Understanding non-governmental organizations in world politics: the promise and pitfalls of the early ‘science of internationalism’

The years immediately preceding the First World War witnessed the development of a significant body of literature claiming to establish a ‘science of internationalism’. This article draws attention to the importance of this literature, especially in relation to understanding the roles of non-governmental organizations in world politics. It elaborates the ways in which this literature sheds light on issues that have become central to twenty-first century debates, including the characteristics, influence, and legitimacy of non-governmental organizations in international relations. Amongst the principal authors discussed in the article are Paul Otlet, Henri La Fontaine and Alfred Fried, whose role in the development of international theory has previously received insufficient attention. The article concludes with evaluation of potential lessons to be drawn from the experience of the early twentieth century ‘science of internationalism’

Mapping the grassroots: NGO formalisation in Oaxaca, Mexico

Using data compiled from two surveys of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, we analysed regional variations in the degree of 'formalisation' among NGOs operating in the state. Formalisation is shown to vary from regions with a weak grassroots sector but a top-heavy concentration of activities undertaken by more formalised NGOs, to those with a strong grassroots base but a smaller number of more formalised organisations. These structures do not appear to correlate with either levels of poverty or proportion of indigenous population, but instead with unique geo-historical conditions in each region. We conclude by reflecting on the broader implications of these structures, particularly in the context of neoliberal state policies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.