Countries and organisations
In the past, governments of countries were responsible for deciding the rules which their citizens should follow. Different countries followed different rules according to the attitudes and beliefs of the rulers. Some countries invaded other countries, to expand their empires and make them more powerful. This meant they could also spread their laws and their way of doing things. Now most countries in the world are independent and not directly ruled by an outside country. However certain countries still have more power than others, meaning they are able to decide the rules.
G8
The G8 is an informal but exclusive group of the leaders of the eight richest countries (USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Canada). They get together for an annual G8 Summit to agree their economic and political plans, and discuss global issues. Critics often refer to the G8 as an unofficial 'world government.' Opponents say member countries are just interested in looking after themselves and they feel the G8 leaders ignore the needs of the wider world. Critics also say it is wrong that big countries like China and India are not represented. There are also no African or Latin American members.
United States of America
The USA is the world's current superpower. It has the biggest military, economic, and political power. The USA has become increasingly powerful, and at the same time has chosen to become increasingly isolated. It often appears that the United States does not wish to participate along with the rest of the world, looking after its own interests at the expense of global interests that affect everyone. For example the USA has failed to participate in the International Criminal Court, and refuses to co-operate on action to combat climate change. However the USA's influence is still felt by other countries, through the various international institutions that are dominated by US interests.
European Union (EU).
The EU is becoming an increasingly powerful economic and political federation, with increasing number of members. It now comprises 25 nations, with 500 million citizens. Members have to agree to follow certain rules, and have to pay a contribution (usually through taxes). The EU tries to make it easier for members to buy and sell things to each other. By working as a group the EU countries hope they will become a more powerful force, and will be more listened to by other countries.
NATO - North Atlantic Treat Organisation
NATO was originally a defensive pact formed in 1949 between the USA and several European nations, created as a force against possible aggression by the former USSR. The agreement was that it would act only if a member state was attacked, but it would not initiate an attack itself. NATO invoked its collective security clause for the first time in 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attack on the USA. Some people think NATO should be dismantled as the Cold War that led to its creation is over.
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a political, economic, and cultural organisation of countries located in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1967, its aim is to foster co-operation and mutual assistance among members. The countries meet in summits every November.
African Union
The African Union, founded in July 2002, is the successor organisation to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It has 53 members (Morocco chose not to join). Modelled after the European Union it aims to help promote democracy, human rights and development across Africa, especially by increasing foreign investment through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) programme.