What is the difference between an IGO and an NGO?

• A. IGOs are independent organizations that operate without government affiliation.
• B. IGOs are composed of multinational corporations.
• C. IGOs are composed of member states.
• D. NGOs are independent organizations that operate without government affiliation.

Answer: (C)

IGOs are formed by governments and consist of member states that pool authority through international treaties. Their legitimacy and powers come from the consent of those states, and they can issue decisions and norms that bind member states in international law. NGOs, by contrast, are private, nonprofit groups that operate independently of government control. They work across borders and influence policy through advocacy, humanitarian work, and research, but they do not derive authority from states. Examples: IGOs include the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and NATO; NGOs include Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders. The statement that IGOs are composed of member states captures the defining difference between IGOs and NGOs.