Are nation states still the most important actors in global politics?

A nation state is a geographical area that can be identified as delivering its political legacy from serving as a sovereign nation. A state is a political and geopolitical entity, while nation is a cultural and ethnic one. 

In Global Politics it can sometimes be unclear as to which are the most powerful actors in the system. Some may argue that nation states are still the most important actors in global politics whereas others would argue that non state entity's are more important in the modern world.

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is an organization that is neither a part of a government nor a conventional for-profit business. Usually set up by ordinary citizens, NGOs may be funded by governments, foundations, businesses, or private persons.

Unlike nation states NGOs are not obliged to consider public opinion or desire.  NGOs have been recognized as being important in the progression towards a cleaner global environment, the quick relief in war zones, and the struggle towards democracy. The large number of NGOs in attendance at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development demonstrates their desire to be included as rightful participants in environmental management. The 1980s saw the emergence of NGOs as important figure in world elections.The monitoring of elections helped to provide democratic elections in countries where the leaders are often oppressive. From 1986 to 1989, election monitors played important roles in the transitional elections in the Philippines, Chile, Panama, Nicaragua, and Haiti.8 It is undeniable that NGOs play an important role in global politics. Through the United Nations, non-governmental organizations have a legitimate place within the political system. In practice, recognized NGOs have access to all UN documents which have been officially circulated.

In the international community there is not an individual or a group who holds higher authority than a state. Authorized states are entitled to participate in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Therefore, states are able to make decisions affecting political and economic policies which impact the world. Non-state actors are not entitled to vote in the United Nations; therefore, it is difficult to get their voices heard. Non-state actors simply do not have the resources to be successful as the major actors in world politics. In regards to finance, it is crucial that NGOs are not funded by a specific government or intergovernmental organizations. The fear is that if an NGO is financed by a state, that non-profit organization could become an instrument of foreign governments and thus compromise their independence. Without the assistance of a state, NGOs do not possess the power to become major actors in world politics.

In conclusion nation states do remain the most powerful actors in global politics but NGOs, international globalisations, have increasing amounts of influence due to globalisation.