The Privatization of Foreign Policy Initiative was active at the New America Foundation from 2006 through 2009, and examined the growing influence of non-state actors in the design and execution of U.S. foreign policy.
The initiative approached the world today with a simple, yet controversial proposition: that while the era from 1648-1991 represented the era of the nation-state; the period from 1991 to the present increasingly represents the era of the non-state actor. Growing limitations on the scope and reach of state power, coupled with a revolution in communication technology and the ongoing process of economic and political liberalization, are allowing non-state actors to play an increasingly vital and active role in nearly ever facet of international relations. The motivations driving these actors’ efforts vary greatly -- from altruism and ideology to profit -- creating significant dilemmas and opportunities for policy makers. As non-state actors continue to gain greater influence in U.S. foreign policy, we believe that policy-makers must learn to adjust to this new reality.
The goals of the Privatization of Foreign Policy Initiative were to:
- Document and examine the increasingly influential and important role of non-state actors in the foreign policy process;
- Foster greater awareness and debate about the consequences of this phenomenon for both policymakers and private actors alike; and
- Contribute to an overarching, macro-oriented framework for understanding the role of non-state actors in global affairs.
The project explored a number of questions surrounding state-non-state actor interaction. Among them: In what ways are non-state actors affecting the design and implementation of U.S. foreign policy? How should states respond to their increased involvement, including new frameworks for collaboration and regulation? What are the significance and the impact of “market-driven non-state actors” on foreign policy (a critical yet under-researched issue)?
The Privatization of Foreign Policy Initiative was directed by Michael A. Cohen. It was launched at the World Policy Institute, The New School in March 2005 and joined the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation in October 2006.
