European development cooperation and the role of nonstate actors

• Author: Alina Angela Manolescu
• Position: PhD candidate, LUSPIO University of Rome
• Pages: 197-200

EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND THE ROLE OF

NONSTATE ACTORS

Alina Angela Manolescu

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Abstract

The erosion of the powers of the national state and the lack of recognition of social

values in the globalization process show that actions should be implemented not at an

international level but at transnational one. In this context, the EU development cooperation

is based on freedom, social responsibility, and overall growth.

Key-words: development cooperation, human rights, non state actors

Introduction

Economic growth and human well-being are both prerequisites for full enjoyment of

human rights. The link between international trade liberalization of services and goods and

protection of human rights can be highlighted in the context of transnational relations,

trough the development cooperation. The role of non state actors is fundamental because of

their transnational dimension while represent instances of public interest on the global stage.

Non state actors in transnational relations in the European Union

In a globalized world, with the phenomena of cross-nationalization of production and

capital, standardization of consumer tastes and legitimization of global capitalism, European

Member States can only survive by creating a distinctive market ruled by quality. But

market-mediated development excludes the poor part of the economy, in a society where

profit-making through competitive pricing dictates the rules of citizen’s lives.

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Phenomena like aggressive consumerism, drug trafficking, money laundering, global

arms trade, global gambling, endemic currency crises, unequal exchange, growing

inequalities in income and wealth and growing poverty can lead to a “clash of civilization”.

In excluding other cultures from the system of values of the international s ystem of

cooperation for development, Huntington’s prediction could come true. In a borderless world

the European market should be represented by quality, tradition and equity.

Non-state actors are all organizations that are not part of the private sector and that are not

states, including NGOs. These actors have multiple roles in the development cooperation,

particularly the participation in policy dialogue and project implementation. Although private

organizations, the NGO’s pursue the public interest in the most different purposes, especially

politics and require a transnational action.

The process of cross-nationalization has been legitimized largely through three

international organizations: the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO. This no state actors,

together with G-7 countries are leading today`s economic governance.

WTO is an organization sui generis since 153 states with different levels of

development. The WTO governs the free exchange of services in a stable framework of rules

and principles, contained in the GATS agreement. The WTO lacks the balance between free

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PhD candidate, LUSPIO University of Rome

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Ferrarese Maria Rosaria, Il Diritto Al Presente: Globalizzazione E Tempo Delle Istituzioni, Il mulino .