Advocacy Groups and Multi-Stakeholder Negotiations

Abstract

The article attempts to highlight the role of non-governmental organizations¹ in international negotiations. It studies the role and place of non-state actors through the concept of multistakeholder negotiations and focuses on the processes employed by non-governmental actors to influence negotiation outcomes. Pointing towards the changing frameworks of diplomatic practice, the article argues that domestic-level mobilization is an important factor in engendering political will among state actors. An illustrative case study of World Commission on Dams is presented, which links theoretical debates and empirical observations. While attempting to delineate linkages between international relations theory and diplomatic practice, the role of leadership by non-governmental organizations is highlighted as a key strategy for influencing the perception of state actors. Framing political communication and ripeness have been pre sented as key constituents of the leadership strategy. The article is informed through interviews, which includes negotiators, policy-makers, activists and heads of international humanitarian organizations.