Public versus private power: Non-governmental organisations and international security

Abstract

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have had growing involvement in international security since the end of the Cold War. It is important to explain why and how they have been ascribed and taken on a range of new roles under the rubric of ‘international security’, including public diplomacy, track-two negotiations, community reconciliation, post-conflict peace-building, and peace advocacy. What have been the key factors behind this trend? What about NGO effectiveness in this policy arena? And what are the wider lessons and implications for those seeking to promote international security?.