YOUR ARE MOST WELCOME TO BIRD 2117:  INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

International Organizations (IOs) exist as both public and private entities. The former refer to inter-governmental organizations whereas the latter are also known as Non-Intergovernmental Organisations such as OXFAM, CARE International, Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International, Doctors (MSF) without Boarders et cetera. Multilateralism is an essential aspect of IR. It connotes the interconnectedness of states in an international system within which states cannot longer afford to adopt an isolationist tendency. The Union of International Organisations (2010/2011 Year Book) estimated the existence of close to 7,554 International Organisations, a total exceeding the number of sovereign states. This course focuses on these IOs and their influence on domestic politics and International Relations.

Since these IOs exist everywhere, they are an important subject of study. They are also very central to various aspects of international relations. Several debates surround the essence of these and their authority vis-à-vis nation states in international life. They have and still provide answers to some of the world’s problems such as environmental challenges, financial crisis, poverty and diseases among others. It is undeniable what their contribution is and therefore this course therefore seeks to delve into aspects of their origin, roles, challenges and dynamics, and specifically evaluate them as cases where they have existed.