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GG-620: Actors in Global Governance

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the diverse actors that shape global governance. Moving beyond a state-centric view of international relations, the course explores the complex ecosystem of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations, philanthropic foundations, transnational policy networks, and other non-state entities that participate in the governance of global life. Students will analyze the historical evolution of global governance, the theoretical frameworks used to understand actor behaviour and influence, and the empirical realities of how different actors interact, compete, and collaborate across a range of issue areas, from security and economic governance to human rights and sustainable development. The course is built around Thomas G. Weiss and Rorden Wilkinson’s International Organization and Global Governance, a comprehensive resource that covers the full range of state, intergovernmental, and non-state actors. The course prepares students for advanced research and professional work in international affairs, diplomacy, and global policy.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

  1. Analyze the historical evolution and theoretical foundations of global governance and the diverse actors involved.

  2. Evaluate the roles, functions, and influence of states and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) in global governance.

  3. Assess the contributions and strategies of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society actors.

  4. Critically examine the growing role of corporations, philanthropic foundations, and other private actors in global governance.

  5. Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge to analyze hybrid governance arrangements, transnational networks, and the interactions among different actors.

  6. Formulate evidence-based assessments of the legitimacy, accountability, and effectiveness of various actors in global governance.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the concept of global governance and distinguish it from traditional international organization.

  2. Identify and describe the full range of actors—state, intergovernmental, and non-state—that participate in global governance.

  3. Apply theoretical frameworks (e.g., realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical approaches) to analyze actor behaviour.

  4. Evaluate the influence of different actors across issue areas, including security, economic governance, human rights, and sustainable development.

  5. Analyze the legitimacy, accountability, and effectiveness challenges facing non-state actors.

  6. Critically assess the dynamics of hybrid governance, public-private partnerships, and transnational policy networks.

  7. Produce a well-reasoned research paper on a specific actor or governance arrangement.

ORGANIZATION OF COURSE STUDIES

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2–3 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook chapters, viewing of the supplementary video, and a short response paper or reflective assignment (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application. Students must contact the instructor for feedback after each period.

Course Content

End of Course Student Feedback Form (all students must complete this form after receiving grade).

End-of-Course Student Feedback Survey
50

Course Instructor:

This is course is supervised by a primary instructor/faculty member and may also be served by a backup instructor.

The International Faculty Coordinator will confirm the assignment. Do not contact any instructor prior to LMS enrollment with faculty assignment confirmed.