INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS VERSUS STATE ACTORS IN LAW-MAKING IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Globalisation, trade, poverty, and new challenges such as coronavirus, terrorism, and environmentaldegradation, among others are increasingly asserting non-state actors such as international organisations ininternational activities and making them more relevant than ever in contemporary times. These internationalorganisations are contributing to international securities, co-operations, expert opinions, international lawmakingand solutions to global challenges. Arguably, these contributions are putting them in a competing pedestalwith the state. Many states belong to different international organisations and by virtue of such membership,surrender part of their powers to international organisations. Based on the forgoing, this paper questions whetherinternational organisations, through the lens of World Health Organisation (WHO), are taking priority ininternational affairs and replacing states as primary actors in the international system. This paper argues thatdespite the prominence of international organisations, states are resisting international organisations andguarding their sovereignty. It is recommended that rather than such competition and conflicts among states andinternational organisations, more co-operation among states and international organisations are necessary foraddressing contemporary challenges.