The Influence of International Organizations

Abstract

This chapter explores IO influence on regime effectiveness at two levels: norms and mechanisms. First, we need to consider the impact of European minority rights norms on the regime. Having set out the norms and standards in Chapter 4, we seek to determine the extent to which they have helped alleviate minority grievances. Following on from the hypothesis set out in Chapter 3, we ask: to what extent have the norms been considered salient, legitimate or appropriate at the domestic level? Can we consider the norms to ‘fit’ the situation on the ground? Second, we need to consider the ways in which IOs promote minority rights and the effects of these mechanisms on the regime. This involves an assessment of membership conditionality and normative pressure. In particular, is EU conditionality effective in bringing about change? Have the Council of Europe and the OSCE been successful in persuading domestic elites to better protect national minorities? Ultimately, have mechanisms used by the European organizations increased regime effectiveness by inducing policy change and ultimately policy implementation in improving the situation of national minorities?