Global Relations: States, Organizations, and Impact

Understanding International Relations

International relations refers to interactions where the primary subjects are states, and the issues involved directly affect their national interests. Today, other significant social agents, such as multinational companies, also play a crucial role in international relations.

Key Characteristics of International Relations

• Diversification: International relations are implemented across a wide range of fields, promoting the establishment of institutions to address global problems.
• Globalization: This phenomenon impacts a larger number of states and other social agents, requiring them to confront global challenges and coordinate global interests worldwide.
• Institutionalization: International relations possess specific organizational structures, which lend them a stable and enduring character.

Characteristics of International Organizations

Definition: An international organization is any group or association that extends beyond the borders of a single state and adopts a permanent organizational structure.

Defining Traits of International Organizations

1. Internationality: These organizations distinguish themselves from other social groups by their inherent international character. Their primary members are states.
2. Permanent Organic Structure: International organizations are established with the intention of incorporating various bodies, human resources, and financial and legal resources, ensuring their long-term presence.
3. Functionality of Organizations: They perform specific activities and exercise powers necessary for their effective operation within international society.
4. Legal Basis: All international organizations originate from an agreement of wills among their founding members.

International economic organizations share similar traits with intergovernmental organizations in their structure and function. These include:

1. Areas of Competence
2. Aims and Objectives
3. Activities to Develop

Institutional Structure of International Organizations

The activities undertaken by an international organization are generally divided into two main groups:

1. Organizations primarily focused on fulfilling the core purpose for which they were created.
2. Organizations that support members within the specific area of cooperation covered by such organizations.

These activities generate the following types of expenses:

1. Ordinary Costs: These are the operational expenses of the Secretariat. An identical fee is typically paid by all members.
2. Extraordinary Expenses: These costs arise from specific operational activities undertaken by the organization. They are often funded by debt or voluntary contributions.