Fig. 27

TEXT I. International Organizations: definition and classification

BEFORE YOU READ

1. Discuss the following with your partner:

1. What international organizations do you know?

2. What is their role in the global world?

VOCABULARY

Make sure you know the words given in the text in italics.

2. Read and translate the names of the international organizations properly:

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization; International Olympic Committee; World Wide Fund for Nature; Red Cross; Translators Without Borders; United Nations Organization (UNO); the World Trade Organization (WTO); the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); European Union (EU); International Telecommunication Union (ITU); the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Reading

The formation of the international organizations has been a notable event of the international relations since 1945. Perhaps the main feature of international scene today, in comparison with a century ago, is the proli-feration of international organizations of all types. This growth has responded in part to the need for maintaining international peace and security, and in a greater part to the pressing demands of nations for cooperation in the economic, social and technical fields.

Definition and Classification of International Organizations:

The term «international organization» is usually used to describe an organization established by agreement between two or more states. It has international character and scope, its functions transcend national boundaries, and it is a subject of International Law.

There are two main types of the international organizations:

1. Intergovernmental organizations, known as public international
organizations.

2. Nongovernmental organizations (NGO) which are divided into two types:

a) non-profit organizations (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Olympic Committee, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Red Cross, Translators Without Borders etc.);

b) international corporations or multinational corporations  (Microsoft Corporation, Google Inc., Toyota Motors Corporation, Adidas AG, Nike Inc, Apple Inc., Samsung Group and many others).

The intergovernmental organization (IGO) is an organization composed primarily of sovereign states (referred to as member states), or of other intergovernmental organizations. Intergovernmental organizations are an important aspect of public international law. IGOs are established by treaty that acts as a charter creating the group. Treaties are formed when lawful representatives (governments) of several states go through
a ratification process, providing the IGO with an international legal
personality.

The most known examples for the intergovernmental organizations include United Nations Organization (UNO), World Trade Organization (WTO), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), European Union (EU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Criminal
Court (ICC), etc.

Designation as a nonprofit does not mean that the organization does not intend to make a profit, but rather that the organization has no owners and that the funds realized in the operation of the organization will not be used to benefit any owners.

A multinational corporation (MNC) is a large corporation which both produces and sells goods or services in various countries.

The international organizations serve many diverse functions, inclu-ding collecting information and monitoring trends (United Nations Environment Program), delivering services and aid (World Health Organization), and providing forums for bargaining (European Union) and settling disputes (World Trade Organization). By providing political institutions through which states can work together to achieve common objectives, international organizations can help to foster cooperative behavior.

Comprehension Check

1. Fill in the schedule:

2. Answer the following questions:

1. When did the formation of the international organizations start?

2. What does the term «international organizations» mean?

3. What are two main types of the international organizations?

4. What is the definition of the intergovernmental organization?

5. What are two types of the nongovernmental organizations?

6. What are the most known examples of the international organizations?

7. What functions do they serve?