Economic and political organizations of the modern world. International political organizations

International organizations- one of the most important forms of multilateral cooperation between states. They are created on the basis of an agreement between the participants. The activities of international organizations are regulated by their charter. The effectiveness of the activities of organizations depends on the degree of coherence that states can achieve.

Organizations differ in areas of activity (issues of peace and security, economy, culture, healthcare, transport, etc.); by composition of participants (universal, regional); by scope of authority, etc.

The main goals and objectives of all international organizations are the creation of a constructive multilateral base for international cooperation, the establishment of global and regional zones of peaceful coexistence.

A special place among interstate international organizations is occupied by the United Nations (UN) - as a universal international organization of general competence.

This chapter provides information on the most famous international economic and economic-political organizations.

UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION (UNO) - Wikiwand UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION (UNO)

The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945. Proposals for reform of the UN, including an increase in the number of permanent members of the Security Council, are currently being discussed.

The United Nations system includes the UN with its principal and subsidiary bodies. 17 UN specialized agencies have been formed, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is also included in the UN system as an intergovernmental one.

Specialized UN events are held to strengthen international cooperation and mutual understanding.

Member States: At present, over 180 countries of the world are members of the UN. Observers to the UN - Palestine, Organization of African Unity, European Union, Organization of the Islamic Conference, International Committee of the Red Cross, etc.

Support for peace and international security.

Development of relations between nations based on respect for the principles of equality and self-determination.

International cooperation to resolve world problems of a political, economic, social, cultural nature.

Promoting respect for human rights.

The transformation of the UN into a center for coordinating the efforts of nations and peoples to achieve common goals.

Structure:

1. General Assembly.
2. Security Council.
3. Economic and Social Council.
4. Guardian Council.
5. International Court.
6. Secretariat.

The General Assembly (GA) is the main body of the UN, uniting all its members (on the principle of "one state - one vote"). It is authorized to consider questions and make recommendations on problems that are in the political and material spheres within the scope of the Charter. Although the GA resolutions are advisory in nature and are not legally binding on all UN members, they are backed by the authority of the United Nations. The General Assembly determines the policy and program of action of the organization. GA sessions are held annually, but extraordinary sessions may also be convened.

The Security Council (SC) is the only UN body that can make decisions that are binding on the 148 UN members. Using a number of measures for the peaceful settlement of international conflicts, in the event that the warring parties are not ready to participate in the peace process of negotiations, the Security Council can take coercive measures.

Decisions to impose military sanctions are taken only when non-military sanctions prove insufficient. Groups of observers and UN peacekeeping forces (“blue helmets”) are sent to conflict areas.

The Security Council consists of 15 members: five permanent maples (, France), with the right to "veto", and ten non-permanent members, elected for a period of two years in accordance with regional quotas (five seats for the states of Asia and one for the states of Eastern Europe , two for states and two for countries in Western Europe).

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is responsible for the activities of the United Nations in the economic and social spheres and performs the tasks assigned to it in connection with the implementation of the recommendations of the General Assembly (studies, reports, etc.). It coordinates the activities of the specialized agencies of the United Nations.

The International Court of Justice is the main legal organ of the United Nations. The Court is open to all states of the world and individuals (even non-members of the UN).

The Secretariat operates under the direction of the Secretary General and is responsible for the day-to-day work of the UN. The Secretary General - the chief official of the UN - is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, appointed by the Secretary General, is responsible for the activities of the UN in the field of human rights.

The official languages ​​of the UN are English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French.

The headquarters is in New York.

WORLD BANK GROUP

The World Bank Group includes four institutions: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD); International Finance Corporation (IFC); International Development Association (MAP); Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION

AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD) - INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD) The idea of ​​IBRD was formulated at the UN Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944. IBRD as a specialized agency is part of the UN system.

Objectives: to promote the reconstruction and development of the territories of the Member States by encouraging investment for production purposes; encouraging private and foreign investment through the provision of guarantees or participation in loans and other investments by private creditors; encouragement of economic and social progress in developing countries through long-term financing of development projects and programs in order to ensure the growth of production; stimulating the growth of international trade and the development of productive resources of the IBRD member states.

Currently, the IBRD includes about 180 states (including Russia). Membership is also open to members of the World Monetary Fund (IMF) on terms determined by the IBRD.

Funding Sources: IBRD, to which all member countries are subscribers to capital, finances its lending operations primarily from this capital, borrowings from financial markets, and repayments on pre-existing loans.

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) - INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)

The International Monetary Fund began to function in 1946. As a specialized agency, it is part of the UN system. The IMF has about 180 member countries.

Objectives: to encourage international cooperation in the field of monetary policy; promoting the growth of world trade; maintaining the stability of currencies and streamlining currency relations between member states; provision of loan assistance to Member States, if necessary.

Membership is open to other states on conditions determined by the IMF (the amount of authorized capital, quotas, voting rights, special drawing rights, etc.).

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) are an IMF tool that allows the creation of foreign exchange reserves on the basis of an international agreement in order to prevent the danger of a permanent shortage of foreign exchange reserves.

Funding sources: Member contributions (quotas) supplemented by IMF loans from its members. 150

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION (NATO)

It was established in 1949 on the basis of the signing and ratification of the North Atlantic Treaty (“Washington Treaty”). The process of political changes in recent years (the collapse of the USSR, the cessation of the Warsaw Pact Organization, etc.) has led to a number of NATO statements in recent years, including: the London Declaration "North Atlantic Alliance in the process of change" (1990), and cooperation” (1991); "A new strategic concept of the alliance" (1991); statement of the NATO Council with an invitation to join the program "Partnership for Peace" (1994), etc.

Member States (16): Belgium, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Netherlands, USA, France. (Iceland, which does not have its own armed forces, is not part of the integrated military structure; Spain does not participate in the integrated command structure; France in 1966 withdrew from the integrated military structure).

Objectives: to ensure the freedom and security of all members by political and military means in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; joint action and all-round cooperation in order to strengthen the security of the Member States, ensure a just and lasting peace in Europe based on common values, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The headquarters of the governing bodies is in Brussels.

ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) - ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)

The final act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe was signed in 1975 in Helsinki () by the heads of state and government of 33 countries of Western Europe, as well as the United States and. It became a long-term program for the development of the process of detente and cooperation in Europe.

A new period in the work of the OSCE began with the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, signed in 1990.

The OSCE's relations with the United Nations are based on a framework agreement concluded with the UN Secretariat and observer status in the UN General Assembly.

Objectives: to promote the improvement of mutual relations, create conditions for ensuring a lasting peace; supporting the détente of international tension; recognition of the close interdependence of peace and security in Europe and throughout the world.

EUROPEAN UNION (EU) - Wikiwand EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

The Treaty on the European Union (EU), signed in 1992 in Maastricht (Netherlands) by the heads of state and government of 12 member states of the European Economic Community, entered into force on November 1, 1993. The Treaty introduces EU citizenship in addition to national citizenship.

The predecessor of the EU was the European Economic Community (EEC), formed by Luxembourg, Germany, and in 1958 with the aim of creating a common market for goods, capital and labor by abolishing customs duties and other restrictions on trade, and pursuing a coordinated trade policy.

Later the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland (1973), Spain, Portugal (1981) and Greece (1986) were admitted to the Community.

Since 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden have become EU members.

Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, countries of Eastern Europe also filed official applications with a request to join the EU.

The European Union (EU) is built on three pillars:

1. European Communities (European Coal and Steel Community - ECSC; European Economic Community - EEC; European Atomic Energy Community - EURATOM) with the forms of cooperation provided for by the Treaty on European Union.
2. Joint foreign and international security policy.

3. Cooperation in domestic and legal policy. Member States (15): Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, France, Sweden.

Formation of a close union of the peoples of Europe.

