(1) Select one international nongovernmental organization (choose any one you’d like; if you need ideas, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_non-governmental_organization (Links to an external site.) ). Describe its mission and geographical scope. What does the INGO do to facilitate international cooperation? (2) Research one specific project the INGO is doing in one specific country (you can probably find one by looking at the INGO’s website or by scanning news sources). What are the objectives of the project, and how does the INGO partner with locals in order to implement them?

QUESTION

Last week, we focused on international cooperation among governments in the form of international treaties. This week, we focus on international cooperation among individuals and organizations in the form of International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). INGOs are nonprofit associations of individuals or organizations from more than one country that promote goals of peace and development. The objective of this week’s assignment is to understand INGOs as carriers of globalization.

(1) Select one international nongovernmental organization (choose any one you’d like; if you need ideas, look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_non-governmental_organization (Links to an external site.) ). Describe its mission and geographical scope. What does the INGO do to facilitate international cooperation?

(2) Research one specific project the INGO is doing in one specific country (you can probably find one by looking at the INGO’s website or by scanning news sources). What are the objectives of the project, and how does the INGO partner with locals in order to implement them?

(3) Summarize one criticism of your INGO (Google “criticizes my INGO”). What is the nature of the criticism? Does it have anything to do with the INGO overstepping national sovereignty?

ANSWER

Analysis of an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) as a Carrier of Globalization

Introduction

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) play a vital role in fostering international cooperation among individuals and organizations. They promote goals of peace and development, acting as carriers of globalization. In this essay, we will explore the mission and geographical scope of an INGO, examine a specific project conducted by the organization in a particular country, and analyze one criticism directed towards the INGO, paying attention to any concerns related to national sovereignty.

Description of the INGO

For this assignment, we will focus on Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an esteemed international medical humanitarian organization. MSF’s mission is to provide medical aid and assistance to populations affected by crises, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, and other emergencies. It aims to deliver independent, impartial medical care based on humanitarian principles, ensuring that medical assistance reaches those most in need.

MSF’s geographical scope spans across the globe, operating in numerous countries and regions affected by health crises and humanitarian emergencies (About Doctors Without Borders, 2022). They maintain a presence in over 70 countries, delivering medical care and aid to vulnerable populations, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

To facilitate international cooperation, MSF operates based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. They collaborate with local communities, governments, and other organizations to ensure effective and efficient delivery of medical assistance. MSF recruits and trains local staff, establishing partnerships with local healthcare providers and community leaders to gain insights into local contexts, cultural sensitivities, and healthcare infrastructure.

Specific Project of MSF in a Country

One notable project undertaken by MSF can be seen in South Sudan, where they have been addressing the dire healthcare situation. The objectives of this project are to provide essential medical services, improve healthcare infrastructure, and strengthen local capacity in a country plagued by prolonged conflict and instability.

In partnership with locals, MSF establishes medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and mobile units, to deliver primary and specialized healthcare services. They recruit and train local healthcare professionals, providing them with necessary skills and resources to deliver quality care (MSF Academy for Healthcare | MSF, n.d.). MSF also collaborates with community leaders and authorities to ensure the acceptance and sustainability of their programs. By involving the local population, MSF empowers communities to take ownership of their healthcare systems and participate actively in the project’s implementation.

Criticism of MSF

One criticism directed towards MSF relates to its perceived overstepping of national sovereignty. Critics argue that MSF’s independent and impartial approach sometimes leads to clashes with local governments, as the organization operates without seeking explicit permission or coordination (Whittall, 2017). This criticism stems from the tension between the organization’s mandate to provide aid to those in need and the principles of state sovereignty.

While MSF maintains its neutrality and independence, some governments perceive their actions as undermining their authority or interfering with their internal affairs. In certain instances, governments have accused MSF of violating national sovereignty by operating without official authorization or in areas where the government has limited control.

However, it is important to note that MSF’s primary objective is to provide urgent medical care to populations in distress, often in contexts where local healthcare systems are overwhelmed or inaccessible. The organization adheres to international humanitarian principles and strives to work collaboratively with governments, respecting national sovereignty whenever possible. The tensions arise from the complex dynamics of providing assistance in crisis situations, where the urgency to save lives may occasionally clash with political considerations.

Conclusion

International Non-Governmental Organizations like Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) exemplify the role of INGOs as carriers of globalization. MSF’s mission to provide medical aid and assistance to populations affected by crises demonstrates their commitment to promoting peace and development. By partnering with local communities, governments, and healthcare providers, MSF facilitates international cooperation, ensuring that medical assistance reaches those most in need. While criticisms regarding national sovereignty exist, MSF maintains its principles of independence and neutrality, striving to strike a balance between urgent humanitarian needs and respecting the sovereignty of the countries in which they operate.

References

About Doctors Without Borders. (2022, July 4). MSF Eastern Africa. https://msf.or.ke/en/about-MSF 

MSF Academy for Healthcare | MSF. (n.d.). Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International. https://www.msf.org/academy

Whittall, J. (2017). A crisis of legitimacy for humanitarianism: In conflict situations how does the close relationship between Western power and humanitarian aid affect emergency response capacity and access for aid organisations? Samu. https://www.academia.edu/34394824/A_crisis_of_legitimacy_for_humanitarianism_In_conflict_situations_how_does_the_close_relationship_between_Western_power_and_humanitarian_aid_affect_emergency_response_capacity_and_access_for_aid_organisations