Research by: Oladiran Kehinde
International organizations are formal structures created by agreements between different entities , which can include countries(often refers to as states), non- governmental organizations(NGOs), and transnational entities. These organizations are designed to facilitate cooperation, regulate international relations, and address global issues ranging from peace and security to human rights and environmental sustainability. Example of major international organizations include: United Nations, World Health Organization, International Union for Conservation of Nature, European Union, World Trade Organization, International Criminal Court, etc.
Contemporary global security risks and challenges
The current global security environment is complex, with interconnected military and non-military challenges. Non-military risks, such as terrorism, nationalism, environmental issues, resource scarcity, and demographic changes, are increasingly significant. A comprehensive security approach is needed to address these diverse threats, which can have far-reaching impacts across regions. Some of the global threats people are familiar with includes:
Nationalism and pluralism, highlighting humanity’s need for belonging through tribal, religious, and national identities. Scholars debate whether nations evolved from ethnic groups or were artificially created. Nationalism has shaped history, leading to the collapse of multi-ethnic empires and the rise of nation-states, influencing self-determination and sovereignty but also causing conflicts due to misaligned ethnic and political boundaries. Intolerance and extreme nationalism threaten multiculturalism, while pluralism, essential for democracy, requires continuous effort. The key question remains: is pluralism a historical evolution or a deliberate societal choice?
Environmental threats are crucial to human and global security. Rapid human activity has led to ecosystem degradation, surpassing Earth's resource capacity since the 1980s, creating a 20% ecological deficit. Economic priorities have outweighed environmental concerns, causing climate change, deforestation, ozone depletion, and rising environmental refugees. Population growth, especially in developing nations, has intensified resource consumption, making current economic models unsustainable. Environmental issues are classified into local (pollution, sanitation), regional (acid rain, oil spills), and global (global warming, ozone depletion) challenges.
Terrorism: Prior to 11 September 2001, terrorism was only one among a large and growing number of international security concerns. Terrorism is considered as a hindering force to the development of liberal, open and democratic societies governed by the rule of law. Terrorists are always seeking to achieve certain goals ; and it is intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, ideological or economical/social. Terrorism as different forms including :
1. Domestic Terrorism– Violent acts by a country's own citizens targeting the government, civilians, or infrastructure.
2. International Terrorism – Attacks that cross national borders, often carried out by global terrorist groups or individuals.
3. Cyberterrorism – The use of technology to attack digital systems and networks for ideological or political purposes.
International Cooperation in Addressing Global Challenges
In this section, we examine how key international organizations have contributed to solving major global challenges through cooperation, policy-making, and coordinated action.
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), established on 15 June 2017 by UN General Assembly Resolution 71/291, works at the global, regional, and national levels to combat terrorism. It coordinates counter-terrorism initiatives and ensures the balanced implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The European Union (EU) plays a significant role in addressing issues related to nationalism and pluralism by fostering unity among diverse nations. The EU promotes nationalism by respecting member states' sovereignty and encouraging national pride within a united Europe. It manages nationalism through economic integration, shared laws, and open borders that reduce isolation. Additionally, it promotes pluralism by supporting cultural diversity, protecting minority rights, and enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
On environmental challenges, the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serves as a key international response to climate change. Adopted in 2015, this legally binding treaty aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to stay below 1.5°C. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and decline by 43% by 2030. The agreement unites all countries in a shared commitment to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) addresses the growing threat of cybercrime by recognizing cyberspace as a domain of warfare. It established the Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) for cyber training and research. Through the Cyber Defence Pledge, NATO members commit to strengthening national cyber infrastructure. The organization also conducts cyber exercises like Locked Shields, promotes intelligence sharing, and develops rapid-response strategies to handle cyber threats.
The World Health Organization (WHO) develops global strategies to prevent and control epidemic-prone diseases such as yellow fever, cholera, and influenza. Working with partners across technical and scientific fields, WHO coordinates resources and scales these strategies to regional and national levels. Notable initiatives include:
- Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (2017–2026)
- Ending Cholera: Global Roadmap to 2030
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework
- Global Strategy for Influenza (2018–2030)
WHO also oversees emergency vaccine and antibiotic stockpiles through the International Coordinating Group, providing support during major outbreaks.
Through these coordinated efforts, international cooperation continues to play a vital role in combating complex global challenges and promoting global peace, security, and sustainability.
Overview of International Organizations involved in Global Security.
United Nations and its Security Council
The UNSC plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security. Established in 1945, its primary objectives include; Maintaining international peace and security, recommending new UN members, and approving UN charter changes etc. The UNSC consists of 15 members, including; 5 Permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK, each with veto powers). 10 non-permanent members (these are elected by the General Assembly for two yrs terms, representing various geographic regions.
The UNSC has the authority to impose sanctions concerning economic, diplomatic, or military measures to maintain peace and security. It has the authority to authorise peacekeeping missions, and issue binding resolutions.
The UNSC faces criticism for its composition and veto power, with calls for reform to better represent the global community.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the international organisations which was established not only to counter the Soviet threat but also to prevent the resurgence of nationalist militarism in Europe and to promote European political integration. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a political and military alliance of 28 countries from North America and Europe. It was born in 1949, after World War II, in order to deter Soviet expansionism, foster European political integration and forbid the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe.