Promoting balanced and lasting progress through: creating a space without internal borders, strengthening economic and social interaction, establishing an economic and monetary union, and creating a single currency in the future.

Carrying out a joint foreign policy, and in the future, a joint defense policy.

Development of cooperation in the field of justice and internal affairs.

Organs. EU: European Council; European Parliament; Council of the European Union; European Commission; European Court.

NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)

The NAFTA Agreement was signed on December 17, 1992 in Washington DC and entered into force on January 1, 1994.

Member States: Canada, Mexico, USA. Objectives: the agreement provides for the creation of a free trade zone within 15 years; measures are envisaged to liberalize the movement of goods, services, capital across borders with the gradual elimination of customs and investment barriers. Unlike the EU, the NAFTA countries do not envisage the creation of a single currency system and the coordination of foreign policy.

ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) - Wikiwand ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)

The organization was established in 1961. It became the successor to the Organization for European Economic Cooperation, formed in 1948 in order to make the best use of American economic and financial assistance for the reconstruction of Europe (Marshall Plan) in cooperation with European recipient countries of this assistance.

Applications for membership in the OECD of Hungary, the Republic of Korea, and are currently being considered. Russia cooperates with the OECD by signing in 1994 the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities.

Objectives: to contribute to the development of the world economy by ensuring optimal economic development, employment growth and living standards while maintaining the financial stability of member states; promotion of economic and social well-being by coordinating the policies of member states; harmonization of OECD countries' assistance to developing countries.

COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS - COMMONWEALTH

The Commonwealth of Nations is a "voluntary association of independent states" symbolized by the British monarch, recognized as head of the Commonwealth.

Sovereign states pursue independent policies and cooperate on the basis of common interests and in order to promote international understanding. The relations of the member states are defined in the Westminster status of 1931 as independent and equal in domestic and foreign policy.

The Commonwealth consists of 30 republics, 5 monarchies with their own kings, and 16 states that recognize the British monarch as head of state, represented in these countries by a governor general.

Member States (about 50): Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, United Kingdom, Grenada, Greece, Dominica, Indonesia, Canada, Cyprus, Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, , . Objectives: To promote the well-being of peoples.

At meetings of heads of state and government of the Commonwealth member states, the international situation, issues of regional development, socio-economic situation, cultural issues, as well as special programs of the Commonwealth are discussed.

ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU) - Wikiwand ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU)

It was created in 1963 at a conference of heads of state and government.

Objectives: to promote the strengthening of Muslim solidarity; protection of holy places; support for the struggle of all Muslims to secure independence and national rights; support for the struggle of the Palestinian people; cooperation in economic, social, cultural, scientific and other important areas of life, etc.

The headquarters of the General Secretariat is in Jeddah.

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES (LAS) - Wikiwand LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES (LAS)

The Arab League Pact formed the basis of the League of Arab States formed in 1945. It was signed by seven Arab states (Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Transjordan).

Member States. (22): Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Qatar, Comoros, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, UAE, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia.

Goals: strengthening ties between Member States in various sectors (economy, finance, transport, culture, healthcare); coordinating the actions of member states to protect national security and ensure their independence and sovereignty; prohibition of the use of force to settle disputes; respect for the regimes existing in other countries and refusal to try to change them.

The headquarters is in Cairo.

ORGANIZATION OF THE PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC)

It was organized in 1960 at a conference in Baghdad. The charter was adopted in 1965, later it was repeatedly amended.

Member States (12): Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, UAE, Saudi Arabia.

Goals: coordination and unification of the oil policy of the Member States; determination of the most effective means of protecting the interests of the participating States; finding ways to ensure price stability on world oil markets; environmental protection, etc.

UNION OF ARAB MAGRIB (UAM)

Formed in 1989. Member States (5): Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia.

Objectives: to contribute to the successful solution of issues of economic development, to ensure greater competitiveness of the goods of the countries of the region in the markets of the world.

SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION (SAARC)

Established in 1985. Member States (7): Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

Objectives: to accelerate the economic development, social progress and cultural development of the member countries and the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH EAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

Objectives: to promote regional cooperation in the economic, social and cultural spheres in order to strengthen peace in the region; accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint action in the spirit of equality and partnership; cooperation in agriculture, industry, trade, transport and communications in order to improve the living standards of the population; strengthening peace and stability, etc.

ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) - Wikiwand ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC)

The organization was founded on the initiative in 1989.

Member States (18): Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Canada, China, Kiribati, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Singapore, USA, Thailand, Philippines, Chile.

Goals: creation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Community; easing mutual trade barriers; exchange of services and investments; expanding cooperation to areas such as trade, the environment, etc. A group of eminent figures from the APEC countries is instructed to put forward ideas for the future of the organization and discuss ways to implement them.

Formed on the basis of the Treaty of Montevideo II, signed by the LAST member countries and entered into force in 1981.

Goals: creation of a common market of countries and Mexico. Unlike LAST, the LAI integration process provides for differentiated progress towards the creation of a common market, taking into account the level of economic development of the participating countries.

Within the framework of the LAI, subregional groups are preserved: the Treaty of the La Plata River Basin, 1969 (members - Argentina, Bo-158 Libya, Brazil, Paraguay, ), Cartagena Agreement, 1969 (members - Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador), Agreement on cooperation between the countries of the Amazon zone, 1978 (members - Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador).

ANDINA SYSTEM OF INTEGRATION (SIA) - SISTEMA DE INTEGRACION ANDINA (SIA)

Formed on the basis of the Andean Pact. It includes two independent blocks of institutions: for political cooperation and for economic integration.

In the development of the Cartagena Agreement of 1969 on the establishment of the Andean Sub-Regional Integration Group, a document was adopted called "Andean Strategy", which declared the development of the Andean economic space, the deepening of international relations, and the contribution to the unity of Latin America. At the same time, the “Peace Act” was adopted, which provided for the deepening of the integration process, the creation of the Andean Common Market (free trade zone, customs union) by 1995.

ANDINA PACT (AP) - ACUERDO DE INTEGRACION SUBREGIONAL ANDINA (AISA)

Created on the basis of an agreement that entered into force in 1969.

Member States (5): Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador. In 1976, Chile withdrew. Since 1969 it has been an associate member.

Goals: liberalization of regional trade and introduction of common external tariffs; creation of a common market by 1985; coordination of economic policy in relation to foreign capital; development of industry, agriculture and infrastructure through joint programs; mobilization of internal and external financial resources.

LA PLATA GROUP - ORGANIZACION DE LA CUENCA DE LA PLATA

Formed on the basis of the Treaty on Economic Integration and Joint Development of the La Plata River Basin in 1969.

Member States (5): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Objectives: optimal use and protection of the natural resources of the La Plata basin.

In 1986, a long-term program of economic cooperation was signed between Argentina and Brazil - the "Integration Act", to which Uruguay joined, and in 1991 Paraguay.

COMMON MARKET OF THE COUNTRIES OF THE SOUTHERN CONE - EL MERCADO COMUN DEL SUR (MERCOSUR)

Formed as a development of the Integration Act of 1986 on the basis of the Treaty on the Common Market of the countries of the Southern Cone in 1991.

Member States (4): Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. For economically less developed Bolivia, instead of direct participation in integration, it is envisaged to maintain existing benefits.

Objectives: Creation of a common market of the participating countries within 10 years on the basis of projects and enterprises carried out within the framework of the La Plata Organization.

AMAZON PACT - EL PASTO AMAZONICO

Formed on the basis of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Amazon and entered into force in 1980.

Member States (8): Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Suriname, Ecuador.

Objectives: accelerated joint development and rational use of the natural resources of the basin, their protection from foreign exploitation, cooperation in the creation of infrastructure.

