Final answer:
The main actors in international political economy are states, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These actors, alongside non-state actors, contribute to shaping international norms and policies and play crucial roles in global governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main actors in international political economy are states, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These actors, including states as sovereign entities, multinational corporations with transnational interests, and NGOs that play a crucial role in global governance, all contribute to the shaping of international norms and policies. States utilize their political, military, and economic power to influence international affairs to align with their national interests, which can be achieved through cooperation or more assertive measures. Multinational corporations, with their vast resources and global reach, often have significant influence on international economic policies and practices.
NGOs and other non-state actors also participate in the formulation of rules and norms, providing expertise, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance where states and international organizations might fall short. Together, these entities navigate the complexities of international cooperation and competition, striving to maximize benefits through multilateral interactions. In addition to states and multinational corporations, various non-state actors including national identity groups, religious groups, and transnational organized crime groups play vital roles in the international political economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for global governance.