IGOs

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are organizations composed primarily of sovereign states and established by international treaty or other agreement. They pursue shared aims across issues such as security, development, trade, health, and the environment. Unlike non-governmental organizations, IGOs derive their authority from the consent of states and operate within the framework of international law.

IGOs are formed by treaties that define their purposes, membership rules, governance structures, and funding mechanisms. They possess legal personality, enabling them to enter into agreements, bring or defend claims, and conduct activities under international law. Members are states; some IGOs also admit observers or associate members, and states may join or withdraw according to the founding treaty.

Functions of IGOs include coordinating policy, setting standards, delivering aid, monitoring compliance with agreements, providing venues for negotiation, and sometimes deploying missions for peacekeeping, mediation, or monitoring.

Global IGOs include the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, as well as the World Trade Organization. Regional IGOs include the African Union, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. These bodies vary in scope, membership, and authority, but all aim to facilitate cooperation among member states on common interests.

Governance and funding structures differ across IGOs. Decision-making bodies may use weighted voting or consensus, and funding typically comes from assessed member contributions and voluntary allocations. A secretariat or secretariat-general generally handles day-to-day operations.

IGOs influence international norms, aid coordination, and conflict resolution, but their effectiveness depends on member state support and can be constrained by politics, bureaucracy, and questions of legitimacy.