ORGANIZATION OF CENTRAL AMERICAN STATES (OCAS) - ORGANIZACION DE LOS ESTADOS CENTROAMERICANOS (OESA)

Formed in 1951 at the conference of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Objectives: Economic and political integration of the states of Central America, cultural cooperation of the participating countries, prevention and settlement of emerging conflicts.

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)

Political and economic organization for cooperation in the field of trade, credit, currency relations, coordination of economic and foreign policy, creation of joint facilities.

The community was formed in 1973 on the basis of the Chagua Ramas Treaty (Trinidad and Tobago).

Member States (13): , Bahamas (member only of the Community, not of the Common Market), Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago , Jamaica. Associate members: British and Virgin Islands, Terke and Caicos.

Goals: Political and economic cooperation; foreign policy coordination; economic rapprochement through the liberalization of mutual trade and the establishment of a common customs regime; policy coordination in the areas of currency and credit, infrastructure and tourism, agriculture, industry and trade; cooperation in the field of education and health.

CARIBBEAN COMMON MARKET (CCM) - CARIBBEAN COMMON MARKET (ССМ, CARICOM)

Formed in 1974 in accordance with the annex to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, includes all members of the CC, with the exception of the Bahamas.

Governing bodies: Conference of Heads of Government and Common Market Council. In 1976, the participating countries introduced uniform customs tariffs. In 1982, at the Conference of Heads of Government, a proposal was put forward to create an Association of Caribbean States. In 1994, the Conference considered the prospects for membership of the COP-KOR in NAFTA.

ASSOCIATION OF THE CARIBBEAN STATES (ACG) - ASOCIACION DE LOS ESTADOS CARIBES (AEC)

The agreement establishing the ACG was signed by representatives of 25 countries and 12 territories at a conference in Cartagena in 1994.

Member States: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Venezuela, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Grenada, Dominica, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica.

Objectives: To promote the economic integration of Caribbean countries.

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS)

The forerunner of the OAS was the Pan American System - a set of bodies and organizations operating under the control of the United States in the first half of the 20th century.

The OAS was formed in 1948 at the 9th Inter-American Conference in Bogota, which adopted the Charter of the OAS. At present, all 35 independent American states are members of the OAS. In 1962, Cuba was excluded from participation in the work of the OAS bodies.

Goals: maintaining peace and security in America; prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts between Member States; organizing joint actions to repel aggression; coordination of efforts to solve political, economic, legal problems; promotion of economic, social, scientific, technical and cultural progress of the participating countries.

Various criteria can be applied to classify international organizations.

· By nature of membership they are divided into interstate and non-governmental.

· By circle of participants interstate organizations are divided into universal, open to the participation of all states of the world (UN, its specialized agencies), and regional, whose members can be states of the same region (Organization of African Unity. Organization of American States).

Interstate organizations are also subdivided into organizations general and special competence. The activities of organizations of general competence affect all spheres of relations between member states: political, economic, social, cultural, etc. (for example, the UN, OAU, OAS). Organizations of special competence are limited to cooperation in one special area (for example, the Universal Postal Union, the International Labor Organization, etc.) and can be divided into political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, religious, etc.

Classification by nature of powers allows you to distinguish between interstate and supranational or, more precisely, supranational organizations. The first group includes the vast majority of international organizations whose purpose is to organize interstate cooperation and whose decisions are addressed to member states. The goal of supranational organizations is integration. Their decisions apply directly to citizens and legal entities of the Member States. Some elements of supranationality in this sense are inherent in the European Union (EU).

· From point of view order of entry in them, organizations are divided into open (any state can become a member at its own discretion) and closed (admission to membership is carried out at the invitation of the original founders). An example of a closed organization is NATO.

Modern international organizations.

international organization considered a permanent association, which is created on the basis of an international agreement. The purpose of the association is to contribute to the solution of those problems that are stipulated in the agreement. International organizations are of an interstate nature - operating at the level of governments of states, and of a non-governmental nature. There are also international organizations of a global and regional nature. There are also classifications by type of activity, by the nature of authority, by circle of participants, international clubs, etc.

World Trade Organization (WTO). It is an organization of global importance. Founded in 1995. The goal is to streamline the rules of international trade. In 2008, the WTO had 153 member countries. The headquarters is located in Geneva (Switzerland). The WTO was created on the basis of GATT (general agreement on tariffs and trade). According to the charter, the WTO can only regulate trade and economic issues.

WWF. Public international organization. Founded in 1961. Works in all areas that relate to the conservation, research and restoration of the environment. The headquarters is located in Gland (Switzerland).

Greenpeace. The organization was founded in 1971. It is an independent public organization. The goal is the preservation of the environment, the solution of global environmental problems. Greenpeace principles do not allow accepting financial assistance at the state and political level. The organization exists on donations from supporters. Headquarters in Vancouver (Canada).

European Union (EU). The Organization of European States, established in 1993 on the basis of three organizations, two of which are still part of it - the EEC (European Economic Community - now the European Community), ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community - ceased to exist in 2002), Euratom ( European Atomic Energy Community). This is a unique organization that is a cross between an international organization and a state. It has a common market, a common monetary system, etc. The field of activity concerns many areas - the economy, politics, currency, labor market, etc. In 2007, the EU included 27 states.

League of Arab States (LAS). The organization was founded in 1945. The goal is to unite Arab and friendly states for cooperation in various fields, including those related to defense. The headquarters is located in Cairo (Egypt). The structure includes more than 20 states, including the state of Palestine, which is not recognized by the entire world community.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (International Red Cross). Non-governmental organization. It is a humanitarian movement with over 100 million employees and volunteers around the world. The main goal of the movement is literally "To help all those who suffer without any unfavorable distinction, thereby contributing to the establishment of peace on Earth." Consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross (headquartered in Geneva), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The organization was created on the basis of the Red Cross Society, known since 1863 and later renamed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). The current charter was adopted in 1956. Interpol was created on the basis of the international center for the registration of criminals (1923). The activities of the organization are carried out in the field of combating common crime (search for missing values, criminals, missing people, etc.), it does not in any way relate to other areas (politics, economics, defense, etc.), although in order to investigate crimes, the organization can use information about these areas. In terms of the number of member countries, Interpol is in second place after the UN - at the beginning of 2009, 186 states. The headquarters is located in Lyon (France).

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). International Islamic Organization. Created in 1969. The goal is cooperation between Muslim states in various fields, joint participation in activities in the international arena, and the achievement of stable development of the participating countries. The headquarters is located in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). At the beginning of 2009, the membership consisted of 57 states.

United Nations (UN). An interstate organization established in 1945 by the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. The purpose of the organization is the maintenance of peace between states, the strengthening of peace, the development and security of international relations, the development of international cooperation in various fields. The UN consists of six principal organs (the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Secretariat, the International Court of Justice and the Trusteeship Council). There are many different structural divisions of the UN and various organizations working under the auspices of the UN in various areas of international activity. The headquarters of most of the main divisions of the UN is located in New York (USA), but there are also branches in different parts of the world. As of 2007, the UN had 192 member states. It is the largest international organization.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Exists since 1975. It is the largest regional organization in the world that deals with security issues. The goal is to prevent and resolve conflicts in the region, to eliminate the consequences of conflicts. As of 2008, the OSCE included 56 states located not only in Europe, but also in Central Asia and North America.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It is an international military-political alliance. Created in 1949 on the initiative of the United States. The main goal is the security and freedom of all member countries in accordance with the principles of the UN, both in North America and in Europe. To achieve its goals, NATO uses military potential and political influence. The headquarters is located in Brussels (Belgium). In 2009, NATO included 28 states.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Organization of the intergovernmental level, created in 1960 at the initiative of Venezuela. The goal is to control the world oil policy, stabilize oil prices. OPEC sets limits on oil production. The headquarters is located in Vienna (Austria). In 2009, OPEC included 12 countries.

