Non-state actors and transnational relations in the new global system

• Author: Alina Angela Manolescu
• Position: PhD candidate, LUSPIO University of Rome
• Pages: 63-65

NON-STATE ACTORS AND TRANSNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE

NEW GLOBAL SYSTEM

Alina Angela Manolescu

∗

∗∗

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Abstract

The present article defines the concept of transnationalism and the main

characteristics of the different actors of civil society. The global civil society plays an

important role within the global governance, as international relations are extended to

transnational actions.

Key-words: transnational relations, governance, globalization, non-state actors.

Introduction

Globalization has undermined the order based on territorial control of states, and is

deeply stirring the concepts of sovereignty. Legitimacy of states is sometimes undermined, but

sometimes expanding. In a globalized world, sovereignty is divided among several entities,

while sovereign powers are not rigidly defined.

A globalized world

There are three elements we should consider in studying globalization: interests,

equity and governance. The first one is referring to the engine of globalization, that is the

force of powerful interests that motivate globalizers. The second one gives us the picture of

an important uneven distribution of costs and benefits. The last one is the crucial element,

that of the governance. From one hand globalization undermines the legitimacy of states, and

from another one states have bi gger responsibility, as citizens facing crisis rely more on

national institution. Globalization drives people to the reassurance of the national institutions.

Therefore, states are strengthened as governments collaborate to extend their influence across

frontiers and around the world.

1

In this context of crisis of the nation-state, a new link can be made between

democracy and law, through the concept of sovereignty. This concept should be re-

considered, since sovereignty related to the territory results inadequate. It is evident than, that

a transnational legal order arises, available to incorporate the contribution of new players in a

dynamic manner.

The role of non-state actors in the international relations

There are a large number of partners involved in the legal and economic process of

globalization. They have the ability to give voice to a new kind of public interest, and civil

society recognizes their authority. These include big corporations, NGOs, intergovernmental

organizations, social movements, civil society, policy networks, issue networks and

communities of experts.

While the international actors of the modern society were sovereign states, nowadays

the coordination of actors is broader and includes three types of subjects: states and

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PhD candidate, LUSPIO University of Rome

1

Ferrarese Mar ia Rosaria, Le istituzioni della globalizzazione. Diritto e diritti nella società transnazionale, Ed.

Il mulino, 2000.