International Organisations

About this unit

This unit studies the organisations through which states cooperate across borders. The main focus is the United Nations, its organs, the debate on reforming the Security Council and India's claim to a larger role. It also covers economic organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation, agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, and non-governmental organisations. Finally, it raises the question of how such institutions can be made accountable and democratic.

Key ideas

• Why international organisations are needed: to deal with problems no single state can solve alone.
• The UN Charter, the six principal organs and the Security Council veto.
• Proposals for reform of UN structures and processes.
• Bretton Woods institutions: the IMF and the World Bank.
• The WTO and the rules of international trade.
• Non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

How to prepare

Learn the founding facts of each organisation (year, headquarters where stable, purpose). Know the composition of the Security Council and how the veto works. Be ready to give arguments for and against expanding permanent membership, and the grounds on which India seeks a larger role.