International organizations are central actors on the global stage, yet their very existence is deeply shaped by their organizational nature. As entities with histories and environments, they navigate complex networks of members and stakeholders—often pursuing conflicting objectives. These organizations must operate, decide, and act amidst unforeseen events and challenges.



Far from being abstract entities, international organizations embody all the complexities of organizations in the fullest sense. To survive, they must contend with anarchy: not only within the international system but also within their own structures and decision-making processes. Bridging the gap between Organization Theory and International Relations offers a promising avenue for building the concepts and case studies necessary to understand how organizational anarchy contributes to the creation of international order.