Understanding the process of IOs politicizationThe politicization of international organizations as a process: conceptualization of their determinants and dynamics

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to deepen our understanding of the growing phenomenon of politicization of international organizations (IOs) and to contribute to its conceptualization. This issue is important in a context of increasing social scrutiny and contention about the authority and legitimacy of these organizations, particularly in public policies decision making that directly affect citizens’ daily life. In this article we contribute to the comprehension of politicization in the international arena, specifically of IOs, by conceptualizing politicization as a process defined by three different dynamics: 1) the functioning of the World Political System and the internal rules of IOs; 2) the social mobilization; and 3) the expansion of conflict or increasing attention devoted to a relatively closed issued that opens to public debate and enter different agendas.

Keywords

• politización
• sistema político mundial
• organizaciones internacionales intergubernamentales
• movilización social
• ONG
• agenda