Council of Europe (CE). Regional European organization of political orientation. Created in 1949. The goal is to build a united Europe. At the beginning of 2009, there were 48 countries in the membership. The headquarters is located in Strasbourg (France, on the border with Germany).

Commonwealth of Nations (British Commonwealth of Nations). Officially established in 1931. The composition includes Great Britain and almost all of its former colonies and dominions. Some constituent states recognize the Queen of Great Britain as head of state. The headquarters is located in London. The goal is voluntary cooperation in many areas, the main of which is economic.

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The organization was founded in 1991 by the former republics of the USSR. The main goals are cooperation in the political, economic, environmental, humanitarian, cultural and other fields, including the creation of a common economic space. The permanent body of the CIS - the CIS Executive Committee is located in Minsk (Belarus). The CIS Interparliamentary Assembly is located in St. Petersburg (Russia). At the moment, Mongolia and Afghanistan, which have observer status, are showing the liveliest interest in the activities of the CIS.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC- the world's largest economic association, whose members account for about 60% of world GDP and about half of world trade. The goals of the organization are to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the Pacific region and ensure conditions for free open trade in it. APEC was formed in 1989 in Canberra at the initiative of the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand. Initially, meetings at the level of ministers were the supreme body of the Cooperation, but later meetings of leaders of states began to be held. Since the organization includes not only countries, but also territories (Hong Kong and Taiwan), its members are usually called "APEC economies".

Big Eight name the 8 most industrialized countries in the world (they account for about 60% of world GDP). The G8 is not an official international organization, its decisions have no legal force, but, nevertheless, the annual summit of the leaders of the G8 countries is one of the most important political events. The term "Big Seven" itself appeared in Russian due to an incorrect interpretation of the abbreviation "G7": instead of "Group of Seven" ("Group of Seven"), journalists deciphered it as "Great Seven" ("Big Seven").

The first meeting of leaders of industrial countries took place in 1975 (without the participation of Canada) and subsequently such meetings became regular. In 1992, Russia joined the participating countries, after which the Seven turned into the Eight.

Questions and tasks:

1. Define the term "international organization".

2. When and why did the first international organizations appear.

3. Write down in your notebook the classification of international organizations.

4. Fill in the table "Modern international organizations"

In the conditions of world globalization, integration of economies, unification of legislation and blurring of borders between countries, it is no longer possible to make decisions alone. It is necessary to coordinate intentions on various issues with other members of the world community. Along with states, international organizations are important members of world politics. Conflicts between groups of people and countries, terrorist groups, climate change, geopolitics, the development of the Arctic shelf, the disappearance of rare animal species - this is not a complete list of issues that require their participation. To resist the new challenges of our time is possible only by joint efforts.

Definition

An international organization is a voluntary union of member states created for cooperation in the fields of economy, politics, culture, ecology, and security. All their activities are based on international treaties. The nature of interaction can be both interstate and non-state, at the level of public associations.

signs

At the heart of any international organization are at least six main features:

• Any organization must be established and operate in accordance with international standards of law. Usually, when creating such an association, all member states sign an international convention, protocol or agreement that guarantees the fulfillment of all obligations assumed by the participants.
• The activities of international organizations are regulated by their Charter, which defines the goals, objectives, principles, structure of the association. The provisions of the Charter must not contradict the norms of international law.

• The rights and obligations of all participants. They are usually equal for any member of the union. Also, they should not cancel the independent rights of the participants. The sovereignty of the state cannot be violated. The rights of international organizations determine the status of an association, regulate the issues of their creation and activities.
• Permanent or regular activities, sessions, meetings between members to resolve international issues.
• Decision-making by a simple majority of votes of the organization's members or by consensus. The final decisions are recorded on paper and signed by all participants.
• Presence of headquarters and governing bodies. Not infrequently, the Chairman of the organization acts as the last one. Participants preside in turn, for a limited time period.

Classification

What international organizations exist? All associations are subdivided depending on several criteria.

One organization can fit several criteria at once.

List of key international organizations

According to 2017 data, there are 103 global organizations in the world. Some of them are permanent, others are collected for sessions.

African Union

It is an international intergovernmental organization with 55 member states. The main goal of the association is the comprehensive cooperation and development of African states and peoples. The area of ​​interest includes the economy, trade, security, education, health care, wildlife conservation, human rights protection and much more.

Asia-Pacific Economic Community

An international regional organization focused on the economy and trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The association is the initiator of the creation of unhindered and free trade between the participating countries.

Andean Community of Nations

International regional association of the countries of South America. It has a socio-economic orientation. Members of the community are in favor of the integration of the states of Latin America.

This international community includes eight states. Its goal is to preserve nature in the Arctic region, minimizing the damage caused to nature during the development of shelves.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

It is an international organization of the states of Southeast Asia. The range of issues considered by the association is not limited, but the main issue concerns the creation of trade zones. The structure includes 10 countries. In 2006, a declaration was signed between Russia and the Association, which allows states to cooperate within the framework of the meetings held by the Association.

Bank for International Settlements

This is a financial institution. Its goal is to strengthen cooperation between the Central Banks of different countries and simplify international settlements.

World Association of Nuclear Power Plant Operators

An organization whose members are the countries operating nuclear power plants. The purpose and mission of the organization is to create conditions for the safe use of nuclear energy, improve the safety of nuclear power plants.

world Trade organisation

A multilateral international organization whose member countries are parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Designed to create conditions for the liberalization of trade participants. One of the largest organizations with 164 members.

International Atomic Energy Agency

An organization whose purpose is to promote the safe use of nuclear energy. The agency also prevents the spread of nuclear weapons.

UN

The United Nations is an association created after the Second World War by 50 participating countries to maintain peace and security on the planet. At the moment, the UN is the most influential organization in the world. In addition to keeping the peace, the UN now deals with a wide range of global issues. What international organizations are members of the UN? There are 16 institutions in total. The organization includes such specialized international associations:

1. The World Meteorological Organization is a UN body responsible for meteorology, global warming and the interaction of the atmosphere with the world's oceans.
2. The World Health Organization is a UN agency designed to solve international problems in the field of public health of the Earth's population. The organization actively contributes to improving the level of medical services, hygiene, vaccination of the population in the world. The structure includes 194 countries.
3. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, better known by its acronym UNESCO. The association deals with the issues of education and the eradication of illiteracy, discrimination in education, the study of different cultures and the social sphere of human life. UNESCO is actively involved in the fight against gender inequality, plays a huge role in solving a wide range of problems on the African continent.
4. UNICEF, or the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, is engaged in comprehensive assistance to the institution of motherhood and childhood. Among the main goals of the fund are the reduction of child mortality, the reduction of deaths in pregnant women, and the promotion of primary education among children.
5. The International Labor Organization is a special UN agency responsible for regulating labor relations both within countries and on the international labor market.

Russia's participation in global organizations

The Russian Federation takes an active part in the life of the world community and is a permanent member of a large number of world organizations, let's consider the main ones:

• A customs union is a supranational association of several countries with the aim of creating a single economic space and market, eliminating customs restrictions on goods.
• The United Nations (Security Council) is a permanent body of the United Nations dealing with international security issues.
• The Commonwealth of Independent States is a union of states that were formerly part of the USSR. The main goal of the CIS is the issues of political, economic and cultural interaction between the participating countries.
• The Collective Security Treaty Organization is a council of several states to maintain peace and order in the territory of the participants.
• The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is an association dealing with security issues in Europe.
• The Council of Europe is an association of European countries to strengthen democracy, improve human rights legislation and cultural interaction between countries.
• BRICS is a group of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation - a regional forum for the development of trade between participants.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an association whose goal is to maintain peace and stability. It is not a military bloc.
• The Eurasian Economic Union is a regional organization that advocates the integration and convergence of the markets of the participating countries.
• The International Organization for Standardization is a worldwide association whose main goal is to issue international standards and their implementation on the territory of all participants.
• The International Olympic Committee is an organization created to revive and promote the Olympic movement in the world.
• The International Electrotechnical Commission is an association that standardizes electrical networks and equipment.
• The World Trade Organization is a trade union designed to ensure equal rights in the international market for all participants.

