Globalization and the legitimacy of intergovernmental organizations

Abstract

Focusing on 'democratic deficit', this article examines how globalization affects the legitimacy of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Two contextual factors are considered: (i) democracy at the domestic level and (ii) global inequality. Since these two factors determine the severity of democratic deficit in each country, the impact of globalization on citizens' support for IGOs significantly varies across states. Globalization does not undermine the legitimacy of IGOs in democratically well-attuned rich states. The Pew Global Attitudes Project 2002 lends support to this primary argument. © 2009 JNU.