Here are some key characteristics of supranational organizations:
* Authority beyond national borders: They have the power to make decisions and enforce rules that apply to multiple countries.
* Member states cede some sovereignty: Countries that join supranational organizations agree to give up some of their decision-making power to the organization.
* Goal of cooperation and integration: Supranational organizations aim to foster cooperation and integration between member states, often in areas like trade, economics, or security.
Examples of Supranational Organizations:
* The European Union (EU): A political and economic union of 27 European countries, with its own parliament, court, and executive branch.
* The United Nations (UN): An intergovernmental organization with 193 member states, focused on international peace and security, development, and human rights.
* The World Trade Organization (WTO): A global organization that regulates international trade and helps reduce trade barriers.
* The World Bank: A financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries.
* The International Monetary Fund (IMF): An international organization that provides financial assistance to countries in need.
Understanding "Supranational" vs. "International":
It's important to differentiate "supranational" from "international."
* International organizations involve cooperation between states, but they don't necessarily have authority over them.
* Supranational organizations go beyond mere cooperation and have some form of authority over member states.
By understanding the concept of "supranational," you gain a better perspective on how global governance and cooperation work in the modern world.