Blog #5-Grant Voytovich

 Grant Voytovich

POLS 170

Blog

5/3/2022

The article titled “Trump Sets Date to End WHO Membership Over its Handling of Virus” by Pien Huang talks about how President Trump decided to leave the World Health Organization because of their decisions on the COVID-19 virus.  This made me want to research the benefits and drawbacks of International Governmental Organizations.  

One of the biggest benefits of IGO’s is that they assist countries with numerous economic policies.  For example, the World Bank assists countries with economic development, reduce poverty, and just help countries grow.  The World Bank website says, “The World Bank has two goals: to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity in a sustainable way.”  They have also stepped in to assist Ukraine in their efforts against Russia.  Another International Organization is the World Trade Organization, which helps to ensure that countries are trading with each other, and that trade goes smoothly.  All members of the World Trade Organization are offered the same trade policy concessions, and they have access to the same deals.  One of the most popular IO’s is the International Monetary Fund, which ensures financial stability for all members involved.  They make sure countries don’t run out of foreign exchange rates, and come to the rescue if a country is low on reserves.  

There are some disadvantages to International Organizations, too.  They frequently come to the rescue when countries are in need of assistance, so it is virtually impossible to play their role.  If a country runs out of foreign exchange reserves, then the International Monetary Fund has to react quickly to assist this country.  Because of the role of IO’s, it is very difficult to please every country involved.  Different countries might need different things, so it is tough to cater to their individual needs.  Countries might also have conflicts of interest if they don’t get what they want.  Languages are different in countries, so communication will be difficult as well.  Finally, if you are dealing with multiple countries, then that complicates everything.  So, it is very tough to operate an International Organization.

I do think that IO’s are very beneficial, and that countries should join them if they can afford it and if they are available.  I think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages personally.  




“World Bank Group - International Development, Poverty, & Sustainability.” World Bank, https://www.worldbank.org/en/home.

Comments

  1. CiaraMay 10, 2022 at 12:37 PM

    Grant,
    I think this topic is interesting as International Government Organizations are frequently involved in power politics and decision making. I agree with your point that advantages outweigh disadvantage and it shows unity and cooperation with other countries involved. They deal with many questions the world may have about economics, health, social relations, etc and made it easier for countries to fluently work together in a safe environment without fear of conflict. They cover a realm of issues that would be near impossible to address to the extent they are able with the support from multiple countries. Some of which have become, "essential actors in the international community" (International organizations). Even now their impacts are increasing and showing strength in international cooperation.

    https://hls.harvard.edu/dept/opia/what-is-public-interest-law/public-service-practice-settings/public-international-law/intergovernmental-organizations-igos/#:~:text=The%20main%20purposes%20of%20IGOs,with%20economic%20and%20social%20questions.

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