ABSTRACT
One of the characteristics of globalization is the inherent shift from “international” to “global” governance, characterized by the growing transnational role of non-state actors. Traditionally scholars divide society into three sectors: the public sector, the market and civil society and the economic field often also referred to as the “third sector”. In practice the borders between the three sectors have become more and more blurred, especially between market and civil society. The collaboration with “professional groups and other organizations as may be deemed appropriate” was already included among the objectives of the World Health Organization listed in its Constitution. Transnational companies and businesses have always more or less transparently put pressure on national governments in order to expand their markets. Market standards range from advertising and public relations codes of conduct to standards governing the threads on screws used within medical equipment.
