International Governmental Organizations

International government organizations (IGOs) are political institutions that serve many purposes through cooperative diplomatic relations. An IGO is official when its membership includes at least three members from the state system defined by the Correlates of War,1 it holds regular plenary sessions at least once every ten years, and has a permanent secretariat and headquarters. IGOs operate not only with different agendas, but also on different terms and these terms of reference shape the power relationships and decisions in these forums. For example, the World Bank and IMF operate on the grounds that a country contributing more funds to the institution has more weight in a vote; thus, all countries are not equal in these IGOs which are oriented toward financial aid and development. In contrast, the UNGA gives each country one vote regardless of its financial status or population; a large wealthy country is required to give proportionately more and even though the United States refuses to pay vast obligated sums in a timely manner (such that it cripples the institution purposely), it still is allowed its seat on the Security Council and a vote in the UNGA. Representation in the UN is a major issue, but not one that will change in the near future.