Other individual and collective actors (Global Politics HL)

The big idea: Not every actor fits a neat box. Beyond states, IGOs, NGOs and the rest, other individuals and groups also shape global politics — from philanthropists and experts to religious leaders and armed groups.

The list of actors is never closed. This topic gathers the 'others' — the actors that don't fit the earlier categories but still shape what happens in the world.

• Influential individuals — activists and celebrities who use their fame for a cause.
• Philanthropists & foundations — the very rich funding global causes (e.g. the Gates Foundation).
• Experts (epistemic community) — like climate scientists who advise on policy.
• Religious actors — faith leaders and groups (e.g. the Pope) with moral influence.
• Violent non-state actors — armed or terrorist groups that use force outside the state.

Different power, different legitimacy: These actors bring different things — money, expertise, moral authority or force. Some are widely respected; others (like terrorist groups) are seen as deeply illegitimate. None holds sovereignty.

One of the most powerful 'other' actors is a philanthropic foundation — a private charity funded by great wealth. The Gates Foundation is the clearest example.

Case study — the Gates Foundation: The Gates Foundation spends billions on global health — vaccines, malaria and disease control. In some areas it funds more than many governments, so it can help set the global health agenda.

Its money saves lives and shapes what the world works on. But it is private and unelected — critics ask why a single rich foundation should have so much say over global priorities.

The key point: An 'other' actor like a foundation shows how money can buy influence over global policy — real power, but with a fair question attached: it is unelected and answers to no voters.

So do these 'other' actors have real power, and are they legitimate? It varies a lot by type.

Link it up: For any 'other' actor, ask two questions: what power do they bring (money, expertise, moral authority or force), and are they legitimate (elected? accountable? using just means)? That framework works for all of them.

How other actors come up in Paper 1: A Paper 1 source might feature an actor that fits no neat box — an individual, a network, a diaspora. The idea to show is that power in global politics is spread far beyond states.

Easy marks to lose: 1. Treating all 'other' actors the same. They bring different powers (money, expertise, force).



2. No real example. Use the Gates Foundation or an expert body.



3. Forgetting legitimacy. Many are unelected; some are illegitimate.



4. Missing the framework. Ask what power they bring AND whether they are legitimate.