Transnational Associations and INGOs: Macro-Associations

Taking international non-governmental organizations as the key unit of analysis, this chapter outlines the nature and history of transnational voluntary associations since the early nineteenth century before proceeding to evaluate the transformation of their organizational forms in the post-Cold War era and their shifting geographical distribution. It is argued that the traditional hierarchical model of an international organization headquartered in ‘Western’ countries is becoming increasingly challenged by new organizational forms based in multiple regions of the world. The chapter then considers the practices of transnational associations, exploring their advocacy and service roles with particular reference to the mechanisms for evaluating these organizations’ effectiveness in fulfilling these roles. The proposition that transnational associations have contributed towards the development of global civil society and the enhancement of global democracy is then considered, before proceeding to an evaluation of perspectives on their legitimacy and accountability, which have become increasingly central to the research agenda on transnational associations. The chapter concludes by making recommendations for future research into transnational associations