ABSTRACT
A key issue in this chapter is the extent to which transnational actors (TNAs) have challenged the centrality of the state as the most important actor in international relations. Transnational actors (TNAs) can play a significant role in international politics, particularly in terms of their influence on negotiations and the policy-making process. TNAs can also operate not only across a number of states, but also at the sub-national level in order to promote their agendas and interests. Transnational corporations (TNCs) have had a significant impact on the relative autonomy, living standards and types of industrial development experienced by East Asian states. The disparity in the relative power and resources of TNAs is demonstrated by the financial dependence many non-government organizations' (NGOs) have on UN agencies or national governments, while TNCs have their own resources and, frequently, privileged access to government.
