The policy of attraction. Comparing three cities on their policy toward international and nongovernmental organizations: The Hague, Geneva and Vienna

Abstract

The Hague, Geneva and Vienna are three cities that historically grew into global centers, specialized in human rights, nonproliferation, security, and peace and justice-related topics. The aim of this paper is to compare the policy of these cities on international organizations (IOs) and international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). These cities experience increased competition from other international cities hosting IOs and INGOs due to globalization. Therefore, the need exists to reformulate strategies in attracting and retaining IOs and INGOs. Through an intensive comparative method, this paper seeks to describe the parallels and differences between these three cities, concerning their strategies. Furthermore, it describes the current need to make use of well-coordinated lobbying strategies, policy networks and thematic policy coalitions in order to gain and retain IOs and INGOs in a successful way.

Keywords:

• public policy
• governance
• IOs & INGOs
• policy networks
• comparative analysis

Acknowledgments

The paper is based on empirical research carried out between 2012 and 2016. I would like to thank the respondents and my supervisors: Prof. Dr. B. Steunenberg, Dr. H.C. Theisens and Prof. Dr.Ir. J.J.C. Voorhoeve.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Atlas.ti is a qualitative data analysis tool.

2. The European Patent Office fell under the auspices of the Economic department. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was covered by the ministry of foreign affairs and Europol by the Department of Justice and Security.

3. International Geneva, the report written by the GPC (Internationale 2013), recommended Geneva should be improved through six actions: strengthen the hosting infrastructure; develop training, network and reflection skills for the city and the nation; aim for universal representations of states; promote partnerships; improve communication between the city and international Geneva; and finally, conduct coordinated and informed actions. The most important changes in policymaking are made through the first recommendation: strengthening the hosting infrastructure. Tangible results would include financial support for renovations, a measurable improvement in the implementation of privileges, immunities and visa allocation procedures.

4. In 2012, bilateral institutions (embassies and diplomatic missions) in Austria employed 3164 people. There were a total of 308 bilateral missions in 2012, including 119 embassies and 189 diplomatic missions (including observer missions, liaison offices and delegations). Returns from bilateral missions in Austria that year amounted to €173.1 million (2010: €169.5 million). At the multilateral organizations, there were 6139 people working in 2012. Returns in the period under review increased from €484.9 million in 2010 to €557.6 million in 2012.

5. In 1992, the CD in Geneva completed 20 years of work on the text of the CWC. The convention is one of the most complex international arms control agreements ever adopted (Kenyon and Feakes 2007). The OPCW is the implementing body of the CWC, which entered into force in 1997.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research [grant number 023.005.004].