International organizations - one of the most important forms of multilateral cooperation between states. They arise on the basis of an agreement between the participants. The activity of international organizations is regulated by the charter, their effectiveness depends on the degree of coordination between states. The main goals and objectives of all international organizations are the creation of a constructive multilateral base for international cooperation, the establishment of global and regional zones of peaceful coexistence. Today in the world there is a huge number of various blocs and unions of countries that can be combined into three groups: political, economic and mixed.

The main purpose of the activity political blocs - cooperation of the participating countries in the political and military spheres, participation in the creation of a collective defense system, cooperation in maintaining peace and security in their territories and in general in the world, coordination of efforts to solve military-political and legal problems.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO - military-political union of 18 countries, created on 05/04/1949 as part of the USA, Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Iceland; in 1952 Greece and Turkey joined it, in 1955 - Germany, in 1981 - Spain. In 1966, France withdrew from the military structure, in 1983 - Spain, and in 1999 the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary entered.

Target: ensuring the freedom and security of all members by political and military means in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; common action and comprehensive cooperation to strengthen the security of participating States; ensuring a fair order in Europe based on common values, democracy and human rights. Headquarters - Brussels, Belgium).

Interparliamentary Union. An international governmental organization that brings together national parliamentary groups. Created in 1889 Target - unification of parliamentarians of all countries to strengthen peace and cooperation between states. Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland).

Organization of African Unity - OAU. Created on 05/26/1963 at the conference of heads of state and government of African countries in Addis Ababa. Compound (52 African countries. Target: promoting unity and solidarity among African countries, intensifying and coordinating efforts to improve living standards; protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence; elimination of all forms of colonialism; coordination of cooperation in the fields of politics, defense and security, economy, education, health and culture. Headquarters - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

ANZUS. The five-sided block of Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Target - promotion of collective defense in the Pacific region. Permanent headquarters no.

Organization of American States - OAS. A military-political union created in 1948 at the 9th Inter-American Conference in Bogota, which adopted the Charter of the OAS. Compound (35 countries. Target: maintaining peace and security in America; prevention and peaceful settlement of conflicts between participating States; organizing common actions to repel aggression; coordination of efforts to solve political, economic, legal problems; promotion of economic, social, scientific, technical and cultural progress of the participating countries. Headquarters - Washington (USA).

The strengthening of integration processes in the global economy has strengthened the status economic unions and groupings countries that aim to promote the economic development of the participating countries, improve the living standards of their population and protect the economic interests of these states on the world stage.

Amazon pact- the trade and economic bloc, created on the basis of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Amazon, gained strength in 1980. Compound (8 countries. Target: accelerated general development and rational use of the natural resources of the Amazon basin, protection of it from foreign exploitation, cooperation in the creation of infrastructure. Headquarters - Lima (Peru).

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - OECD - was formed in 1961 as the successor to the Organization for European Economic Cooperation, formed with the aim of making the best use of American economic and financial assistance to the reconstruction of Europe (Marshall Plan) in cooperation with the European countries - recipients of this assistance. Compound (25 countries). Target : contribution to the development of the world economy by ensuring optimal economic growth, increasing employment and living standards, maintaining the financial stability of the participating states; promotion of economic and social welfare by coordinating the policies of the participating States; harmonization of OECD countries' assistance to developing countries. Headquarters - Paris, France).

Arab Maghreb Union - UAM - established in 1989 compound included 5 countries: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia. Target : assistance to the successful solution of issues of economic development, ensuring the high competitiveness of the goods of the countries of the region in the markets of the world. Headquarters - Rabat (Morocco).

Association of Caribbean States - ACS - founded by representatives of 25 countries and 12 territories at a conference in Cartagena in 1994. In compound included 24 countries. Target : promoting the economic integration of Caribbean countries. Headquarters - Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago).

Andean Pact - AP- trade and economic union, formed in 1969 by Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela. In 1976, Chile withdrew. Panama has been an associate member since 1969. Target : liberalization of regional trade and introduction of common external tariffs; creation of a common market; coordination of economic policy regarding foreign capital; development of industry, agriculture and infrastructure through common programs; mobilization of internal and external financial resources; balancing the economic influence of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Headquarters - Lima (Peru).

Visegrad Four formed in 1991 by Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Target - elimination of restrictions and customs borders in trade between members of the Quartet. Permanent headquarters no.

European Free Trade Association - EFTA - established in 1960 compound included 9 countries. Target - independent economic policy; duty-free trade among the participating countries while maintaining their own tariffs in relation to other countries. Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland).

Latin American Integration Association - LAAI - formed on the basis of the Treaty of Montevideo II, signed by the participating countries, which came into force in 1981. compound included 11 countries. Target - Creation of a single Latin American market. Within the boundaries of LAAI, subregional groups remain: the Treaty of the La Plata Basin (1969), the Cartagena Agreement (1969), the Agreement on Cooperation between the Countries of the Amazon Zone (1978). Headquarters - Montevideo (Uruguay).

La Plata Group - trade and economic union formed on the basis of the Treaty on Economic Integration and General Development of the La Plata River Basin in 1969. compound included 5 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. Target: general economic development, use and protection of the resources of the La Plata basin. In 1986, a long-term economic cooperation program was signed between Argentina and Brazil - the "act of integration", to which Uruguay joined, and in 1991 - Paraguay. Headquarters - Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries - OPEC - organized in 1960 at a conference in Baghdad. The charter was adopted in 1965, and over time it experienced multiple changes. Compound (12 countries): Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, Algeria, Nigeria, UAE, Gabon. Target : coordination and unification of the oil policy of the member states; determination of the most effective means of protecting their interests; search for means to ensure price stability in the world oil markets; environmental protection. Controls up to 50% of world oil trade. Headquarters - Vienna, Austria).

North American Free Trade Association - NAFTA - the agreement on the creation was signed on December 17, 1992 in Washington, came into force on January 1, 1994. Compound : USA, Canada, Mexico. Target: creation of a free trade zone in North America for 15 years; measures are envisaged to liberalize the movement of goods, services, capital across borders with the gradual elimination of customs and investment barriers. In the future - the unification of all American states (similar to the EU in Europe). Permanent headquarters no.

The Black Sea Region for Economic Cooperation - CHRES - was established in 1990-1992 AT compound included 11 countries: Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Turkey, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia. Target: creation of a regime of free movement of goods, services and capital in order to expand industrial cooperation and common entrepreneurship; expansion of economic ties in the Azov-Black Sea region and nearby territories. Provides for common projects in the field of transport, television, energy, ecology, science and technology, agriculture, food industry, the creation of a free economic zone. Possible location headquarters Chief Executive Committee - Istanbul (Turkey).

BENELUX - economic union created on the basis of the customs union. The agreement on the establishment was signed in 1958 for a period of 50 years, began to operate in 1960. Compound : Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg. Headquarters - Brussels, Belgium).

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation - APEC - established at the initiative of Australia in 1989 in the amount of 12 countries. In 2001, there were 21 countries. AT compound included: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Russia, Vietnam, Peru. Target : creation of APEC; easing mutual trade barriers; exchange of services and investments; expansion of cooperation in the field of trade, environmental protection, etc. Until 2010, it is planned to create an APEC Free Trade Zone. Permanent headquarters no.

