Chapter 10: When Aliens Land – Global Governance and International Cooperation

10.4: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Global Governance 

When governments fail to act decisively, a different set of players often steps in to fill the void. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and transnational advocacy networks have become vital actors in global governance, addressing issues ranging from human rights abuses to climate change. Unlike states or intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations, NGOs operate independently, allowing them to focus on solutions without the political baggage of national interests. In Arrival, Louise Banks embodies this independent approach; while she works alongside a government team, her actions are guided by the broader goal of fostering understanding between humans and aliens. Much like an NGO operating in a politically charged environment, Louise navigates competing agendas to find a solution that benefits humanity as a whole. This reflects the crucial role NGOs play in prioritizing long-term outcomes over short-term political gains, whether in humanitarian crises or environmental advocacy. By examining the roles of NGOs, transnational advocacy networks, humanitarian aid, and global civil society, we can better understand how non-state actors contribute to solving global challenges.

Addressing the world’s most pressing problems often requires creative solutions from actors outside the state system. NGOs operate independently from governments, allowing them to focus on specific issues such as environmental protection, human rights, or disaster relief. In Arrival, Louise Banks is a professor of linguistics who does not work directly for any national government. Yet she has expertise that the United States government needs to address this global crisis (alien arrival). She can be seen as an independent agent, working outside traditional state structures to bridge communication gaps and resolve the alien crisis. Similarly, real-world NGOs like Greenpeace work to raise awareness about environmental issues, often pressuring governments and corporations to adopt sustainable practices. Greenpeace’s campaigns against deforestation in the Amazon or plastic pollution in the oceans have highlighted environmental issues that might otherwise go unaddressed. Human Rights Watch is another example, documenting violations and lobbying for accountability, even when governments hesitate to act. In Arrival, we see Louise’s ability to work and think outside of the normal government (and military) structures gives her an advantage in solving the problems with the newly arrived aliens. Her independence enables her to focus on the greater good, avoiding the nationalistic tendencies of governments that nearly lead to war. NGOs also play a critical role in providing direct aid, as seen with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), which delivers medical care in conflict zones where states cannot or will not operate. These organizations often act as the moral conscience of the international system, pushing for action where others may prioritize politics. However, NGOs rarely work in isolation, instead forming part of broader networks that amplify their efforts and expand their reach.

Collaboration is the key to achieving large-scale change, and transnational advocacy networks embody this principle. These networks bring together activists, organizations, academics, and private citizens across borders to address global issues and advocate for social change. In Arrival, the global scientific community initially collaborates to decipher the aliens’ language, reflecting how advocacy networks pool resources and knowledge to tackle shared challenges. For instance, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a network of NGOs, played a pivotal role in the creation of the Mine Ban Treaty of 1997, which outlawed the use of landmines worldwide. Similarly, the global push for climate action has been driven by networks like Climate Action Network International, which unites NGOs to lobby governments and educate the public about the urgency of reducing emissions. This dynamic underscores the importance of fostering transparency and cooperation to achieve advocacy goals. When these networks succeed, they often channel their efforts into direct initiatives like humanitarian aid, addressing immediate needs while promoting broader change.

When powerful speeches and diplomacy aren’t enough, it’s often volunteers, medics, and supply convoys who show up with life-saving help. This is where transnational advocacy becomes action: through humanitarian aid, which delivers immediate assistance in times of crisis. Both governments and non-governmental organizations play essential roles here—sometimes governments act directly through agencies like USAID, and other times they fund or partner with NGOs such as the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders. These actors respond to a range of emergencies, from natural disasters to armed conflicts and pandemics. In the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, for example, USAID and NGOs alike rushed to provide food, clean water, and medical support to millions of displaced people. Similarly, humanitarian workers in Syria have navigated immense logistical and political challenges to get supplies to communities caught in the crossfire. These efforts form a crucial part of international crisis response, often stepping in where state structures are absent or overwhelmed.

Despite what critics may claim, providing aid isn’t just an act of altruism or political image management—it’s also a smart investment in global stability. A common myth is that foreign aid drains resources from wealthy donor countries and rarely helps those in need, but this overlooks the long-term benefits. Much of this aid helps build infrastructure, strengthen healthcare systems, and expand education in ways that reduce future conflict, limit refugee displacement, and even promote economic cooperation. Aid can also serve as a form of soft power, improving a country’s image abroad while fostering international goodwill. Helping others—especially across borders—isn’t just the right thing to do; it can enhance peace, security, and prosperity for all. These interconnections between governments, NGOs, and private citizens exemplify the growing power of global civil society, a decentralized web of actors that works alongside traditional state institutions to tackle global problems.

Global civil society refers to the interconnected web of NGOs, advocacy networks, and activists working across borders to influence policy and promote human security. This informal yet powerful network represents the voices of individuals and groups often excluded from formal state or intergovernmental processes. In Arrival, Louise Banks’ role as a mediator and problem-solver can be likened to the work of global civil society, as she focuses on fostering understanding and cooperation rather than pursuing narrow national interests. Real-world examples include the climate justice movement, where NGOs like 350.org and grassroots activists pressure governments to adopt ambitious climate policies, as seen in the Paris Climate Agreement. Global civil society also plays a role in holding powerful actors accountable, as evidenced by international campaigns against human trafficking and corporate exploitation. In the film, Louise’s ability to operate outside the constraints of state interests shows how independent actors can challenge established power dynamics and reshape the global response to crises. However, the effectiveness of global civil society often depends on its ability to coordinate efforts and navigate the complexities of international politics. By connecting people, ideas, and resources across borders, global civil society represents the potential for collective action to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Non-governmental organizations and their networks demonstrate the power of non-state actors in shaping global governance. From the independent advocacy of NGOs to the collective efforts of transnational advocacy networks, these actors bring creativity, passion, and focus to problems that governments often struggle to solve. In times of crisis, their ability to provide humanitarian aid and mobilize global civil society highlights their essential role in fostering human security and development. As Arrival shows, solving complex global problems requires not only the involvement of states but also the voices and actions of diverse, independent actors working toward a common goal. Through their efforts, NGOs and related networks exemplify the potential of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.