Final answer:
Supranationalism involves independent states forming organizations, such as the EU and NATO, to cooperate and sometimes yield sovereignty for mutual benefits. It faces challenges like national independence but has success in areas like economic integration and regional security. IGOs and NGOs each play roles in global governance, with IGOs often influenced by powerful states and NGOs operating independently.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Supranationalism / Super National Organizations?
Supranationalism is a process wherein independent states come together to form an organization that allows them to cooperate on certain issues, often yielding some degree of sovereignty for mutual benefit. A prime example is the Benelux Agreement of 1944, seen as a model for European supranationalism. Despite the challenges due to distinct languages, currencies, and legal systems, supranational organizations like the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) illustrate successful integration on various fronts, from economic to security concerns.
Supranationalism does face obstacles such as national pride and fear of losing cultural uniqueness. Additionally, the relationship between states and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) is complex, with more powerful states frequently shaping the norms within IGOs to fit their interests. In contrast, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operate independently of governments, often contributing to global governance on a grassroots level across various nations and issues.
Functionalism is a concept within supranationalism that suggests small, initial cooperations, like coordinating air traffic, can lead to more significant agreements on complex issues. With time, regional IGOs may extend their influence beyond initial objectives, adopting roles in wider policy areas and promoting values that align with collective interests of member states.