Non-state actors in world politics : a case study on how transnational advocacy networks seek to influence the Arms Trade Treaty

Abstract

Theory on international society is often criticized for disregarding the agency and influence of non-state actors. This paper analyzes the ways in which non-governmental organizations seek political influence in the United Nations, based on a case study of the Control Arms campaign in the period 2008-2010. The method is a qualitative, iterative approach, where propositions from recent theory on transnational advocacy networks are matched with data from informants and internal documents to highlight congruent and divergent aspects. It is argued that the findings warrant further research on the various strategies employed by non-state actors in the international arena.