Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to build a conceptual framework helping to understand the relationship between the principle of multilateralism in global policy relations and the role of international governmental organizations (IGOs). The paper develops conceptual building blocks to design adequate for international organizations for result-oriented effective multilateralism.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and in-depth theoretical analysis served to construct a framework that helps to see the variety of IGOs against global policy problems they serve to solve.FindingsThe analysis highlighted several lessons that can be learned, including the need for an efficient match between the nature of the global policy problem and the mandate and the size of IGO. The paper indicated the importance of efficient mechanisms to make international organizations accountable to member states while allowing for effective leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThe heterogeneity of IGOs makes a generalization difficult, hence, the proposed framework necessarily remains relatively generic. Still, this paper provides a first analytical basis for the comparison of IGO with regard to global policy problems they have been set to solve.Practical implicationsThe author pointed to the way how to improve the fit between global policy problems and IGOs to make multilateralism more effective. The framework can be used to learn what can be expected from a given IGO and to see IGOs in their proper roles.Social implicationsThe paper might of interest to decision-makers and international public opinion eager to either criticize or praise international organizations based on a simplistic, if not ideological approaches. The paper develops arguments that help influence the evolution of international organizations.Originality/valueIGO are increasing in number and forms leading to confusion to their role and impact. This framework can be used to realistically assess the role of IGOs in global public policies.
Highlights
The world is more interconnected and interdependent than it has ever been before (Montobbio, 2013)
Earlier awareness of the common fate of modern societies was limited to economic interdependence: it was referring to international trade and investment flows
This paper presents a conceptual framework helping to assess the need for multilateralism, to analyze the fit between the nature of global policy problems the scope and form of collective action and the way international governmental organizations (IGOs) can be used to institutionalize effective global policy actions
Summary
The world is more interconnected and interdependent than it has ever been before (Montobbio, 2013). An international public opinion recognizes the growing interdependence of contemporary societies and states. The evidence of such an awareness can be found already in the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s convention from 1960, which states: “recognising the increasing interdependence of their economies” [1]. Earlier awareness of the common fate of modern societies was limited to economic interdependence: it was referring to international trade and investment flows. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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