Non-state actor

How it is used

Very common in security studies, global governance and human rights writing. Realism focuses on states, while liberal and constructivist scholars pay more attention to non-state actors. Legal texts use phrases such as 'armed non-state actors'.

Example sentences

1. Non-state actors such as large technology companies now help shape international rules.

2. The conference invited NGOs and other non-state actors to speak.

3. The treaty does not clearly cover attacks by non-state actors.

Common collocations

• non-state actors
• armed non-state actors
• state and non-state actors
• role of non-state actors

Related terms

• NGOShort for non-governmental organisation: a non-profit group that is independent of governments and works on issues such as human rights, aid, development or the environment.
• international organisationA body set up by agreement between states, with its own members, rules and permanent staff, to deal with shared problems such as security, trade, health or development.
• realismA major theory of international relations holding that states are the main actors, that they pursue power and security in an anarchic system, and that conflict is always possible.
• sovereigntyThe full right and power of a state to govern its own territory and people without outside interference; a basic principle of the modern international system.

More terms: Theories of International Relations

• international relations
• balance of power
• liberalism
• constructivism
• anarchy
• great power
• hegemony
• security dilemma
• interdependence