Class International Organizations

In the twenty-first century it is not possible to understand International Relations and International Politics without acknowledging the role and impact of international organisations and institutions. This course introduces the students into the historical origins of international organisations and institutions; analyses the concepts  of international regimes, international institutions, international organizations, multilateralism and global governance, their consequences for the international order and the main theoretical debates they have generated regarding the erosion of state sovereignty and the legitimacy, accountability, efficiency and democratic potencial of IOs. The course articulates theoretical perspectives and conceptual frameworks with case studies of international organizations, including intergovernamental organisations, international non-governamental organisations and other relevant actors such as diasporas.

1. What are International Organisations?

   Introducing the concept of IOs

2. Historical contextualization and problematization

 The English School of International Relations and the concept of international society

The contemporary international society

3. Theory of International Organizations 

Organic structure and competencies

Multilateralism, institutionalization and permanence 

International organizations, international regimes and institutions.

The power of International Organizations

4. Types of International Organizations 

Intergovernamental organizations (universal and regional)

International non-governamental organizations (INGOs)

Other relevant actors: diasporas, multinational companies, transnational crime groups.

5. Case studies 

The UN and its specialized agencies (global governance)

The African Union  - Regionalism and the inspiration in the European model 

Besides the theoretical approach and conceptual framework, the course includes a more practical approach to be implemented through the analysis and construction of case-studies, exercises of simulation and oxford style debates.  

Barnett, Michael e Martha Finnemore (2004). Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics. Cornell University Press.

Baylis, John, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens (2014). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.

Herz, Mónica, Andrea Ribeiro Hofmann e Jana Tabak. (2015). Organizações Internacionais: Histórias e Práticas. Elsevier.

Nye, Joseph S. and John D. Donahue (2000). Governance in a Globalizing World. Brookings Institution Press.

Puchala, Donald, Katie Verlin Laatikainen and Roger Coate (2016). United Nations Politics: International Organizations in a divided world. Routledge Studies in International Relations.