PO 357 - International Organizations: Structures and Case Studies

The course investigates the concept and functions of international organizations in the contemporary world. In its first part it deals with issues common to all international organizations, e.g. the various categories (NGOs, IGOs, peace-keeping, technical, traditional, supranational etc.), structures, membership, establishment, termination, international status, etc. In its second part the course examines in the form of case studies the major international organizations, such as the UN and the other organizations based in Vienna as well as the European Union. Field trips to the Vienna International Center (VIC), which hosts some of the organizations discussed in class, are included in the course.