The policy of attraction. Comparing three cities on their policy toward international and nongovernmental organizations: The Hague, Geneva and Vienna

Abstract

The Hague, Geneva and Vienna are three cities that historically grew into global centers, specialized in human rights, nonproliferation, security, and peace and justice-related topics. The aim of this paper is to compare the policy of these cities on international organizations (IOs) and international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). These cities experience increased competition from other international cities hosting IOs and INGOs due to globalization. Therefore, the need exists to reformulate strategies in attracting and retaining IOs and INGOs. Through an intensive comparative method, this paper seeks to describe the parallels and differences between these three cities, concerning their strategies. Furthermore, it describes the current need to make use of well-coordinated lobbying strategies, policy networks and thematic policy coalitions in order to gain and retain IOs and INGOs in a successful way.