International Organizations

The world is like high school. Specifically, the international community is like high school. If that simile is true, then nations are like high school students, all struggling to find its place in this highly competitive world. Because of this, many nations forge binds together in order to foster a peaceful atmosphere, encourage cooperation and have a feeling of security. Like high school, nations form groups according to their personality, interests and proximity to one another. Thus, the concept of international organizations was born.

There are many types of international organizations. They differ in membership, membership criteria and function. Some organizations open membership to all nations as far as they comply with the criteria they set and after the general assembly’s approval. Some group together according to geographic location. Membership to some is open only to nations with the same dominant religion. Other organizations base their membership on common history or culture.

Global Organizations

Global organizations refer to groups or communities whose membership is open to any nation of the world. The United Nations is one of these. However, not all global organizations are intergovernmental or political by nature. Others are specialized agencies such as:

• World Trade Organization

• International Seabed Authority

• International Hydrographic Organization

• Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

• Interpol

Regional Organizations

Creating international organizations or communities according to geographic location is inevitable. Most of the time, countries within one particular region share a common or, at least similar, history and culture. Although there are also significant differences, proximity facilitates cooperation and unity. Here are some important regional organizations:

• European Union (EU)

• Benelux

• Nordic Council

• East Asian Summit

• Gulf Cooperation Council

• South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

• African Union (AU)

• Association of American States (AAS)

• Caribbean Community

• North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO)

Financial Organizations

There are also international organizations, which aim to help its member states financially. These include:

• World Bank

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Bank for International Settlements

Organizations Based on History, Culture or Religion

History, culture and religion play an important part in international cooperation. Many nations sharing a common religion or history establish organizations in order to have a venue to discuss issues that matter to them and pursue their interest to the international community. Here are some of them:

• Commonwealth of Nations

• Organization of Ibero-American States

• Union Latina

• La Francophonie

• Organization of the Islamic Conference

• Arab League

• Non-Aligned Movement

The World as High School

Yes, the international community is like high school. Some nations and governments fight over ideas and territory. Some compete for dominance. Some bully another. Some help one another. You may look at international organizations as something that divides the international community. However, the optimists see it as a way of accepting our differences and grouping together so that we can easily achieve peace and cooperation with the rest of the world.