Humna Atif

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Submitted to: Ma’am Tayyaba

Global Power Structures and International Actors

(Write up)

Non-state actors often interact with and impact both national and international decision-making.
processes, contributing to the complex web of global power structures. Their influence can be both
positive, through contributions to development and stability, and negative, through exploitation or
disregard for social and environmental concerns.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs):

NGOs are non-governmental organisations that are totally independently of any government
involvement. They usually address social issues that could be humanitarian, environmental, or
domestic issues. NGOs do not get financed through the government instead they get their funding
through donations, fundraisers, and grants.
Benefits of NGOs on an international scale:
 Global corporation
 Normative change
 Humanitarian benefits

Examples of NGOs: Amnesty International and Red Cross.

Impact on Global Power Structure:

1. Policy Influence: NGOs contribute to shaping the global power structure by influencing policies
and programs. They actively participate in international forums where principles, treaties, and
conventions are negotiated. By engaging in these processes, NGOs can impact decisions related to
human rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid. If an NGO gains enough support, it
can drastically impact the policies of the state because the government has to cater its people.

2. Soft Power and Advocacy: NGOs often employ soft power, the ability to shape preferences through
persuasive conversations rather than using coercive measures. They use advocacy campaigns, and
garner international support for their causes. This soft power can influence governments and
international bodies, leading to policy changes.

3. International Standing: NGOs that gain international support and recognition enhance their
credibility and influence. When other countries see an organisation working on a massive level to
gather support for a particular cause specially one that they agree with, they want to join hands and
hence the international support rises for that particular state.

Example: Ban on Using Mines in War:

NGOs played a crucial role in advocating for the ban on the use of landmines in armed conflicts. Their
argument to van the use of land mines was that these mines are inhumane and can leave the human
being with permanent loss of limbs. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) was a
coalition of NGOs from multiple countries across the globe and Their campaign and the support they
gathered led to the negotiation and adoption of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, which prohibits the use,
stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
In conclusion, NGOs play a vital role in the global power structure by influencing policies, mobilising
public opinion, and advocating for positive change. The successful campaign against landmines
showcases the impact of NGOs in shaping international norms and contributing to a more humane
and cooperative global community.

MNCs and TNCs:

Multinational Corporations (MNCs):
Multinational Corporations) are large companies that operate in multiple countries across the globe
with a centralised operating office. MNCs have a very large-scale economic contribution to both their
origin country and the countries in which they operate. Their operations can include manufacturing,
sales, and research, and they play a crucial role in the global economy.

Transnational Corporations (TNCs):

The term "Transnational Corporations" (TNCs) is often used interchangeably with MNCs, the only
difference being that TNCs do not have a centralised operating office in any country. TNCs are key
players in shaping international business and trade. They that operate in multiple countries across
the globe too like MNCs.

Impact on Global Power Structure:

1. Global Presence: MNCs and TNCs operate across the globe, establishing a presence in multiple
countries and states. This increases and improves the international standing of a country since the
two countries are expected to have cordial relationship with each other.

2. Economic Impact: MNCs and TNCs significantly impact the global economy by generating
substantial revenue, creating jobs, and fostering economic development. Their operations influence
trade balances, foreign exchange rates, and overall economic growth in various regions. MNCs also
impact trade agreements.

3. Technology and skill Transfer: MNCs and TNCs bring new and advanced technology and skilled
labour to their host countries. This technology is then adapted by the locals and enhances their
industries, productivity, and contribute to the development of skills of the local labour.

4. Political Leverage: Large corporations often engage in lobbying and advocacy, influencing political
decisions at both national and international levels. Their economic clout provides them with the
ability to shape policies that align with their interests.
MNCs and TNCs often extend their influence through soft power, leveraging their brand reputation
and consumer influence globally. The popularity and recognition of certain brands contribute to the
cultural and social influence of these corporations.

5. Development Impact: MNCs and TNCs can impact the development trajectory of countries. While
they contribute to economic growth, there are debates about the potential negative consequences,
such as resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and social inequalities.

In summary, MNCs and TNCs are powerful global actors that influence economic, political, and social
aspects of the global power structure. Their impact is complex, presenting opportunities for
economic development and technological advancement, but also raising concerns related to power
imbalances, corporate influence, and potential negative externalities.

Example: McDonalds and how strong hold it has on economies of countries in every continent.
TCOs:
Transnational organized crime (TOC) is organized crime coordinated across national borders,
involving groups or markets of individuals working in more than one country to plan and execute
illegal business ventures such as human trafficking, use of drugs, kidnapping, cybercrime and more In
order to achieve their goals, these criminal groups use systematic violence and corruption and carry
out organised crimes.

Impact on Global Power Structures:

Transnational crime organisations have a significant impact on the global power structures in
terms of posing a challenge to the authority of nation-states, pose human rights concerns,
undermine governance, and contribute to corruption. Their ability to adapt and exploit
weaknesses in different regions can affect international security and stability. They also
negatively impact the economy due to the lack of taxpayers, use of black money and under
the table unaccounted payments.

