International organization

An international organization (or organisation) is an organization with an international membership, scope, or presence. There are two main types:^[1]

• International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs): non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate internationally. These may be either:
  • International non-profit organizations. Examples include the World Organization of the Scout Movement, International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières.
  • International corporations, referred to as multinational corporations. Examples include The Coca-Cola Company and Toyota.

• Intergovernmental organizations, also known as international governmental organizations (IGOs): the type of organization most closely associated with the term 'international organization', these are organizations that are made up primarily of sovereign states (referred to as member states). Notable examples include the United Nations (UN), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (CoE), European Union (EU; which is a prime example of a supranational organization), and World Trade Organization (WTO). The UN has used the term "intergovernmental organization" instead of "international organization" for clarity.^[2]

In addition, Global Public Policy Networks (GPPNs) may be considered a third category. These take various forms and may be made up of states and non-state actors. Non-state actors involved in GPPNs may include: intergovernmental organizations, states, state agencies, regional or municipal governements, in partnerships with non-governmental organizations, private companies, etc.

See also

• Regional organization
• Regional integration
• List of international organizations
• List of intergovernmental organizations
• Centre for Studies on Federalism

References