ABSTRACT
Accountability of international and transnational actors in the international community is being addressed by a large number of commentators towards the end of the 20th century.1 The actions of transnational corporations are being monitored by non-governmental organisations, grassroots groups and the media, and their role in sustaining societies is given much attention.2 Likewise, the role of intergovernmental organisations in promoting peace and prosperity is under increased scrutiny. This is evidenced by the attention that UN and NATO operations have received in the conflict areas of the former Yugoslavia, the human suffering witnessed in Iraq under UN sanctions and also the role that the international financial institutions play in preserving or assisting the international financial system under great pressure at the beginning of the 21st century.3
