ABSTRACT
The United Nations (UN) was formed by states, it depends on states for its sustenance, and it is actually or potentially directed by states on the supposition that its existence and operation may be useful to states. The UN could therefore be said to be a league of states designed to protect the integrity of existing states and the state system. Non-governmental organizations, accorded observer status by Economic and Social Council, also have become increasingly important actors in the UN system. Furthermore, as the UN and other international organizations have evolved, they have become actors in their own right. Since the 1970s, transnational corporations (TNC) have been increasingly recognized as significant international actors, controlling resources far greater than those of many states. TNCs are also important actors in addressing trade and environmental issues. Their participation has been particularly strong in the environmental conferences and in the trade area.