To mixed blocks belong to integration groupings of countries whose goal is cooperation in several areas. The direction of cooperation is determined by the goals of creating the organization.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations - ASEAN - political and economic union established in 1967 in Bangkok. AT composition 9 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar. In 2005, the President of Russia V.V. Putin attended the regular summit. Target: promotion of regional cooperation in the economic, social and cultural spheres with the aim of strengthening peace in the region; accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through common action on the principle of equality and partnership; cooperation in agriculture, industry, trade, transport, communications in order to improve the living standards of the population; strengthening peace and stability, etc. Headquarters - Jakarta (Indonesia).

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC - political and economic union established in 1985 in Dhaka. Compound (7 countries): India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives. Target : Accelerating the economic, social and cultural development of the participating countries, establishing peace and stability in the region. In 1987, an agreement on the establishment of a regional food fund and a convention to combat terrorism were signed in Delhi. Headquarters - Kathmandu (Nepal).

Caribbean Community - CARICOM - political and economic organization for cooperation in the areas of trade, credit, currency relations, coordination of economic and foreign policy, creation of common facilities. Created in 1973 on the basis of the Chaguaramas Treaty (Trinidad and Tobago). AT compound included 13 countries. Target : political and economic cooperation; foreign policy coordination; economic convergence of the common customs regime; policy coordination in the areas of currency and credit, infrastructure and tourism, agriculture, industry and trade; cooperation in the fields of education and health. Headquarters - Georgetown (Guyana).

League of Arab States - Arab League - established in 1945 in Cairo on the basis of the Arab League pact. Compound (21 countries). Target: strengthening ties between participating States in various fields (economy, finance, transport, culture, health care); coordination of actions of the participating states to protect national security, ensure independence and sovereignty; prohibition of the use of force to settle disputes. Relations are based on the principles of respect for the existing regimes in other countries and the rejection of attempts to change them. Headquarters - Cairo (Egypt).

Organization "Islamic Conference" - OIC - established in 1971 at a conference of heads of state and government of Muslim countries in Rabbat (Morocco). Compound (50 countries. Target : promoting the strengthening of Muslim solidarity; protection of holy places; support for the struggle of all Muslims to secure independence and national rights; support for the struggle of the Palestinian people; cooperation in economic, social, cultural, scientific and other spheres of life. Headquarters - Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).

Commonwealth of Nations - a voluntary association of independent states, symbolized by the British monarch, recognized head of the Commonwealth. Created in 1947 Compound (51 countries). Target : regular consultations of countries on issues of economy, finance, science, education, military sphere; promoting the well-being of peoples. At meetings of the heads of state and government of the Commonwealth member states, the international situation, issues of regional development, socio-economic situation, cultural issues, as well as special programs of the Commonwealth are discussed. Headquarters - London, Great Britain).

Commonwealth of Independent States - CIS - political and economic union established by agreement of December 8, 1991 Compound (12 countries): Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine. The seat of the Executive Secretariat is Minsk (Belarus). CIS budget is formed from equal contributions from participating States. Target: formation of conditions for the stable development of countries in the interests of raising the living standards of the population; gradual creation of a common economic space based on market relations; creation of equal opportunities and guarantees for all economic entities; general implementation of economic projects; solution of economic problems; political, military, economic and cultural cooperation of the participating countries. Headquarters - Minsk, Belarus) .

United Nations - UN - established on October 24, 1945, in 2002 it had 190 members. Observers UN: Vatican, Palestine, Organization of African Unity, European Union, Organization of the Islamic Conference, International Committee of the Red Cross, etc. Officially not part of the UN one country is the Vatican. Target : support and strengthening of international security; development of relations between nations based on respect for the principles of equality and self-determination; international cooperation in solving world problems of a political, economic, social, cultural nature; promoting respect for human rights; transformation of the UN into a center for coordinating the efforts of nations and peoples to achieve common goals. Headquarters - New York, USA).

Main subsections The UN is as follows: General Assembly (GA) - the main body of the UN, which unites all its members (on the principle of "one state - one vote"). Security Council (SC) - a single body of the UN, which can make decisions binding on the members of the UN. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOR) - is responsible for economic and social cooperation and solves tasks related to the implementation of the GA recommendations (studies, reports, etc.). Coordinates the activities of the UN specialized agencies. Guardian Council - consists from the permanent members of the Security Council and resolves issues of US trusteeship over some of the islands of Micronesia.

International Court - the principal judicial and legal organ of the United Nations. Created in 1945, location - The Hague (Netherlands). The court decides disputes only between states. UN Secretariat - consists of the Secretary-General (elected for 5 years) and staff appointed by him, who are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the UN. High Commissioner for Human Rights appointed by the Secretary General and responsible for the activities of the United Nations in the field of human rights. UN official languages - English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French.

To specialized divisions of the UN relate: IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ( headquarters - Vienna); WMO - World Metrology Organization (Geneva); WHO - World Health Organization (Geneva) ; WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization (protects copyright in any area - Geneva ); UPU - Universal Postal Union ( Berne ); IMO - International Maritime Organization (marine safety and ocean protection - London ); ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization ( Montreal ); ILO - The International Labour Organization ( Geneva ); IBRD - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; IMF ; ITU - International Telecommunication Union (radio, telephone, telegraph - Geneva) ; IFAD - International Fund for Agricultural Development - Rome ; UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization - Paris;FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Rome.

international organization is an association of states, created in accordance with international law and on the basis of an international treaty, for the implementation of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, scientific, technical, legal and other fields, which has the necessary system of bodies, rights and obligations derived from the rights and duties of states, and autonomous will, the scope of which is determined by the will of member states.

Comment

• contradicts the foundations of international law, since over the states - the primary subjects of this law - there is not and cannot be supreme power;
• vesting a number of organizations with managerial functions does not mean transferring to them part of the sovereignty of states or their sovereign rights. International organizations do not and cannot have sovereignty;
• the obligation of direct execution by the member states of the decisions of international organizations is based on the provisions of the constituent acts and no more;
• no international organization has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of a state without the consent of the latter, because otherwise it would mean a gross violation of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of a state with negative consequences for such an organization;
• the possession of a “supranational” organization with the authority to create effective mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance with binding rules is just one of the qualities of the legal personality of an organization.

Signs of an international organization:

Any international organization must have at least the following six features:

Establishment under international law

1) Creation in accordance with international law

This sign is, in fact, of decisive importance. Any international organization must be established on a legal basis. In particular, the establishment of any organization should not infringe on the recognized interests of an individual state and the international community as a whole. The constituent document of the organization must comply with the generally recognized principles and norms of international law. According to Art. 53 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations, a peremptory norm of general international law is a norm which is accepted and recognized by the international community of States as a whole as a norm from which no derogation is permitted and which can only be modified by a subsequent norm of general international law bearing the same character.

If an international organization has been created illegally or its activities are contrary to international law, then the constituent act of such an organization must be declared null and void and its operation terminated as soon as possible. An international treaty or any of its provisions is invalid if its execution is connected with any act that is illegal under international law.

Establishment based on an international treaty

2) Establishment based on an international treaty

As a rule, international organizations are created on the basis of an international treaty (convention, agreement, treatise, protocol, etc.).

The object of such an agreement is the behavior of the subjects (parties of the agreement) and the international organization itself. The parties to the founding act are sovereign states. However, in recent years, intergovernmental organizations have also become full members of international organizations. For example, the European Union is a full member of many international fisheries organizations.

International organizations may be created in accordance with the resolutions of other organizations with more general competence.

