that challenges the authority of the state and its rulers.

Source C: The role and influence of Red Cross in International Relations (Muhati, 2023)

The Red Cross, a prominent NGO, has played a vital role in international politics by intervening
in humanitarian crises, transcending traditional state boundaries. Notably, its involvement in
conflict zones, such as Syria and Yemen, has seen the organization challenging the
conventional notion of state authority. By providing aid and support to affected populations
independently of state approval, the Red Cross has demonstrated a capacity to influence and
act in situations where state sovereignty might be considered paramount. Furthermore, the Red
Cross's determination to secure entry into conflict zones and provide assistance, even in the
face of opposition from states, highlights a troublesome relationship between the organization's
humanitarian objectives and the authority exercised by states.
Conversely, an alternative perspective suggests that the Red Cross, through its actions,
inadvertently strengthens state sovereignty. In disaster response scenarios, the organization
often collaborates closely with state agencies, channelling resources and assistance through
official state structures. This cooperative approach not only acknowledges the state's primary
role in responding to crises but also reinforces its authority by working in collaboration with
national institutions. Additionally, the Red Cross's emphasis on adhering to local laws and
regulations in its operations further aligns with state authority, suggesting that, rather than
challenging government control, the organization often operates within the framework set by
the states in which it operates.
Paper 1 Practice Task

Source D Adapted from: Clark, A.M. (1995). Non-Governmental Organisations and their influence in
international society. Retrieved from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24357601

The economic, informational and intellectual resources of NGOs have provided them with
enough expertise and influence to assume authority in matters that, traditionally, have been
solely within the control of state administration and responsibility. Regarding human rights,
NGOs have been involved at crucial cases in pushing for the expectation that states be held
accountable for human rights practices in the 20th century. Therefore, in addressing
challenging country-based human rights situations, NGOs have significantly influenced the
development of human rights standards on both international and regional fronts. States have
thus been forced to establish formal intergovernmental reporting and monitoring mechanisms.
On the contrary, one could argue that NGOs, through their actions, have inadvertently
strengthened the authority of governments. By addressing challenging human rights situations
on an international and regional scale, NGOs may have compelled states to assert their
authority more robustly to demonstrate control over internal affairs. In instances where NGOs
highlight human rights concerns, states may respond with increased domestic efforts to
maintain a semblance of control and authority. Moreover, the pressure exerted by NGOs could
unite citizens under the banner of nationalism, fostering a sense of collective identity and
loyalty to the state.

Answer ALL Questions

1. With reference to Source A, identify the ways in which NGOs are state-regulated in
India. [3]

2. With explicit reference to Source B and to one example you have studied, explain how
NGOs are powerful in challenging state sovereignty. [4]

3. Compare and contrast the views of Source C and D relating to the extent to which NGOs
are strengthening or challenging state sovereignty. [8]

4. Using all the sources, evaluate the claim that the rise of NGOs is threatening the power
and influence of states in Global Politics. [10]