Ch 16: International Actors in Political Science
About This Chapter
International Actors in Political Science - Chapter Summary
Numerous organizations and groups play a role in international relations. The video lessons in this chapter provide an in-depth look at some of these organizations and their roles in international politics and globalization. Our professional instructors introduce you to the functions of non-governmental organizations, multi-national corporations, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, NATO and more. You can work through the chapter at your own pace using your computer or mobile device. Each lesson comes with a short quiz to help you reinforce your understanding of these political science topics. When you've watched all the lessons in this chapter, you should be able to:
- Compare state and non-state actors in international politics
- Evaluate the roles of non-governmental organizations and multi-national corporations as international political actors
- Explain the history of the United Nations as well as its role in international politics
- Assess the histories and purposes of the United Nations Children's Fund and the International Monetary Fund
- Summarize the birth of NATO and the theory of containment
- Understand the history of the World Health Organization
- Identify organizations that were established to address global concerns
1. State & Non-State Actors in International Politics
While states still reign supreme on the world stage, they are by no means the only significant actors playing the game of international politics. In this lesson, you'll learn about state and non-state actors on the world stage.
2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as International Political Actors
States aren't the only actors on the world stage. Nongovernmental organizations play an important role in our international system. In this lesson, you'll learn what nongovernmental organizations are and how they affect the world. A short quiz follows.
3. Organizations Established to Address Global Concerns
In this lesson, you will explore how international organizations have developed to address concerns in an increasingly globalized world. Then, test your understanding with a brief quiz.
4. The United Nations' History & Role in International Politics
One of the most influential and far-reaching intergovernmental organizations in the world today is the United Nations. In this lesson, you'll learn about the United Nations, including its history, structure, and role in international politics.
5. The Theory of Containment & the Birth of NATO
In this lesson, we explore the foreign policy of the U.S. and Western Europe directly after WWII. We will look at its theory of containment regarding communism, and the birth of NATO.
6. The International Monetary Fund (IMF): History & Purpose
International stability requires economic stability. In this lesson, you'll learn about how the International Monetary Fund helps establish economic stability by examining its history and purpose. A short quiz follows.
7. What is the World Health Organization? - Definition, History & Purpose
The World Health Organization is a group that focuses on global health issues. This lesson will cover its start at the United Nations, its purpose and progress so far, and its challenges in today's world.
8. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): History & Purpose
It may be cliche, but children really are our future, and the majority of the world's children are threatened by poverty, malnutrition, disease, discrimination, and violence. In this lesson, you'll learn about UNICEF and its efforts to fix this problem.
9. Multi-National Corporations as International Political Actors
Multinational corporations are serious players on the world stage. In fact, they are often more influential than many states. In this lesson, you'll learn about multinational corporations and their role in international relations. A short quiz follows.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Political Science 101: Intro to Political Science course
- Basic Terms and Concepts of Political Science
- Political Ideologies and Philosophy
- Forms of Government
- Electoral Systems
- The Branches of Government
- US Federal Bureaucracy
- The History & Role of Political Parties
- Interest Groups in Politics
- Mass Media and Politics
- Political Culture, Public Opinion & Civic Behavior
- Public and Social Policy
- Fiscal Policy in Government & the Economy
- Foreign Policy, Defense Policy & Government
- Concepts of International Relations
- Theories of International Relations
- International Law in Politics
- Global Issues and Politics
- Studying for Political Science 101
