Sociological Perspectives on IOs Self-Legitimation

Recent sociological perspectives emphasize self-legitimation through discourse. This paper, however, shifts focus to behavioral responses and institutional practices as crucial mechanisms for IOs to sustain their authority, moving beyond the idea of legitimacy as a fixed institutional attribute.

The analysis aims to understand how certain IOs, especially those with limited control, endure over time. It specifically investigates the strategies used by the General Assembly and the Security Council to assert and maintain their legitimacy in matters of peace and security.

The paper identifies members of the Security Council as the primary internal audience for legitimacy claims. It explores how these bodies express and support their legitimacy through their actions, contributing to a broader understanding of institutional resilience within international governance.