Non-state actors are individuals or groups that are not affiliated with, run or funded by any government or state, but that play important roles in international relations or other global affairs. Examples of non-state actors include: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Transnational Advocacy Networks, Terrorist Organizations, Criminal Networks, Religious Groups, Media Networks, and Civil Society.

• Risse, T. (2002). Transnational actors and world politics. In W. Carlsnaes, T. Risse, & B. A. Simmons (Eds.), Handbook of international relations (pp. 255–274). SAGE Publications.