In the context of the current stage of economic and political globalization, the key feature of the world system is not only the increase in the number, but also the complication of the structure of non-state actors. Among them, a special place is occupied by international (multilateral) institutions that perform not only information and communication, but also regulatory, coordination and even quasi-legislative functions. At the same time, we are talking not only about traditional international intergovernmental organizations (for example, the UN, WTO) and non-governmental organizations (such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, Transparency International), but also about specific structures that can be classified as international organizations sui generis (literally «one of a kind»).

These include informal mechanisms of global governance (for example, the Group of Seven, G20), quasi-organizations that include inter-parliamentary institutions (PACE, Inter-Parliamentary Union), interstate alliances and associations (BRICS, SCO), as well as international conferences of both intergovernmental and non-governmental nature. Regional integration associations such as the European Union, ASEAN, MERCOSUR and various sub-regional integration groupings also have a significant impact.

International organizations and associations play a significant role in shaping narratives and, in some cases, stereotypes, as well as in promoting a certain agenda in the current, extremely unstable geopolitical situation. They not only serve as platforms for dialogue between conflicting parties, but also form the basis for perception of international processes, often influencing public policy. As sources of seemingly objective assessments, international organizations accumulate various points of view, but their activities do not always remain neutral and independent of political and ideological factors.

International organizations and associations are not always impartial. Their conclusions may reflect the interests of certain States or groups of countries, which inevitably affects the perception of their recommendations and decisions in the context of national policies.

In addition, linguistic diversity and the availability of information resources in different languages create prerequisites for the formation of different, and sometimes even opposite narratives, depending on the target audience. The same events can be interpreted differently in different language versions of official messages, which affects not only public opinion, but also the process of making political decisions by States. As a result, the information activities of international organizations can become an instrument of both diplomatic influence and covert influence on the internal and external policies of States.

Itis possible to identify the following mechanisms of influence of international organizations on public policy.

Financial and economic support.

International organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank provide financial assistance to countries in the form of loans, grants, and investments. However, such support is subject to strict conditions, such as:

- implementing economic stabilization measures, including reducing government spending and reforming the tax system;

- implementation of privatization and deregulation of the economy to increase its competitiveness;

- ensuring transparency of financial transactions and fighting corruption;

- infrastructure development and improvement of conditions for attracting investment.

These measures can promote sustainable development, but sometimes lead to social tensions due to the need for austerity.

Diplomatic and political influence.

International organizations can influence the policy of States through diplomatic tools:

- resolutions and recommendations. For example, UN resolutions may serve as a basis for the adoption of new laws or international agreements.

- in charge of sanctions. The UN, EU, and other organizations may impose economic or political sanctions against countries that violate international norms.

- creative missions. The UN sends peacekeepers to prevent armed conflicts and ensure stability;

- monitoring of democratic processes. The OSCE and other bodies monitor compliance with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Regulatory and legal regulation.

International organizations form and promote legal norms, obliging States to bring national laws in line with international standards:

- international conventions and treaties. For example, the Paris Climate Agreement requires countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

- the field of international trade. The WTO sets standards for trade, prohibiting unjustified barriers and protectionist measures;

- protection of human rights. International instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, influence countries ' domestic policies.

Monitoring and control.

International organizations monitor States ' compliance with their obligations:

- election monitoring. The OSCE sends observers to assess the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;

- control for the observance of human rights. The UN and Amnesty International publish reports on human rights violations and recommend measures to address them.

- environmental monitoring. International organizations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), monitor the environmental situation in countries and develop strategies to improve it.

Thus, international organizations exert significant influence on public policy through financial mechanisms, regulatory requirements, diplomatic pressure, and monitoring. Their impact can be both positive, helping countries develop economies and strengthen democratic institutions, and controversial, especially if interference in national politics causes social discontent. For effective interaction with international organizations, States need to maintain a balance between national interests and international obligations.

