The 'New Nationalism' and International Organizations

Abstract

Membership in international organizations, no novelty for longestablished states and a symbol of independence for those more recently organized, imposes a characteristic tension on governments, which almost always attempt to form and carry out highly independent foreign policies. The ancient myth of sovereignty supports the practice of pretending that national interest, however defined, determines all foreign policy considerations. Moreover, the well-nigh universal governmental inclination toward modernization, a high level of welfare services and national development generally fits without obvious friction into independent foreign policies. However obeisant the constitutions and doctrinal pronouncements of international organizations may be to national independence, these bodies nevertheless seek to regulate interstate relationships. This regulation proceeds, perhaps sporadically and haltingly and so far never in an unbroken line, through practice, the establishment of standards and norms, the adjustment of international disputes, and the promotion of the general welfare. The deliberative organs of international organizations mass-