Examples include how ISIS was said to have its roots in Pakistan and how that adversely
impacted the international standing of Pakistan.

Globalisation and its impact on the Global Power System:

Negative aspects:
1. Economic Power Shifts: Globalisation has led to the rise of new economic powers.
Emerging economies, particularly in Asia, have gained prominence in the global economic
landscape. This shift challenges the traditional dominance of Western countries. And gives
power to particular countries. The more economically sound countries can easily explain the
weaker countries.
2. Economic dependency: The global economy's interconnected nature means that
economic events in one part of the world can have ripple effects globally. If country A ends
trade abruptly with country B, the country B will be left stranded with no means of earning
revenue or getting the thing that they were trading for.
3. Cultural dependency: Cultural globalisation means that due to exchange of media,
entertainment, and information the ability to influence the norms and culture of another
country has become increasingly easy. Cultural dependency can be seen in pakistan with the
adaptation of English language in the educational system.

Positive aspects:
1. Technological Advancements: The rapid exchange of technology and information
globally has implications for power. Nations or entities that lead in technological
innovation often gain influence in shaping the global agenda.
2. Global village: the world is tightly knit together; transmission of news is
instantaneous.

While globalisation offers opportunities for collaboration and economic growth, it also raises
concerns about inequality, loss of cultural identity, and the potential for powerful entities to
exploit weaker ones. The evolving global power structure reflects the complex interplay of
these dynamics.
Security and military dynamics in terms of International Relations:
Military Dynamics mean how strong your armed forces are, how advanced are their
capabilities and their use of new and improved technologies.
It also involves how secure they have made the country in terms of securing the borders and
diminishing crime from within to focus on other issues.

Countries that have military such that it is involved in their politics such as pakistan means
that the military devises the domestic foreign policy, and it has a major say in a lot of matters
of the country.
Example: current affairs of the military establishment versus the government during imran
khans regime and the 9th may incident.

A strong military ensures:

1. a strong state as the state is stable, its borders are secure and due to the aspect of
deterrence, other states do not dare to attack on a strong military state.
2. Strong alliances as other countries specially those that are weak require help to
protect themselves and when they will contact a state with strong and capable
military, an alliance will be formed, and both the states will help each other.
3. Improved international standing Arms trade: contribution to economy by selling new
and improved weapons to the rest of the world.
4. Influence in terms of Nations with powerful and technologically advanced military
forces often exert influence on the global stage and have the upper hand
internationally.
5. Security Council and International Organisations: Permanent membership in the
United Nations Security Council, along with military and economic capabilities,
enhances a nation’s influence in global security matters.

Energy Geopolitics:
Geopolitics: The overlap between the government or the politics and the natural resources
of a particular country.

Energy geopolitics refers to the control of energy resources, particularly oil and gas. Nations
often engage in complex relationships and strategies to secure access to these vital
resources, which, in turn, influences international relations.
1. Strategic Importance: Countries with abundant oil and gas reserves often wield
significant influence on the global stage and are very powerful from an
international standing viewpoint such as the gulf states which are known for their
vast oil resources, and countries like Saudi Arabia have a considerable impact on
global energy markets and geopolitics.
2. Economic Leverage: Nations possessing substantial oil and gas reserves can
leverage their resources for economic gain and political influence. They may
engage in bilateral agreements, control prices, or use energy exports as a tool in
diplomatic negotiations. Oil and gas trade contributes massively to the economy
of a particular state.
3. Diversification Efforts: Some countries actively seek to diversify their energy
sources to reduce dependence on specific regions. This diversification contributes
to shifts in global energy dynamics and can impact the geopolitical landscape.
In summary, energy geopolitics plays a crucial role in shaping international relations. The
control and distribution of oil and gas resources influence economic relationships,
diplomatic negotiations, and even military strategies among nations. Understanding these
dynamics is key to comprehending the complexities of global power structures and the
interconnectedness of countries in the modern world.

Example of Russia and Europe:

Russia is a key player in energy geopolitics, especially concerning natural gas. The European
Union heavily depends on Russian gas supplies, and this interdependence has both
economic and geopolitical implications. Russia has been able to use its control over gas
supplies as a tool for political leverage

REFERENCES:
 https://www.britannica.com/topic/nongovernmental-organization
 https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/multinational-corporation
 https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/social-studies/global-development/
transnational- corporations/#:~:text=Transnational%20corporations%20(TNCs)
%20are%20businesses,in%20more%20t han%20one%20country.
 https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/globalization/#
 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy#:~:text=Foreign%20policy%20is
%20often%2 0directed,%2C%20international%20isolation%2C%20or%20war.
 https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-geopolitics-of-energy-from-security-to-
survival/