The big idea: You have now met many actors. The single most important comparison is state vs non-state: only states have sovereignty. That one line divides the whole cast.
Rather than learn each actor separately, compare them. The key question for any actor is simple: does it have sovereignty (can it make law), or can it only influence?
- Sovereignty — only states have it; everyone else can only influence.
- Type of power — force, money, expertise, moral authority, numbers or attention.
- Aim — some want to hold power (states, parties); most only want to shape it (NGOs, groups, media).
Power vs authority: Non-state actors can have huge power (money, numbers, attention) — but not authority. Only the state has the authority to make law. Keep those two words apart.
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The best way to see actors clearly is to watch them all act on one issue. Take climate change — nearly every actor plays a part.
Case study — who acts on climate change: On climate, states negotiate and sign treaties; IGOs (the UN) host the COP talks; NGOs (Greenpeace) campaign; companies lobby; movements (Fridays for Future) protest; scientists supply the evidence; the media reports; and foundations fund solutions.
Every actor pushes in its own way — but only states can actually sign the binding agreement. The rest shape what states agree; the states decide.
The key point: On any big issue, many actors interact: non-state actors set the agenda, supply expertise and pressure, while states hold the pen. Comparing actors means asking who influences and who decides.
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So, after all this — which actors matter most? This is the debate that runs through the whole topic.
Link it up: This is the topic's big question. The strongest answer says: states remain the most important actor because only they hold sovereignty — but their power is now shared and challenged by powerful non-state actors, and how far depends on the issue.
How comparing actors comes up in Paper 1: A Paper 1 source usually features several actors at once. The top skill here is to compare them — who holds what kind of power, and who really shapes the outcome.
Using the sources and your own knowledge, evaluate the claim that states are still the most important actors in global politics.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Easy marks to lose: 1. Confusing power with authority. Non-state actors have power; only states have authority.
2. Only one side. Weigh states against non-state actors.
3. Naming one actor only. Use several — states, NGOs, companies, movements.
4. No judgement. Say how far, and note it depends on the issue.