Implementation of cooperation in specific areas of activity

3) Implementation of cooperation in specific areas of activity

International organizations are created to coordinate the efforts of states in a particular area. They are designed to unite the efforts of states in the political (OSCE), military (NATO), scientific and technical (European Organization for Nuclear Research), economic (EU), monetary (IBRD, IMF), social (ILO) and in many other areas. At the same time, a number of organizations are authorized to coordinate the activities of states in almost all areas (UN, CIS, etc.).

International organizations become intermediaries between member states. States often refer to organizations for discussion and resolution of the most complex issues of international relations. International organizations, as it were, take over a significant number of issues on which relations between states had previously had a direct bilateral or multilateral character. However, not every organization can claim an equal position with states in the relevant areas of international relations. Any powers of such organizations are derived from the rights of the states themselves. Along with other forms of international communication (multilateral consultations, conferences, meetings, seminars, etc.), international organizations act as a body of cooperation on specific problems of international relations.

Availability of an appropriate organizational structure

4) Availability of an appropriate organizational structure

This sign is one of the important signs of the existence of an international organization. It seems to confirm the permanent nature of the organization and thus distinguishes it from numerous other forms of international cooperation.

Intergovernmental organizations have:

• headquarters;
• members represented by sovereign states;
• necessary system of principal and subsidiary organs.

The highest body is the session, convened once a year (sometimes once every two years). The executive bodies are councils. The administrative apparatus is headed by the executive secretary (general director). All organizations have permanent or temporary executive bodies with different legal status and competence.

The presence of the rights and obligations of the organization

5) The presence of the rights and obligations of the organization

It was emphasized above that the rights and obligations of the organization are derived from the rights and obligations of the member states. It depends on the parties and only on the parties that the given organization possesses exactly such (and not another) set of rights, that it is entrusted with the performance of these duties. No organization, without the consent of the member states, can take actions affecting the interests of its members. The rights and obligations of any organization are enshrined in a general form in its founding act, resolutions of higher and executive bodies, and in agreements between organizations. These documents enshrine the intentions of the Member States, which must then be implemented by the relevant international organization. States have the right to prohibit an organization from taking certain actions, and an organization cannot exceed its powers. For example, Art. 3 (5 "C") of the IAEA Statute prohibits the agency, in the performance of its functions related to the provision of assistance to its members, to be guided by political, economic, military or other requirements that are incompatible with the provisions of the Statute of this organization.

Independent international rights and obligations of the organization

6) Independent international rights and obligations of the organization

It is about the possession by an international organization of an autonomous will, distinct from the wills of the member states. This feature means that, within its competence, any organization has the right to independently choose the means and methods for fulfilling the rights and obligations assigned to it by the Member States. The latter, in a certain sense, does not care how the organization implements the activities entrusted to it or the statutory obligations in general. It is the organization itself, as a subject of international public and private law, that has the right to choose the most rational means and methods of activity. In this case, the member states exercise control over whether the organization is lawfully exercising its autonomous will.

In this way, international intergovernmental organization- this is a voluntary association of sovereign states or international organizations, created on the basis of an interstate agreement or a resolution of an international organization of general competence to coordinate the activities of states in a specific area of ​​cooperation, having an appropriate system of main and subsidiary bodies, having an autonomous will different from the wills of its members.

Classification of international organizations

Among the international organizations it is customary to single out:

1. by type of membership:
   • intergovernmental;
   • non-governmental;
2. around the participants:
   • universal - open to the participation of all states (UN, IAEA) or to the participation of public associations and individuals of all states (World Peace Council, International Association of Democratic Lawyers);
   • regional - whose members can be states or public associations and individuals of a certain geographical region (Organization of African Unity, Organization of American States, Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf);
   • interregional - organizations, membership in which is limited by a certain criterion that takes them beyond the scope of a regional organization, but does not allow them to become universal. In particular, participation in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is open only to oil-exporting states. Only Muslim states can be members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC);
3. by competence:
   • general competence - activities affect all areas of relations between member states: political, economic, social, cultural and others (UN);
   • special competence - cooperation is limited to one special area (WHO, ILO), subdivided into political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, religious;
4. by the nature of powers:
   • interstate - regulate the cooperation of states, their decisions are advisory or binding for the participating states;
   • supranational - are vested with the right to make decisions directly binding individuals and legal entities of the Member States and acting on the territory of the states along with national laws;
5. depending on the procedure for admission to international organizations:
   • open - any state can become a member at its own discretion;
   • closed - admission to membership is made at the invitation of the original founders (NATO);
6. by structure:
   • with a simplified structure;
   • with a developed structure;
7. by way of creation:
   • international organizations created in the classical way - on the basis of an international treaty with subsequent ratification;
   • international organizations created on a different basis - declarations, joint statements.

Legal basis of international organizations

The basis for the functioning of international organizations is the sovereign will of the states that establish them and their members. Such an expression of will is embodied in an international treaty concluded by these states, which becomes both a regulator of the rights and obligations of states and a constituent act of an international organization. The contractual nature of the constituent acts of international organizations is enshrined in the 1986 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations.

The charters of international organizations and relevant conventions usually clearly express the idea of ​​their constituent character. Thus, the preamble to the UN Charter proclaims that the governments represented at the San Francisco Conference "have agreed to accept the present Charter of the United Nations and hereby establish an international organization called the United Nations...".

Constituent acts serve as the legal basis for international organizations, they proclaim their goals and principles, and serve as a criterion for the legitimacy of their decisions and activities. In the founding act, the states decide on the international legal personality of the organization.

In addition to the constituent act, international treaties affecting various aspects of the organization's activities, for example, those treaties that develop and specify the functions of the organization and the powers of its bodies, are essential for determining the legal status, competence and functioning of an international organization.

Constituent acts and other international treaties that serve as the legal basis for the creation and activities of international organizations also characterize such an aspect of the status of an organization as the exercise of the functions of a subject of national law as a legal entity. As a rule, these issues are regulated by special international legal acts.

The creation of an international organization is an international problem that can only be solved by coordinating the actions of states. States, by coordinating their positions and interests, determine the totality of the rights and obligations of the organization itself. Coordination of actions of the states at creation of the organization is carried out by them.

In the process of functioning of an international organization, the coordination of the activities of states acquires a different character, since it uses a special mechanism that is constantly operating and adapted for consideration and coordinated solution of problems.

The functioning of an international organization is reduced not only to relations between states, but also between the organization and states. These relations, due to the fact that states voluntarily agreed to certain restrictions, agreed to obey the decisions of an international organization, may have a subordinate nature. The specificity of such subordination relations lies in the fact that:

1. they depend on coordination relations, i.e., if the coordination of the activities of states within the framework of an international organization does not lead to a certain result, then subordinate relations do not arise;
2. they arise in connection with the achievement of a certain result through the functioning of an international organization. States agree to submit to the will of the organization due to the awareness of the need to take into account the interests of other states and the international community as a whole, in order to maintain such an order in international relations in which they themselves are interested.

Sovereign equality should be understood as legal equality. In the 1970 Declaration On the principles of international law concerning friendly relations and cooperation among states in accordance with the UN Charter, it is said that all states enjoy sovereign equality, they have the same rights and obligations, regardless of differences in economic and social, political or other nature. With regard to international organizations, this principle is enshrined in the constituent acts.

This principle means:

• all states have equal rights to participate in the creation of an international organization;
• every state, if it is not a member of an international organization, has the right to join it;
• all member states have the same rights to raise questions and discuss them within the organization;
• each member state has an equal right to represent and defend its interests in the bodies of the organization;
• when making decisions, each state has one vote, there are few organizations that work on the principle of the so-called weighted vote;
• The decision of an international organization applies to all members, unless otherwise stipulated in it.

Legal personality of international organizations

Legal personality is a property of a person, in the presence of which it acquires the qualities of a subject of law.