 

Control questions

 

1. Analyze the main scientific approaches to the question of the essence of the state. Highlight specific points in each direction.
2. What does the structural organization of the state mean?
3. Name the main features of the state.
4. Name the main functions of the state.
5. What mechanisms does the state use to regulate social processes in society?
6. What is the social function of the state, and what mechanisms exist for its implementation?
7. Who are the subjects of public administration, what are their main powers?
8. Reveal the role of politicalх parties in shaping public policy.
9. Mechanisms of interaction between civil society and the state in modern political systems.
10. How do international organizations influence the formation of national public policy?

 

Questions for discussion

 

1. The problem of the degree of influence of the state on society is constantly at the center of scientific and political-ideological discussions. How would you assess the degree of state pressure on society at the current stage of development? Has state regulation of public affairs improved or decreased in comparison with other historical periods?
2. Analyze the degree of influence of political parties, public organizations and businesses on the political decision-making process in Kazakhstan. How can their interests be balanced in a democratic society?
3. Compare the role of civil societies in democratic and authoritarian regimes. Is it possible for them to participate effectively in policy-making without active government support?

 

Case studies

 

Case study 1. Social policy in crisis conditions.

State N is facing a sharp deterioration in the socio-economic situation caused by the global economic crisis. The growth of unemployment reached 15%, the inflation rate increased, and the purchasing power of the population decreased. In response, the government announced the introduction of anti-crisis measures aimed at supporting the population and businesses.

Key government measures:

- providing subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses to prevent mass layoffs;

- reduction of unemployment benefits and temporary introduction of social support for low-income segments of the population;

- control over the prices of basic foodstuffs and utilities;

- state investments in infrastructure projects to create new jobs.

Tasks:

- based on the number of tools used. What mechanisms of state management of social processes are involved in this case?

- claims and restrictions. How can these measures affect the long-term sustainability of the economy? What are the potential risks that may arise?

- additional suggestions. What alternative or additional measures can be implemented to improve the effectiveness of social policy in times of crisis?

 

Case 2. Political parties, public organizations, and businesses.

In country N, a draft law on regulating lobbying activities is being developed. Political parties, public organizations, and business representatives express different opinions about the proposed standards. Political parties fear the increasing influence of big business on the legislative process. Opposition parties claim that the bill will create additional barriers for small and medium-sized businesses, and may also lead to increased corruption risks. Public organizations demand maximum transparency in lobbying activities, including mandatory disclosure of information about contacts between officials and business representatives. Some NGOs suggest creating a public register of lobbying organizations. The business community claims that without a lobbying mechanism, it will be difficult to defend the interests of entrepreneurs. Industry associations are particularly concerned because they fear that the new regulations will complicate their interaction with the authorities.

Tasks:

- what arguments do political parties, NGOs and businesses use?

- what norms can satisfy all parties?

- what international practices of regulating lobbying can be taken as a basis?

- what level of transparency is necessary to minimize corruption risks? Should the regulation of lobbying differ for different categories of entities (business, NGOs, professional associations)?

- what are the potential consequences of a complete ban on lobbying?

 

Case 3. International organizations and their impact on public policy.

In country M, a large hydroelectric power station (HPP) is planned to be built, which will provide additional electricity and create jobs. However, the project faces conflicting requirements from international organizations. Environmental organizations (the Global Fund for Nature Protection, Greenpeace, etc.) demand strict compliance with environmental standards, claiming that the construction of hydroelectric power plants will damage the environment, in particular, cause rivers to dry up and worsen the state of the ecosystem. International financial institutions (the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, etc.) are ready to allocate a loan for construction, but set conditions related to economic reforms, including the liberalization of electricity tariffs. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and international companies see the project as an opportunity to attract private investors, but insist on guarantees of stable contracts and protection of foreign investments. Some citizens support the project because of its economic benefits, while others protest against possible environmental damage.

Tasks:

- Determine the role and interests of international organizations;

- What environmental measures can reduce the risk of negative impact on nature?

- How can the government use negotiation tools to minimize risks?

- How can the opinion of the local population be taken into account when making decisions?

- How justified are the demands of international organizations, and what is their real influence?