Sovereignty and non-state actors: The rise of transnational influence

Hwang, Jin young (2025) Sovereignty and non-state actors: The rise of transnational influence. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 9 (2). 023-034. ISSN 2782-9960

This research analyzes the developing and intricate roles of non-state actors (NSAs) including multinational corporations (MNCs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) along with transnational advocacy networks and civil society groups who reshaped global governance through their challenge of traditional state sovereignty systems in international relations. This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach which incorporates theories from realism, liberal institutionalism and constructivism to conduct a critical analysis of NSA influence on global challenges including health emergencies and climate change and economic fairness. This research adopts dedicated case research to study NSAs' global authority during the Paris Climate Change Agreement implementation and COVID-19 response alongside corporate social responsibility actions to measure their effects on international policy development along with implementation and norm benchmarking. Through an analysis of international legal frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labor Organization's (ILO) conventions, this research identifies critical gaps in accountability, transparency, and legitimacy. This investigation studies the political tension which arises from NSA-state interactions while examining how power relationships evolve in circumstances where states lack authority or NSAs control extensive economic and social networks. This research proposes institutional changes for existing frameworks that advances global governance discussions about future NSA contributions toward international structures fostering friendship and sustainability through inclusivity.