Sovereign nations share the international system with a host of non-state


transnational actors. Some of these entities have been created by states


themselves, often as a result of the need to jointly solve a common


problem, such as the United Nations. Other international entities


are created when members of a society organize across traditional


national boundaries to deal with a collective concern, such as Amnesty


International or Oxfam. To understand and explain contemporary world


politics we need to consider these institutions, as key actors influencing


issues of war and peace.


Although transnational actors are not new on the world stage, the number


and type of these international entities expanded dramatically after


World War II. This set examines both the rise of these new transnational


actors and their effect on international politics and policies.


Volume One: Causes - Why Do International Institutions Exist?


Volume Two: Consequences - When, Where and Why International


Institutions are Effective


Volume Three: Types of Institutions - Security and Economic


Volume Four: Types of Institutions - Environment, Human Rights,


International Courts, Multilateralism, Regionalism