Final answer:
INTERPOL assists in fighting transnational organized crime and terrorism by facilitating international police cooperation, rather than being an investigative and enforcement agency itself. It works in tandem with domestic law enforcement and global legal institutions to achieve more effective international governance against crimes that cross national borders.
Step-by-step explanation:
INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization, is not the worldwide investigative and enforcement agency itself, but rather an international organization that facilitates international police cooperation. It plays a crucial role in combating transnational organized crime (TOC) and terrorism by coordinating efforts among the police forces of its member countries. INTERPOL aids in addressing crimes that cross borders, requiring collaborative work among countries' law enforcement agencies due to the complex nature of jurisdiction and the involvement of multiple nations.
As described in the material, the fight against TOC requires coordination beyond domestic criminal justice organizations, such as the FBI, because these criminal networks often flourish in states with weak law enforcement structures. Global governance in countering these crimes is supported through international cooperation via organizations like INTERPOL as well as legal institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which adjudicate on disputes and crimes that affect multiple states or involve egregious human rights violations.
The challenge in executing international law and governance also relates to state sovereignty, where powerful nations may be reluctant to participate fully in international legal systems, fearing infringements on their sovereignty. Nevertheless, international cooperation through IGOs like INTERPOL and legal bodies like the ICC is essential for addressing crimes that have global impacts.