Paper 1 Practice Task Paper 1:

Power, Legitimacy and Sovereignty

Source A:

State legitimacy is strengthened through a variety of sources that emphasize a government's power
and acceptance in the complex web of international politics. The first aspect is democracy and
constitutionalism, which emphasizes representative government and adherence to constitutional
values. States that adhere to the rule of law and uphold democratic ideals ratify their rule by the
consent of the governed. Furthermore, legitimate performance is aided by successful government,
which is characterized by the provision of security and public goods. A state's legitimacy is increased
when it successfully maintains stability and ensures the welfare of its citizens. Last but not least,
international recognition has a big impact on a state’s standing in global politics. Adherence to
international laws not only showcases a state's commitment to shared values but also fosters trust
among nations, bolstering its standing and legitimacy on the world stage.

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-internationalorganizations-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.
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 sources of state legitimacy suggested. [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]

Compare Contrast

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]