An international organization cannot be seen as a mere sum of member states, or even as their collective agent acting on behalf of all. In order to fulfill its active role, an organization must have a special legal personality, different from the mere summation of the legal personality of its members. Only under this premise does the problem of the impact of an international organization on its sphere make any sense.

Legal personality of an international organization includes the following four elements:

1. legal capacity, i.e. the ability to have rights and obligations;
2. legal capacity, i.e. the ability of the organization to exercise its rights and obligations by its actions;
3. the ability to participate in the process of international law-making;
4. ability to take legal responsibility for their actions.

One of the main attributes of the legal personality of international organizations is that they have their own will, which allows it to directly participate in international relations and successfully carry out its functions. Most Russian lawyers note that intergovernmental organizations have an autonomous will. Without its own will, without a certain set of rights and obligations, an international organization could not function normally and fulfill the tasks assigned to it. The independence of the will is manifested in the fact that after the organization is created by the states, it (the will) is already a new quality in comparison with the individual wills of the members of the organization. The will of an international organization is not the sum of the wills of the member states, nor is it the fusion of their wills. This will is "isolated" from the wills of other subjects of international law. The source of the will of an international organization is the constituent act as a product of the coordination of the wills of the founding states.

The most important features of the legal personality of international organizations are the following qualities:

1) Recognition of the quality of an international personality by the subjects of international law.

The essence of this criterion lies in the fact that member states and relevant international organizations recognize and undertake to respect the rights and obligations of the relevant intergovernmental organization, their competence, terms of reference, grant privileges and immunities to the organization and its employees, etc. According to the constituent acts, all intergovernmental organizations are legal entities. Member States shall vest them with legal capacity to the extent necessary for the performance of their functions.

2) The presence of separate rights and obligations.

Separate rights and obligations. This criterion of the legal personality of intergovernmental organizations means that organizations have rights and obligations that are different from those of States and can be exercised at the international level. For example, the UNESCO Constitution lists the following responsibilities of the organization:

1. promoting rapprochement and mutual understanding of peoples through the use of all available media;
2. encouraging the development of public education and the dissemination of culture; c) assistance in the preservation, increase and dissemination of knowledge.

3) The right to freely perform their functions.

The right to freely perform their functions. Each intergovernmental organization has its own constituent act (in the form of conventions, statutes or resolutions of an organization with more general powers), rules of procedure, financial rules and other documents that form the internal law of the organization. Most often, in the performance of their functions, intergovernmental organizations proceed from implied competence. In the performance of their functions, they enter into certain legal relations with non-member states. For example, the UN ensures that non-member states act in accordance with the principles set out in Art. 2 of the Charter, as it may be necessary for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The independence of intergovernmental organizations is expressed in the implementation of prescriptions of norms constituting the internal law of these organizations. They may establish any subsidiary bodies that are necessary for the performance of the functions of such organizations. Intergovernmental organizations may adopt rules of procedure and other administrative rules. Organizations have the right to remove the vote of any member who is in arrears in dues. Finally, intergovernmental organizations may ask their member for an explanation if he does not comply with the recommendations on the problems of their activities.

4) The right to conclude contracts.

The contractual legal capacity of international organizations can be attributed to the main criteria of international legal personality, since one of the characteristic features of the subject of international law is its ability to develop the norms of international law.

In the exercise of their powers, agreements of intergovernmental organizations are of a public law, private law or mixed nature. In principle, each organization can conclude international treaties, which follows from the content of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations or between International Organizations of 1986. In particular, the preamble to this Convention states that an international organization has such legal capacity to conclude treaties that necessary for the performance of its functions and the achievement of its objectives. According to Art. 6 of this Convention, the legal capacity of an international organization to conclude treaties is governed by the rules of that organization.

5) Participation in the creation of international law.

The law-making process of an international organization includes activities aimed at creating legal norms, as well as their further improvement, modification or cancellation. It should be emphasized that no international organization, including a universal one (for example, the UN, its specialized agencies), has "legislative" powers. This, in particular, means that any norm contained in the recommendations, rules and draft treaties adopted by an international organization must be recognized by the state, firstly, as an international legal norm, and secondly, as a norm binding on this state.

The law-making of an international organization is not unlimited. The scope and type of lawmaking of the organization are strictly defined in its founding agreement. Since the charter of each organization is individual, the volume, types and directions of law-making activities of international organizations differ from each other. The specific scope of powers granted to an international organization in the field of lawmaking can only be clarified on the basis of an analysis of its constituent act.

In the process of creating norms governing relations between states, an international organization can play various roles. In particular, in the initial phases of the law-making process, an international organization may:

• be an initiator, proposing to conclude a certain interstate agreement;
• act as the author of the draft text of such an agreement;
• convene in the future a diplomatic conference of states in order to agree on the text of the treaty;
• itself to play the role of such a conference, carrying out the coordination of the text of the treaty and its approval in its intergovernmental body;
• after the conclusion of the contract, perform the functions of the depositary;
• enjoy certain powers in the field of interpretation or revision of the contract concluded with its participation.

International organizations play a significant role in the formation of customary norms of international law. The decisions of these organizations contribute to the emergence, formation and termination of the norms of custom.

6) The right to enjoy privileges and immunities.

Without privileges and immunities, the normal practical activity of any international organization is impossible. In some cases, the scope of privileges and immunities is determined by a special agreement, and in others - by national legislation. However, in general terms, the right to privileges and immunities is enshrined in the founding act of each organization. Thus, the UN enjoys on the territory of each of its members such privileges and immunities as are necessary to achieve its goals (Article 105 of the Charter). The property and assets of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), wherever located and whoever holds them, are immune from search, confiscation, expropriation or any other form of seizure or alienation by executive or legislative action (art. 47 of the Agreement on institution of the EBRD).

Any organization cannot invoke immunity in all cases when it, on its own initiative, enters into civil legal relations in the host country.

7) The right to ensure the implementation of international law.

Giving international organizations the authority to ensure the implementation of international law testifies to the independent nature of organizations in relation to member states and is one of the important signs of legal personality.

At the same time, the main means are the institutions of international control and responsibility, including the application of sanctions. Control functions are carried out in two ways:

• through the submission of reports by Member States;
• observation and examination of a controlled object or situation on the spot.

International legal sanctions that can be applied by international organizations can be divided into two groups:

1) sanctions, the implementation of which is permissible by all international organizations:

• suspension of membership in the organization;
• expulsion from the organization;
• denial of membership;
• exclusion from international communication on certain issues of cooperation.

2) sanctions, the powers to implement which have strictly defined organizations.

The application of sanctions assigned to the second group depends on the goals of the given organization. For example, the UN Security Council, in order to maintain or restore international peace and security, has the right to use coercive actions by air, sea or land forces. Such actions may include demonstrations, blockades and other operations by air, sea or land forces of UN members (Article 42 of the UN Charter)

In the event of a gross violation of the rules for the operation of nuclear facilities, the IAEA has the right to apply so-called corrective measures, up to issuing an order to suspend the operation of such a facility.
Intergovernmental organizations have been granted the right to take a direct part in resolving disputes that arise between them and international organizations and states. When resolving disputes, they have the right to resort to the same peaceful means of resolving disputes that are usually used by the primary subjects of international law - sovereign states.

8) International legal responsibility.

Acting as independent entities, international organizations are subjects of international legal responsibility. For example, they should be held accountable for the illegal actions of their officials. Organizations may become liable if they abuse their privileges and immunities. It should be assumed that political responsibility may arise in the event that an organization violates its functions, fails to comply with agreements concluded with other organizations and states, for interference in the internal affairs of subjects of international law.

Liability of organizations may arise in case of violation of the legal rights of their employees, experts, brute force, etc. They are also obliged to be liable to the governments where they are located, their headquarters, for illegal actions, for example, for unjustified alienation of land, non-payment utilities, violation of sanitary standards, etc.