Summary Non Governmental Organizations Notes

Karns, Mingst and Stiles first lay out the various types and functions of benevolent and harmful non-state actors including; NGOs, Transnational Networks and Coalitions, Experts/ Epistemic Communities, Multinational Corporations, Social Movements, Foundations, Global Think Tanks, Terrorist organizations, Organized Criminal Organizations and Trafficking Groups/Networks. They then discuss historical global needs that led to the increased number and influence of NSAs. Following that, Karns, Mingst and Stiles detail NGOs’ relationship to IGOs, then the influence and effectiveness of NGOs. A question is then explored as to whether the ideal concept and public image of NGOs have begun to sour. The concluded answer is yes, and then that answer is explained. The final section of the chapter concerns the influence of NSAs on State Sovereignty.