NATO’s 12 founder members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. The rest of the 28 joined later: Greece and Turkey (1952), Germany (1955), Spain (1982), the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia (2004), and Albania and Croatia (2009).After World War II, Europe faced massive devastation—millions dead, widespread homelessness, and extreme poverty. Meanwhile, Soviet-backed communists threatened democratic governments, as seen in the 1948 coup in Czechoslovakia and the blockade of West Berlin. NATO emerged as a collective response to these crises, aiming to secure peace, stability, and cooperation in post-war Europe. NATO condemns Russia's war against Ukraine in the strongest terms. The alliance remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, helping to uphold its fundamental right to self- defence.
The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments.
They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.
They are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and for the preservation of peace and security.
NATO faces several major challenges in today’s global environment. These include growing cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare tactics that blend military, cyber, and disinformation campaigns. Tensions with Russia—especially after the invasion of Ukraine—continue to test NATO’s unity and readiness. Internal divisions among member states, differences in defense spending, and political disagreements also pose coordination issues. Additionally, terrorism remains a persistent concern, while rapid technological advancements and shifting global power dynamics, such as the rise of China, require NATO to adapt its strategy and maintain its relevance on the global stage.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its creation was driven by the recognition that health is fundamental to peace, security, and development worldwide. With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO was formed in the aftermath of World War II, during a time when international cooperation in health was urgently needed to combat widespread disease and rebuild health systems.
WHO’s founding constitution declares that “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being.” From the start, WHO has been responsible for leading global efforts to prevent and respond to public health threats, coordinate international health activities, and set global health standards.
The organization works with 194 member states and partners across the globe to improve health systems, conduct disease surveillance, provide technical assistance, and respond to health emergencies.
They are more than these, including: International Criminal Courts ( ICC), Regional Organizations such as; European Union, ECOWAS, etc.
Roles of International Organizations in Global Security
International organizations play a critical role in maintaining and promoting global security by fostering cooperation among states, addressing transnational threats, and ensuring peace, stability, and human development. These roles are carried out across different sectors, including defense, diplomacy, public health, humanitarian aid, and environmental protection.
1. Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping
Organizations like the United Nations (UN) lead global efforts in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. Through the UN Security Council, the UN deploys peacekeeping missions to conflict zones to prevent violence, protect civilians, and support political transitions.
> Example:The UN Peacekeeping operations in countries like Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
2. Counter-Terrorism and Security Cooperation
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) coordinates global counter-terrorism strategies, while regional organizations like the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) support intelligence sharing, border control, and de-radicalization programs.
> Example:The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted in 2006, which promotes international cooperation and capacity-building.
3. Military and Strategic Defense
Organizations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ensure collective defense among member states, respond to security threats, and provide military aid. NATO also plays a key role in cyber defense and crisis management.
> Example: NATO’s collective response to Russian aggression and its cyber defense initiatives like the Cyber Defence Pledge and CCDCOE.
4. Health Security
The World Health Organization (WHO) contributes to global security by preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies. Its role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, and other health crises demonstrates the importance of global health governance.
> Example: WHO’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and emergency vaccine stockpile programs.
5. Environmental Security
International environmental bodies and treaties such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) address climate-related security risks. Agreements like the Paris Agreement (2015) unite countries in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, which, if unaddressed, could lead to conflict and displacement.
Case Studies of International Organizations in Global Security.
1. United Nations Peacekeeping in South Sudan
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established in 2011 to help stabilize the country after independence. The mission has worked to protect civilians, support humanitarian aid, and assist in conflict resolution during periods of civil war and unrest. UN peacekeepers have played a vital role in sheltering displaced populations and monitoring human rights violations.
2. NATO’s Response to the Russia–Ukraine Crisis
In response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO enhanced its eastern defenses, increased military support to Ukraine (though not a NATO member), and intensified cyber-defense cooperation. NATO’s actions demonstrated its commitment to collective security, regional stability, and deterrence against aggression.
3. WHO’s Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) led global coordination during the COVID-19 crisis by providing health guidelines, distributing vaccines through the COVAX initiative, and assisting countries in health system management. WHO’s role helped reduce the spread of the virus and highlighted the link between public health and global security.
Challenges Faced by International Organizations in Global Security
1. Political Disagreements Among Member States
Conflicting national interests often hinder swift decision-making and united action, especially in organizations like the UN Security Council.
2. Insufficient Funding and Resources
Many international missions lack the financial and logistical support needed for effective peacekeeping, crisis response, and humanitarian aid.
3. Respect for State Sovereignty
Countries may resist external involvement in their internal affairs, limiting the ability of international organizations to intervene in conflicts or human rights issues.
4. Slow Bureaucratic Processes
Complex administrative systems can delay urgent responses, making it difficult to act quickly during emerging security threats or disasters.
5. Emerging and Complex Threats
Challenges like cybercrime, terrorism, pandemics, and climate change require adaptive and specialized approaches that many organizations are still developing.
Recommendations for Improving Global Security Efforts.
1. Enhance International Cooperation
Promote stronger collaboration between international organizations and national governments to ensure coordinated and unified responses to global threats.
2. Strengthen Rapid Response Systems
Develop faster and more efficient mechanisms for emergency response, especially in conflict zones, health crises, and natural disasters.
3. Invest in Cybersecurity and Technology
Equip international bodies with modern technology and cybersecurity infrastructure to address evolving digital threats and hybrid warfare.
4. Support Conflict Prevention and Good Governance
Address the root causes of insecurity—such as poor governance, corruption, and inequality—through political stability, human rights protection, and inclusive development.
Conclusion
In an increasingly interconnected world, global security challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, pandemics, and climate change demand collective action. International organizations play a critical role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among nations. While they face obstacles like limited resources and political divisions, their efforts remain essential. Strengthening cooperation, improving response systems, investing in technology, and addressing root causes of insecurity will go a long way in building a safer and more secure global community for all.
References
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